All those who have played with brass bands in contests in the UK over the years will be familiar with Registration Cards. These were introduced after the Second World War to ensure that players did not compete with multiple bands, and also that the person was actually the correct player. James Ollerton was a player with Preston Town Band and competed with that band from 1955 to 1963, transferring to the Lancashire Constabulary Band (based in Preston) in January 1965 where he remained until his last known contest in 1980. Almost nothing is known of James Ollerton’s life outside this registration card. I have found few clues elsewhere. He was a police constable, playing tutti cornet (named as such on the Constabulary Band’s recording in 1979). James’ registration card outlines his contesting performances over 25 years with two bands, giving a brief insight to the life of a bandsman through his competitions.