Tony Ireland, a piano-playing music master, is set to celebrate his 90th birthday. He is a teacher that inspired generations of students to live life to the fullest. Tony would frequently play music with various bands and groups in Norfolk and Suffolk, bringing joy to people as they danced the night away. Alongside his colleagues, he often performed a wide range of music and raised significant amounts of money for different charities. Born in Norwich in 1933, Tony’s love for music was sparked when he witnessed a swarthy Italian playing a barrel organ. This experience left him entranced by the happiness that radiated from the music. A piano was eventually purchased by his father, and Tony began taking lessons from Miss Warmoll at Maud Street. This led the young pianist to emerge from within him.
Tony gained a scholarship to Norwich School in 1945, where he showcased his piano skills by becoming the pianist at Holy Trinity Church’s Sunday School. He also attended the Elm Hill dancing studio run by Eileen Page, and during trips to Gorleston, he enjoyed listening to blind organist Eddie Gates. Tony’s first dance band, The Maxinas, made their debut at a wedding reception at Thorpe’s Roxley Hall. They made quite an entrance by arriving on their bikes, and their performance was so well-received that they were paid several times the agreed amount. Throughout his career, Tony played with numerous bands and singers, served his country through National Service, and eventually became a teacher at Thorpe Hamlet Junior School. Former students have praised his teaching abilities and recounted how he would spend his free time playing with different bands and groups.
Tony retired from teaching in 1989 and became the pianist at Great Yarmouth’s Sandringham Hotel. He also played the clarinet in the Norfolk TA band at Britannia Barrack, where he performed for Queen Elizabeth II during the opening of County Hall. However, due to his unconventional appearance and being out of sync with the other band members, he was discreetly placed behind a pillar and joined in after the march to avoid embarrassing the whole company in front of the Queen. Tony and his friends later formed The Old Codgers, a musical group that supported various charitable causes in Norfolk. He continued his musical journey when he and his wife moved to Cromer and then Overstrand, involving himself with the Community Choir, Cromer Society, and even becoming one of The Bats in the Belfry.
As Tony Ireland celebrates his 90th birthday, he is remembered as a beloved musician who brought happiness to others through his music. His influence as a teacher and performer has left a lasting impact on many lives. Readers are encouraged to explore his books, “S’Wonderful (A Symphony of Musical Memories)” and “S’Wonderful (More Musical Memories),” which were published over 20 years ago but can still be found online. These books provide a glimpse into Tony’s rich musical memories and are highly recommended. Ultimately, Tony’s journey as a musician and teacher is one to be celebrated, and we wish him a very happy birthday.
