Vic Bradnam
Viola
As our longest serving member, Vic has seen more changes in the HCO than most. When Vic joined the orchestra at the age of 17, the year was 1935.

Born and brought up in Forest Gate, Vic's family had moved to Upminster in 1927. In fact, he attended the primary school at Bell corner where our regular rehearsals are held. Vic discovered the delights of the piano which his mother taught him and it was through an inherited instrument from his grandfather that Vic was inspired to take up the violin.

Whilst the outbreak of World War II did not stop the orchestra from meeting, Vic was called up to join the REME (Royal Mechanical & Electrical Engineers). His job of maintaining vital radar equipment took him all over the UK, including Swansea, where he met his wife. Vic also has happy recollections of being in Hanover during 1945 where he celebrated the end of the war with his colleagues.

Upon return to civilian life, Vic was fortunate to receive a period of tuition from Professor Ernest Yonge at the Guildhall School of Music. A very rewarding experience.

Looking through a copy of The Strad one day he spotted an advertisement for a violin-making class at the London College of Furniture. Under the tutelage of William Luff, he joined and completed this highly specialist course with flying colours, winning the end of year prize for his first instrument which he completed in 18 months. Vic has completed 13 instruments since the early 1960's including the one he plays on tonight. He also taught the craft for ten years at the Havering Adult College (a class which is now run by Stan Vanlint in the second violins).

Since his retirement, Vic has also engaged in watercolour and oil painting. Several pictures in Vic's house bear testimony to his artistic talent, including a five-foot diameter outdoor wall mural, which he recently painted next to his house.

Vic lists his favourite composers as Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and Bach. His advice for aspiring or studying musicians? ... perserverance.