THE spirit of Syd Lawrence lives on in the band that he founded in 1967.

Lawrence had served his musical apprenticeship with such icons as Geraldo, Teddy Foster, Nat Temple, Sidney Lipton and Cyril Stapleton.

He believed that the 1940s music of Glenn Miller and Count Basie - rather than the 60s pop hits that he was required to play as a member of the BBC Northern Dance Orchestra - would become the 'classic' music of the 20th century.

The Syd Lawrence Orchestra's inauspicious beginnings in the upstairs room of a Manchester pub soon led to engagements nationwide.

Touring in earnest commenced in 1969 with a sell out concert of Big Band Swing in Sheffield. The Orchestra gained a regular spot alongside Les Dawson on Yorkshire Television's comedy sketch show Sez Lez.

Recording contracts followed; invitations to appear on radio and television variety shows poured in.

Syd Lawrence decided to retire after 30 years of touring and handed the reins to Chris Dean, his lead trombonist.

With Chris as musical director the orchestra's Big Band sound continues to delight audiences in halls and theatres and on cruise ships around the world. Syd Lawrence's golden legacy to his legions of fans and to future generations of young musicians is rock solid.

Friends of the King's Hall & Winter Garden present the Syd Lawrence Orchestra's celebration of 50 Glorious Years of Swing, on Saturday 27th July at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the Visitor Information Centre at Ilkley Town Hall tel 01943 602319.

Geoffrey Mogridge