Readers of the site may be interested in another special visit I made with Tony Oliver during a trip to Deal.

Mrs Dorothy (Dotty) Dacombe 87 yrs young, the widow of the late Jack Dacombe. Trombone professor 1963 - 1976. Died 9 years ago having been taken ill after a road traffic accident.

Dotty still resides in Church Path, Deal in the same house she and Jack moved in to when they moved to Deal in 1963. Dotty is a very bright and sharp old lady, her memories of the bandservice are very vivid. I was amazed at her ability to draw on the past.

Tony visits her every week and she is in good health if a little unsteady on her feet.

Jack's athletic trophies are proudly displayed in her front room cabinet, all to remind every one that apart from being the Drum Major of the Portsmouth Band and a Trombone Player in the band, he found time to represent his country, Combined Services, Navy and Marines in his favoured event of 400 metres. (once round the track as it was then).

Dotty would welcome anyone who knew Jack and was visiting Deal to pop in for a cup of tea, or a drop of the hard stuff, as she does daily. " Jolly good for the system" she proudly announces. A lovely old lady, very proud of her links with the bandservice and a bright and forceful conversationalist. Well worth a visit. Tony Oliver will be pleased to pass on her address if anyone decides to visit.

[Editor] This short visit with Dotty was for me one of the highlights of my time in Deal and will stay in my memory for as long as I have that gift of recollection. Thanks Tony.

Dickie Valentine