| Charles Farmer
Conductor
Served 1860 - 1870
Source Victorian Naval Brigade 1860 - 1871 courtesy of Tom Corfmat, Victorian Colonial Infantry Association Inc.
Williamstown Rifles.— A gratifying example of the cordiality and goodwill which exists in our Volunteer force was displayed at Williamstown on Thursday week, when Mr. Charles Farmer, leader of the band of the Naval Brigade, was presented with a testimonial by the members of his company. Mr. Farmer joined the brigade as an ordinary member, and when the division was placed in the unfortunate position of being unable to pay for a regular bandmaster, he volunteered his services gratuitously. To his unremitting attention and care in the instruction of the band-boys is to be attributed their present state of proficiency. The testimonial consisted of a purse of money and a harmonium — his favourite instrument — with the following inscription:— 'Presented to Charles Farmer by the members of the Williamstown Division Victorian Volunteer Naval Brigade, in appreciation of his services as leader of their band.'
Bell's Life in Victoria & Sporting Chronicle, 19 July 1862.
Mr. Alex. Paton, of Ferguson-street, has shown us an, old photo, taken by Mr. Andrew Rider in 1863. It depicts the members of the local Naval Brigade Drum and Fife Band, whose conductor was Mr. C. Farmer. With the exception of the drumnmer (Mr. W. Selvidge), all the members were lads about 13 or 14 years of age. Theiir names are:- Tom Murray, John Kilgour, Isaac Rees, John Taverner, C. Bath, Teddy Sinith, J. O'Keefe, J. Moore, J. Gibbs, A. Patton, Mat. Elliott, W. Farmer, E. Roche, J. Dalton, J. Burridge.
Williamstown Chronicle, 22 January 1927 |
