1953 · 22 September 1953
On 22 September 1953, former Bandmaster Mr. A. Halestrap died at the age of 81. He had played an important part in the formative years of the Southampton Albion Silver Band and had led the Band until his retirement in 1933.
During those early years, Mr. Halestrap worked alongside others to help establish the Band at a time when finances were extremely difficult. Under his leadership, the Band developed into a successful contesting organisation, including winning the ‘B’ Section of the Wessex Association Contest in 1930 and both the Winter and Summer ‘A’ Section contests in 1933.
Ernie Allen also acknowledged Mr. Halestrap’s assistance in compiling the historical material that helped preserve the story of the Band’s early years.