Ted
Alexander
ARCA (London), PM PProvJW
Musician. Born 1912. Son of Eddie and Ada
Alexander.His father was a stage and theatre technician, his mother a teacher and pianist.
At the age of eight he joined his father's White Eyed  Minstrel
Show playing the bones and singing 'Mammy' songs, solo. In his spare time he learned
to play drums and by the time he was twelve he was a freelance drummer. He formed his own
groups at fourteen called Teds Four and later, Teds Five. In 1935 he joined Lambert
Wilson's Stage Orchestra, having done a season with Chapmans Circus. Then came a season
with Monte Carlo Ballet Company, followed by sessions with George Shearing and Stefan
Grapelli.
Ted married Mary Way, 4 June 1939, in Llandudno. He was playing summer season in the
resort at Payne's Ballroom with the Tommy James Band. Issue: One daughter, Christine
(1956) and one son, Michael (1958). Ted played drums and took part in broadcasts with the
British Band of A.E.F. etc and many stars of the entertainment world. After demob he
joined Henry Hall's Stage Orchestra being featured in a
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big drum spectacular for
over two years. After Henry disbanded, he played for periods with many West End orchestras
- including Joe Loss, Bert Ambrose, Roberto Inglez, Al Tabor, Kenny Grahame Afro Cuban,
etc etc. Much freelancing
which led eventually to recordings with the group
Alien Sex Fiend, led by Nik Wade who happens to
be Ted's son-in-law and who is a grand nephew of Sir George Robey — yes George
Robey - real
name Ed Wade, founder member of Chelsea Lodge.
It's an odd world! He suffered three heart attacks in later life and, in February 1989, a
fourth heart attack meant an end to active service in music and Masonry.Ted Alexander was
initiated into Chelsea Lodge on 19 March 1948. Climbed ladder erratically due to
professional commitments. WM 1978. Other Masonic milestones include: 1969 became WM of St
Canna Lodge No.6725 (Wales); 1972 WM Langley Mark Lodge No. 28; 1974 SD Provincial Mark
Lodge; 1974 Elevated to Chair of Powys Rose Croix No.406; 1976 Elevated to 30th Degree;
1978 and 1988 Principal of Penarth Royal Arch Chapter; 1983 Elevated to 31st Degree. |
