A local search is underway to put names to the faces in this old photograph of the Midsomer Norton Orchestra.
It is thought that the orchestra, which originated in the town, used to rehearse in F. F. Shearn's sausage room in the local butchers in the High Street. They even played to inmates at Shepton Mallet Prison! So far, names identified include Leslie, Susanna, Fred and Frank Shearn, Ernie Banfield and George Delve, a cellist. Violinist, Reginald Weaver, originally from Bishop Sutton, is also thought to have played with the group.
Not much is known about Midsomer Norton Orchestra, except that it took a break for a while, with the next group being the Norton Radstock Orchestra, formed in the 1960s. If any reader has any information, please pass it on to us at The Journal or contact: 01761 410949, email: [email protected]">[email protected]