Goonhavern Banjo Band outside Mr Fred Epletts bungalow – Circa 1955
Goonhavern Banjo Band was formed in 1935 into the 1970’s. Founder Mr Fred Eplett formed the band after he returned from South Africa.
Back Row: Alan Lamb, Silas White , Baden Powell (1901-1979), Les Taylor, William Henry Eplett, James Edgar Veale (1924-1982) & Glen Pedlar (1921-2003).
Middle Row: Mrs Elsie Lavin nee Roberts (1921-1994), Rose Penna, Mrs Dorothy Powell nee Hitchens, Miss Rita Jacka (Twin Sisters), Miss Roma Jacka (Twin Sisters) & Mrs Elsie Veale nee Eplett.
Front Row: Founder Mr Fred Eplett (1893-1965) & Mr Howard Rule (1895-1962).
Many were involved with the Banjo Band:
Rita Jacka, Beryl Rule, Elsie Lavin, Marina Golley, Mrs Baden Powell, Fred Eplett, Terry Julian, Mr Hinton, Joe Millis, Baden Powell, Ken Annear, Mr Moyle (Chacewater) all Banjo players.
Elsie Eplett, Raymond Blee (Mandolin players), Miss Loader (Piano Accordion), Romna Jacka (Accompanist), Glen Pedlar, Chester Ray, Jock Henderson (Guitar players), Derek Rule (Basoon), Trevor Lapman (Double Bass), Howard Rule (Drums), Billy Moyle (Conductor), Mrs Tickle & Mrs Hill (Gert & Daisy Act), Mr Henry Carhart Stories & Comedy) & Thelma & Marina Tonkin (Duets).
Apparently, Willie Waters (1926 – 2011), Trevor Jewell (1922 – 2007) and Audrey Jewell (1926 – ) were also members or used to go round with the Banjo Band at one stage too.
Groupies !! There seemed to be a lot of people that were involved with the Banjo Band, I had lessons on the Banjo when I was a lad with Rita Jacka down Fred Epletts.