Retirement of Bandmaster Walker

Having completed 50 years of active service in Army banding, Bandmaster Walker retired on Monday 16th May 1938 at the conclusion of a weekend of thanksgiving and commemoration led by Lt. Col. Durman. That same meeting saw his commissioning as songster leader, with Sylvester Henning and Harold Walker being appointed bandmaster and deputy respectively.

While in some respects my retirement brings me a little twinge of sorrow, mainly my harp is tuned to concert pitch and I am playing in a major key, for I have fought the fight of 50 years as bandmaster and local officer. To God be the Glory.

BM Walker at his retirement

We have spent years in pegging away at ourselves and at the music, but the band has now arrived at the stage where it is proving a blessing to thousands who listen to it from time to time, whether in the Citadel, in the openair or on the cliffs in summertime. Many testimonials to this fact have been received, both from persons of high rank and from the man in the street. Of the musical efficiency of the band others must speak. Suffice it to say that I lay down the baton with confidence that the band is going to be better than ever. 'Onward and Upward' must be its motto.

Musician 10th July 1938

The bandmaster was highly respected not only for his exceptional musical abilities but for his sterling salvationism and his insistence on getting priorities right. The souvenir programme produced for his retirement includes two tributes which help explain his great success.

Others may have striven for mere musical excellence, but the message of the music has always been predominant in the bandmaster's interpretation and in consequence he had lifted his band to a very high standard

Chas. Rich, British Commissioner

It is not humanly possible to place a valuation upon his service, but his example in loyalty, devotion and the lifting of musical standards has made its mark upon the musical realm of our great movement. He has ever sought to put 'first things first' jealously guarding the motive of soul saving music

Lt. Col. Durman

Apart from the gardening which provided his livelihood, most of the bandmaster's time was dedicated to Army activities - next to heaven is the Army hall for me. His sincerity and enthusiasm proved infectious among the handsmen who recall this period in their lives with the greatest affection. Without a shadow of a doubt the gifted leadership of Bandmaster Walker transformed Boscombe from an average to an outstanding band laying the foundations for others to build upon.