IN 1954, Farnworth bandsman Fred Wright shut up his hardware shop in Peel Street to board a coach for London's Royal Albert Hall.

Under the heading "London Calling", he warned customers that staff (himself) would be attending the National Brass Band Championship's second division.

Fred played for the Farnworth Old Band for 60 years, and was a useful player in a number of theatre orchestras.

Meanwhile, nine years later (bottom picture) members of Farnworth Old Band entertained patients and staff at the Bolton District General Hospital (also known as "Townleys", and now the Royal Bolton) in December, 1963.