The 1960s was an exciting decade for musicians to take to the stage as cultural attitudes across the country changed.

For beat band Kathy and the Marksmen, 1960 - when the group was founded - was the start of an exciting journey 

Kathy Holland, Graham Clough, Stuart Heap, Oscar Woodcock, and Mike Wolliscroft were five childhood friends from Radcliffe, and they went on to play their music across Europe throughout the 60s.

In their early days, Kathy and the Marksmen found work at the Casino Club in Bolton in 1962, where they spent 18 months as the club's resident band.

Months later, lead guitarist Graham saw an advert in the paper asking for bands to play at American airbases.

Seeking adventure and a taste of the world, the group signed up for the opportunity of a lifetime.

The band signed a contract and travelled in 1964 to Évreux-Fauville Air Base in Northern France before moving a month later to Paris, then Fontainebleau, and then over to Germany.

Bury Times: Oscar, Kathy, and Mike in the garden of the hotel they were staying at in Fontainebleau in 1964Oscar, Kathy, and Mike in the garden of the hotel they were staying at in Fontainebleau in 1964 (Image: Supplied)

Bury Times: Oscar outside the Lower Four Club, which was booked for September 1964Oscar outside the Lower Four Club, which was booked for September 1964 (Image: Supplied)

The band toured a host of places across Europe, playing their music during a time when the Beatles famously performed in Hamburg.

While Graham took the lead guitar role, Kathy was on vocals, Stuart played rhythm guitar, Oscar was on bass and Mike played the drums. 

Bury Times: Graham practicing in the Hôtel du Sauvage in Orléans, France, in the 1960sGraham practicing in the Hôtel du Sauvage in Orléans, France, in the 1960s (Image: Supplied)

Now aged 79, group founder Graham has reflected on his great times together with his bandmates.

He said: “I have had a life you would not believe. When do you get the chance to go around Europe entertaining thousands?

“I’ve been so lucky. Now musicians go on telly to sing, but a true entertainer knows what it's like to wake up early in the morning carrying equipment on the bus.”

Speaking to the Bury Times in 2013, the last time four of the band members were last pictured together, Graham expressed that the band stayed in touch but found it hard over time.

However, he said: “They are still around. Kathy still lives near Bury.”

Bury Times: Oscar Woodcock, Graham Clough, Kathy Gee and Stuart Heap in 2013. Band member Mike was on holidayOscar Woodcock, Graham Clough, Kathy Gee and Stuart Heap in 2013. Band member Mike was on holiday (Image: Public)

Working as an entertainer until 2008, Graham retired on New Year's Eve after many years performing to audiences across the country.

Graham, who lives in Radcliffe with his wife Lynne, still expresses his love for playing his guitar.

He added: “Music never leaves you- once a musician, always a musician.”