Shropshire nightclub goers of a certain age may remember the name of Sid “John” Price. He was a founder member of The Earls Dance Band, which was one of the hottest tickets on the county’s entertainment scene during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Thirty years on, the former Wellington Grammar School lad is still performing — but his modern-day act has very little in common with his musical years in Shropshire.
Sid is now living in New Mexico, America, where he has become one of the leading pioneers in the use of animals to aid education.
He has set up a company called Avian Ambassadors Flights of Education Experience, and next month will take to the stage at the New Mexico State Fair to oversee a performance of free flying birds from around the world.
Sid, now aged, 55, lives in the Manzano Mountains, at a place called Tijeras, with his artist wife and local native, Nance.
In between leaving Shropshire and crossing the Atlantic, Sid spent most of his adult life living and working in the London area in the professional recording and theatre industries.
He moved to America 11 years ago, and it wasn’t long before he had volunteered to help out at a local park, Wildlife West Nature Park.
Sid recalled: “I quickly became deeply involved and was soon a board member of the parent not-for-profit New Mexico Wildlife Association.
“My experience in the entertainment industry was a great asset in making public presentations at the wildlife park and I began working with the animals so that they could be used in educational presentations.”
The arrival of the first birds of prey at the park began a journey which led Sid to forming his own company, Avian Ambassadors, to present educational programs featuring free flying birds.
He travelled around the USA to visit other sites working with free flight programmes and completed training workshops at two of the most prestigious facilities in the country — The World Bird Sanctuary in St Louis, and Steve Martin’s Natural Encounters in Florida.
As well as presenting shows, Sid also gives bird of prey handling classes.
All of which is a far cry from his Shropshire days … But Sid still says he has fond memories of his days with the band, and as a member of the successful swimming team at Wellington pool during his teens.
- Sid is keen to get back in touch with old friends from Shropshire. He can be contacted through the Avian Ambassadors website at www.AvianAmbassadors.com
- Are you a Shropshire expat? We’d love to hear from you, and see your pictures. Please contact starfeatures@shropshirestar.co.uk
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