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Photos courtesy of Barry Noble, 2012
The Sapphires

Above l-r: Chris Frost, Alan Dunmore, Barry Noble, Bruce Smith, John Becks,
Tony Woodward and Ben Glenn 1959 and left at a 1960 garden party

In the 1960s the band played all over the midlands and home counties at dance halls and USAF bases.

In Rushden we played at the Windmill Club, Town Band Club, West End Club. One of our first shows was at the now no more Rushden Band Club. We also appeared at several local venues: Skew Bridge Ski Club, Raunds Football Club and Higham Band Club. We also did “a 60s beach party” on a cold December night at Wicksteed Park; that was fun, we were all in shorts and summer tops!

Some of the many stars of the era with whom we appeared were Johnny Kidd and the Pirates, Barron Knights, Frank Ifield, Emile Ford and the Checkmates, Lulu, Shane Fenton and the Fentones (he became Alvin Stardust in the 70s).

 At USAF Alconbury in 1962
1962 at USAF Alconbury

The Saphires in 1963 Reunion in the 1990s
BARRY NOBLE AND THE SAPPHIRES in 1963
and at a Reunion in the 1990s
Barry Noble, vocals; Chris Frost, lead guitar; Jon Keys bass guitar; Bruce Smith, drums.

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