THOUGH their choir had been formed only three years before, members of the Choral Society of Blackburn's then-mighty Royal Ordnance Factory had a long list of musical festival successes to their credit when this picture of them was taken in 1966 with some of their trophies.

They had also made a name for themselves at church and charity concerts and taken part in a BBC broadcast.

But when this picture was taken, as well as collecting trophies, the choir was also awarding one -- to be competed for at Blackburn Music Festival. It was presented in memory of their founder and conductor, Mr Fred Smith, who had died two years earlier.

Pictured in the front row with the singers are (left to right) chairman Mr F.W. Dewhurst, president and ROF superintendent Mr E.J. Gammons and conductor Mr C.R. Milling.