spent twenty seven years of his life researching and collecting military band memorabilia as well as writing the histories of our military bands, many of which are now disbanded. From the age of 22 he set out to collect a photograph of every band worldwide. He also amassed a vast archive of information, which is second to none, on their history, traditions and music.
When he tragically passed away in 1994 the task of carrying on with the Collection fell to his widow Anne. She also had to find the material a suitable home.
Jerome was born and lived most of his life in Cwm, Ebbw Vale, and worked for 17 years as a storeman in the local steelworks. Because of his close connections with the area Anne is now looking into the possibility of setting up a museum in a building on the old steelworks which awaits redevelopment.
As well as housing Jerome's wonderful memorabilia and making it available for research the building could be used to tell the story of the South Wales Valleys'
male voice choirs. Jerome's father was himself a lifelong member of choirs in Cwm and Ebbw Vale.
Anne's next step is to form a group of trustees for the Friends of the Jerome Gatehouse Collection; she already has a draft constitution. Then she will seek charity status in order to start fund-raising for the project.