Alan Faraway

2nd Cornet

I started playing when I was 10 years old in a local band in Essex, South Ockendon, with my cousin Peter Howells. I then joined Aveley Band, where I stayed till I went into the army to do my National Service. I rejoined them after my 2 years service, They turned up and appeared as a guard of honor at Joan & my wedding in 1960.
I left there about 2 years later and joined Hanwell Band in West London, ( I used to go through London and back about 3 or 4 times a week. 147sets of lights each time.) With Hanwell, I had a very interesting time, we won a radio programme, Challenging Brass, in Bradford and many contests, attending Royal Albert Hall Finals 5 years running, getting placed 4th one year. WE used to do T.V jobs such as Petula Clark Show and Please Sir for ITV.
I worked in Ilford area as a District manager for an Insurance Company and then moved with them to Finsbury Park, which was OK with me as I was able to leave my car at the office and walk round to see my favorite football team Arsenal..
We moved to Bodmin Cornwall in 1972 when I worked as a  rep for Danish Bacon until I took early retirement. I Joined Bodmin Band, and over the years, Camborne, Kernow ( St Austell ) and returned to Bodmin. I have now joined the happy family band of St Pinnock where I intend to stay until I finish.