David Turpie was more surprised than anyone when, on entering the Rochester Shire Hall on Sunday to perform as a drummer with the Bendigo United Brass Band, he found a picture of his grandfather in a historical display of Rochester bands.
David, a drummer with the 30-plus piece band that performed under the leadership of former Rochester health professional Colin Wellard, had been made aware that his surname was on the board.
“Colin told me there was a Turpie in one of the photos, but I couldn’t see him,” David said.
After looking more closely at the photograph, from the archives of Rochester Historical Society, then made a phone call to his father — who confirmed that it was his grandfather, Frederick.
The hall was filled with music on Sunday as a result of a partnership between Rochester’s Jan Childs, the Campaspe Shire and Rochester Community House.
He shared a moment with Rochester’s Peter Anderson, whose uncles were also in the band.
