JACK Forrest was born on July 2, 1927, in Penicuik, to Valleyfield Papermill worker Jock and his wife Agnes.
Jack and his twin brother, Dan, attended Kirkhill Primary and Penicuik Secondary and, after leaving school at 14, Jack went straight to wo
rk as a delivery boy for Wilson's Grain Store.
However, Jack soon turned out to be a chip off the old block. After a short spell at Wilson's, he followed his father into the papermaking business, first at Esk Mill and then on to Valleyfield Mill.
Jack served in the RAF during his national service and upon his return went back to the papermill before going on to take his papermaking skills to Bartholomew's Map Makers, where he would stay until retirement.
But it was a talent handed down by his grandfather that was to become the enduring passion in his life.
Grandfather Dan was a bandsman for the Salvation Army and keen to follow in his grandfather's footsteps, Jack picked up the tenor horn and took it to a practice session of the Penicuik Silver Band.
Jack entered the band at the dawn of a difficult period, following the departure of seasoned teacher John Faulds.
In 1945, Mr Faulds had six bands in the first section, two in the third section and three in the fourth section and all were on the prize list. He took the Penicuik Silver Band to first place in the fourth section in 1952.
By the time Jack joined in 1953, John was aging, the prizes drying up and the interest waning, and it was up to Jack and his friends John Kerr and Charlie Peebles to keep the band going.
In the mid-1960s, Jack moved to become secretary of the band, following the appointment of new bandmaster George Johnstone.
The change in staff proved to be fortuitous for the band and their fortunes began to improve.
In 1972, the band entered the Edinburgh Charities Contest at the Usher Hall, and in 1973 returned to competing in major contests.
Then, in 1975, a contest held in Motherwell was to herald their return to form.
Jack continues to serve as secretary to this day, and turns out to practice twice a week.
But, with failing sight and hearing, he is mostly absorbed with administrative work.
His 80th was celebrated with the aid of a 50-piece brass band and held in the company of his wife of 55 years, Jean, and sons Ian, Scott and Keith.
The full article contains 442 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
