Charles Bates (born c. 1855)
In February 1889, the Thetford and Watton Times carried a report of a concert which took place in Beccles Town Hall, in connection with the Working Men’s Club of the town. The paragraph mentioned that “three dulcimer solos by Mr C. Bates, were worthy of admiration” and later mentioned another item: “Dulcimer solo, with banjo accompaniment, Messrs. C. and A. Bates.”
Genealogical researches have found two brothers named Charles and Austin Bates living in Beccles at this date. They were the sons of a waterman, George Bates, and both were unmarried at this time.
Charles (whose dates are uncertain, but who was born between 1855 and 1860) worked as a blacksmith whilst Austin (1862-1920) worked in the bakery trade.
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