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Written by Ann Harvey
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Thursday, 04 February 2010 22:51 |
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History of the Pangbourne and District Silver Band The history of the Pangbourne Silver Band dates back to 1893 when it consisted of fifes and drums. It used to rehearse in a shed behind Mr. Percy Stone's water mill, and although Percy Stone himself is no longer with us, his business still thrives in the village and his son Richard remains a keen supporter of the Band.
During the First World War the Band dispersed and the instruments were put into storage. It is thought that the first performance after the Armistice was at the peace celebrations which took place in River Meadow, Pangbourne in 1919.
From then on the Band had a very successful period. Saturday evening concerts took place in the village square during the 1920s and were much enjoyed by all the villagers, being displaced only by increasing motor traffic. In the years immediately before the Second World War, the Band had frequent successes under the batons of Bandmasters Nash and Reed in district competitions, and thereby gained the name of Pangbourne Silver Prize Band.
During World War II the instruments were again silent and although the Rector of Pangbourne was advocating the Band's revival in 1948, it did not reform until 1962.
Instrumental to this revival was the late Mr. Henry Fuller, who, in the winter of 1961 had been approached by Mr. Jem Holloway, who asked if Henry could teach his son Trevor to play the cornet. Within a few weeks other boys came along who wanted to "blow something"; Bill and Pete Osman, Paul Fuller and later Howard and Colin Boynton. These lessons took place every week in the living room of 75 Horseshoe Road and very soon the lack of suitable instruments became a problem. Many people were approached; older bandsmen who had given up playing (although many later returned), other bands who may have had instruments they were willing to lend and anybody else who might have an instrument around the house. Some instruments were found in barns and attics, jet black and requiring a great deal of scouring and cleaning in the bath.
By Christmas 1963 these six boys had been taught to read music and could play a number of tunes. The first carol playing venture took place that year - £8 was collected and this was the first earned income for the Band funds.
By this time, Jim Tappern, an ex-Army bandsman and friend of Henry joined in with an offer of help and it was decided to hold a meeting to put things on a more official footing. A meeting took place in February 1964 at the Working Men's Club and was attended by about a dozen people. At this meeting, Jim Tappern was elected Musical Director; Colin Willmott, Secretary; Henry Fuller, Chairman; and a small committee was formed. At this time, the Manager of the National Westminster Bank was Mr. Waring and he accepted the office of Treasurer. The £8 was placed in the bank to open the Band's account.
From this small beginning grew the present Pangbourne Silver Band. The learners class became a family affair as fathers joined their sons, mothers and daughters, and even grandfathers joined in. Some were already proficient musicians and others started from scratch. Some players came along from other bands in the area to have an extra evening's practice and were a great help to those still learning.
Within about 6 years the Band was able to take part in contests and their first win was the Webber Cup at Oxford. On two occasions they won a place in the National Brass Band Championships in London and played in Kensington Town Hall. Many concerts were given in Pangbourne and the surrounding area, sometimes to raise funds, but often for Charities when no fee was charged.
On September 19, 1987 a concert and social evening was held to celebrate 25 years of "happy banding" and to commemorate the achievements of Henry Fuller. Five of the original band members were able to be present, including Howard Boynton who continued to play with the Band until 1997. Also present were previous players, conductors and officials of the Band, together with many of the friends and supporters that the Band has gained over the years.
In 1998, after many years in the fourth section, the Band finally gained promotion to the third section at the London and Southern Counties Regional Qualifier contest, and in 1999 the Band became a registered charity (No. 1073913). It was also accepted as a member of the National Federation of Music Societies. Also in August 1999 the Band went on tour to the Rhineland and Mosel regions of Germany, thereby reviving a past tradition of touring to Europe. This has since become a biennial event, travelling in August 2001 to Salzburg in Austria, and plans are now being made for the next tour to Belgium in August 2003. In 2001, the Band became affiliated to Reading University Music society, thereby creating an association with the University that has since resulted in a number of new players being welcomed as members of the Band.In October 2002, the Band was delighted to be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of its reformation with a Gala Concert starring the world-famous trombonist Don Lusher, with BBC Radio Berkshire's Andrew Peach as compère. Many past members are joining with the Band for this event, and the Band are very much looking forward to welcoming old friends to our celebrations. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 10 February 2010 12:10 )
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