News

Frank Vyvyan. Born on 22 Feb 1891,in Croydon, the youngest son of actor Herbert Vyvyan and his wife Alice. Frank was awarded MM Lfor his actions in September 1916. He was later a regular performer as a member of the Willies, the C Bn concert party. He continued to serve with the Company and later C Bn, for…
Read more

At an early age, Les discovered his creative side writing music and singing in a band as a hobby. In 1960 he had a hit record “The Blamers” which knocked off Elvis’ “It’s Now Or Never” from the top of the Canadian charts and remained #1 for a record-setting 11 weeks. Shortly afterward, Les formed a partnership…
Read more

Elmer Tippe, born in Eatonia, Saskatchewan, January 21, 1933, began began playing banjo and fiddle at the age of eight in Alberta. At 15, Tippe started entertaining professionally, playing dances up and down British Columbia’s Fraser Valley with his two older brothers, forming Ray’s Harmony Five. The group came to a tragic end in 1955…
Read more

The 1930’s was the time of the big bands.  In Victoria one of these was led by Billy Tickle, a violinist.  His band played regularly at the Saturday night dances held at  the Empress Hotel.  In the afternoons he appeared at the Empress as William Tickle leading his string ensemble.  He played during the tea service…
Read more