Members of the Cossacks 'fanclub'
became proud owners of
a Cossacks badge
The fan club was run by Barbara Smyth
in Ballyclare
Another photograph circa 1964/65 when the band were at
their height
The baritone sax is prominent, as is Tommy's new
Gibson guitar
Billy played a Fender Jaguar ... a beautiful instrument
Above .... one of the first photographs of the band
Taken in the canteen of the Braid Water Spinning Mill circa 1961/2
The jackets were Irish linen manufactured in the mill
The Cossacks got a cheap deal on 'seconds'
Above .... the band as it was in or around 1964
(I remember Tommy Lamont bought himself a new Gibson guitar around this time
The band were first managed by Bobby Kyle, later by Harold Clements, and finally by Sammy Barr of Flamingo Ballroom fame, before they finally disbanded in the early 70's when the 'Showband Era' fell away ......
Above .... photograph taken in Bellaghy, where the
Cossacks got their first 'residential' booking
for the winter 'dancing class' run by Annie Kennedy
...........for £5 a night
