It's over two decades since Sun Life (Stanshawe) Band closed its bandroom doors in Eastville in Bristol for the last time.

And although time has marched on, the memories of those special banding years were fondly recalled in vivid detail by a number of former members who recently met up in a quiet pub in the city.

Travel

It was the first time since 2010 that group had met, although many remain in regular contact, with some travelling well over 100 miles for the occasion.

Reminiscences, memories of contesting highs and a few lows were recalled over a drink or two, before the landlord rang the pub bell as a touching reminder to those present of friends and former playing colleagues no longer with them.

It was the first time since 2010 that group had met, although many remain in regular contact, with some travelling well over 100 miles for the occasion4BR

Lost friends

Their names were read out by Dave Alderman (player and band trustee) and glasses were raised in their memory. Those recalled were George Johns, Glan Narbeth, John Aldrich, Fred Davies, Trevor Green, Gerry Davies, Denis Brown, Stan Brown, Bill Parslow, Haydn Harris, Dave Fisher, Jim Scott, Howard Thomas, Bert Philp, Nick Chivers, Ray Hunt, Shaun Thomas, Ken Haggett, Terry O'Brien, Alan Exley, John Peake, Mike Tilley, Mike Woods, and Brian Higgins whose vision paved the way in the formation of the band in 1968.

Also recalled were conductors E.S. Brown, Walter B. Hargreaves, Laurie Hinchley, James Watson, Roy Newsome and Derek Bourgeois.