CONDUCTING AT EIGHTY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20420, 23 November 1929, Page 6 (Supplement)

CONDUCTING AT EIGHTY.

LOCAL BANDS' FREE TRIPS. UNEQUALLED ENGLISH RECORD* Mr. Thomas Scott, of Edens Lawn, Haltwhistle, who has just celebrated hi 3 80th birthday, has a record as a cornet player and bandmaster probably unequalled in England. At the early age of 12 ho joined the Haltwhistlo Old Band, and when in his early twenties succeeded his father, ODfl of tho founders, in tho conductorship of the band, a position he held with credit for nearly half a century. Ho vividly recalls, when only 14, playing all night at local celebrations on tho occasion of tho wedding of tho late King Edward, then Prince of Wales. He aiso played both at the coronation and funeral of King Edward and at the funeral of (Jueen Alexandra. At the age of 25 ho won a silver cornet in a contest at Workington for tho best cornet solo. At various times he conducted bands at Giisland, Brampton, Halonleagato, and Alston, and one of his most cherished possessions is a. s:lvat comet presented to him by those banus, and also Haltwhistle,: 35 years ago. In those far-off days, Mr. Scott, stated the Railway Company occasionally provided local bands with free trips to Newcastle. The journeys were made in open trucKS with forms for seats. . Mr. Scott had three brothers in vba Haltwhistle Band when his father was conductor, but he is tho only Two of his brothers gained considerable distinction as landscape painters, and many of their pictures can be seen in tu<Haltwhistle district. Mr. Scott is in business on Ins own account as a painter and decorator and can often still bo seen carrying on his work*. Ho is now the conductor of the bourn Tvne Orchestra and has lost none ot his musical enthusiasm. He is never so happy as when conducting or else playing ni3 cornet. , , _ During his long life he has enjoyed ea cellent health, and doubtless his musical activities have been a great factor in pro serving his comparatively youthful ap, pearance, for ho would easily pass lot & man 60 years of age,,