Malcolm Welford - 1st Baritone
Malcolm was first captivated by the sound of a brass band at the age of ten. His father arranged tuition and after only two lessons, his tutor, Bert, took him to Skinningrove Band and sat him on the Flugel chair. The band played a march at great speed and Malcolm, having only mastered a few semibreves was left confused and perplexed and decided it was all too much. (Bert's son Bert Ezard played the trumpet (Google him - if only some of it had rubbed off!)
It was not until the late 1970s on moving to Nottinghamshire that Malcolm decided to give it another go - he responded to a postcard in the local shop window Newark Town Band wanted players old, new and beginners. He was given a baritone, the band was friendly and he quickly became involved. He soon became secretary and one of the tasks was to pro-actively obtain jobs. His greatest success was to obtain a booking to play at Alton Towers. This included free rides and food for all players, and families. Despite going with a full band and coach of supporters when the time came to play, it was difficult to raise even an ensemble as players and families were
scattered around the park enjoying the rides and burgers. The Band was most disappointed when, for some reason Malcolm failed to get to get a repeat booking the following year.
In the early 1980s Malcolm and a few others from Newark Band wanted to contest and joined with like minded members of North Hykeham Band in Lincolnshire. They met and formed Foss Dyke Band: a cheesy play on names but a real place in Lincolnshire. Malcolm played first baritone and at their second contest they gained 2nd place playing Suite Gothique. They were on a roll and Malcolm is pleased that both bands are still going strong.
On moving to Yorkshire, Malcolm joined Beverley Band before moving to Driffield Band where he found them to be most friendly, as they still are.
He feels honoured to have known the former players, some who have sadly now passed away. Due to other commitments Malcolm stopped playing around 2002 and then following an illness and major operation Malcolm was unable to consider playing again --- but in 2014 he felt a lot better and decided to start again, at the beginning (for the third time still confused and perplexed ) He asked the Dr- ( and it was like a Tommy Cooper sketch Dr Dr it hurts when I do this! well don't do it then) but seriously he gave it the OK so here he is back with us.
Malcolm and Edith are proud of their daughters, Andrea and Julia. Both have played in Driffield Band and East Riding Youth Band. Andrea is married to Andy, the MD and she now plays with EYMS. Julia moved to Ireland but at present work and family take priority. Their grandchildren are showing promise, most know Alex on the trombone, and Eva has been learning cornet.
He has no ambitions other than to be part of this great band and to give it as much commitment as possible.