This photo was shared by Warwick Brunton who lives in New Zealand.
He writes, “This is the Gisborne Salvation Army Band on a trip to Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand 1936-38. Although a number of Blantyre-born folk had left Gisborne by then, many remained in the Band,” [having come from Blantyre in a mass exodus in 1919.]
They include (Back Row) – Rab Neilson (2nd left), my father Hugh Paterson Neilson Brunton (1918-1987) and his brother Walter (1912-70) (4th and 5th from left).(Middle Row) – Bob Stein (1st left), Archie Brunton (1907-75) (2nd left), Campbell Prentice (4th left), Adam Stein (5th left).(Front Row) Willie Dunsmore (1st left), Jim Dunsmore (3rd left), John Stein (5th left).
The Stein brothers’ father, Adam Senior, always known as “Fither” Stein, was Bandmaster for many years and played a key role in attracting folk from Blantyre into the band.”
It is perhaps still likely that some people living in Blantyre today are related to these folk.
Featuring Blantyre Project Social Media with permission. Strictly not for use by others on or offline, our visitors said:
Lynn Anderson Great photo x
Moira Macfarlane Love these photos
Marie Bell I think I may be distantly related to the Stein’s in the photo as Adam appears to be a family name through the generations. In my research I discovered that Jock Stein’s surname should have been Steven which is my maiden name. So I think this would probably apply to this family too. I have quite a bit of family history information on the Steven side of the family if the New Zealand branch are reading this and are interested?
Jean Gibson Wonderful photo. My family were in Salvation Army in Blantyre and my dad played cornet around 1929. He would have known some of these people.
Blantyre Project Jean , i always meant to ask you. Are you the same Jean Gibson a teacher at High Blantyre Primary around 1980?
Jean Gibson Blantyre Project yes. I was Depute Head for 3 years before leaving for my first Head post in Auldhouse. We lived in Bardykes Road , Scottish Special houses. Made so many good friends in Blantyre. I started the first PTA.