IT'S Longhope Fife and Drum Band!
We didn't hold out great hopes of identifying this postcard when collector Brian Clutterbuck, of Lydney, dropped it in at the office last week. But thanks to well known Mitcheldean man Mr Les Tuffley we not only know the band but we now have details of one of the men who made it a success – and, would you believe it – the big drum is still in being.
"The drum was going to be put on a fire, but I saved it by making a donation to a charity and its still safe and sound," Mr Tuffley told the Review.
"It's too big to keep at home so I wrapped in in a large plastic bag and my friend Steve Batt, who is chairman of Longhope Parish Council, keeps it safe," said Mr Tuffley.
A keen and dedicated local historian, Mr Tuffley readily identified the band.
A leading member was Mr W.H. Powell, who is seated holding the stick on the front left of the photograph. Mr Powell lived at Hill House, Longhope and was chiefly responsible for the Latchen Room being built.
The band was formed in the Victorian era but disbanded at the outbreak of war in 1914.
Mr Powell was also a keen sportsman and features in photographs of Longhope cricket club in 1923.
"I understand he originally came from Liverpool where he had business interests and returned there at a later date. He is said to have been drowned but I do not know the circumstances," said Mr Tuffley.
•Next week we will publish updated information from Mr Tuffley and a lovely letter written by a Longhope youngster in which he mentions the band during village celebrations for Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887.