Mexborough and Swinton Times May 17 1947

Thurnscoe Army Band Boy

John Kenneth Thorpe, a son of Mr and Mrs G.K.Thorpe, of 21, Windsor Street, Thurnscoe East, is on 60 years old but has already served six months with the first Battalion, the York and Lancaster Regiment.

He plays solo cornet in the band. He is waiting his turn for a three-year course in the Army Musical College in London, after which he is going to serve for 12 years.

Before joining the army, John played with Houghton Main and Hickleton Main bands.

At present he served in Germany and these letters home and decide Berlin as a wonderful city. He played in the Olympic Stadium, which he described as a massive place.

Started playing at the age of nine, John has won several prizes in solo contest and in addition to playing the college also plays the trumpet and piccalo.

He says the boys in the army are very well looked after and is making it is career.

Educated at Thurnscoe Hill Modern school, he his  training at the Schofield Technical College Mexborough, as a plumber and bricklayer. Thousand training at Hickleton Main Colliery before leaving to be an army bandsman.