2000s

Early Years 1890s - 1930s

The Band in its Third Century

From time to time, most bands go through a rough patch, and we are no exception. The early years of the century saw some disruption within the band, but we're still here, and thriving, with over 30 members in the main band and a growing Training Band.

Late in 2000, just before our Christmas Concert, David King took over a leaderless band, and started building up a more swinging repertoire. David had to leave in 2002 to work in China and we advertised for a new conductor.

Bob Hunter had been a musician with the Cheshire Regiment and although his recent musical background was more as a singer, he took up the baton and had the makings of a good conductor, introducing quite a few modern pieces, almost "Pop". Unfortunately personal pressures forced him to leave and we advertised again.

This time we were contacted by a serving Army musician, Oliver Jeans, principle flautist with the Band of the Army Air Corps. Oliver needed experience in conducting to pursue his ambition to attend the Army School of Music at Kneller Hall and we were glad to help him. Despite his service commitments, Oliver was a dedicated member of the Band and stretched our musical ability to new heights. In 2005 he realised his dream and selected to attend the Army School of Music at Kneller Hall, followed by a posting as MD of the Parachute Regimental Band.

Colin Gray was a percussionist with the local Lucknow Band of the Prince of Wales's Division and offered his skills when Oliver left in early 2006. However, his service commitments forced him to resign later in the year.

One of our trombonist, Helen Pickett, who has years of experience conducting the Trowbridge Band, took over as temporary MD to see us through the 2006 Christmas Season. Finally, in mid 2007, we appointed Clive Burroughs from Verwood as our MD. Clive is another ex-army musician, in a previous life he was Trumpet Major for the Blues & Royals Band of the Household Cavalry.

Through all these changes we must give a special thanks Brian Carter, a member for over 60 years, who repeatedly took over the baton at the last minute.

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	Early Years 1890s - 1930s Post War The Band in its Third Century From time to time, most bands go through a rough patch, and we are no exception. The early years of the century saw some disruption within the band, but we're still here, and thriving, with over 30 members in the main band and a growing Training Band. Late in 2000, just before our Christmas Concert, David King took over a leaderless band, and started building up a more swinging repertoire. David had to leave in 2002 to work in China and we advertised for a new conductor. Bob Hunter had been a musician with the Cheshire Regiment and although his recent musical background was more as a singer, he took up the baton and had the makings of a good conductor, introducing quite a few modern pieces, almost "Pop". Unfortunately personal pressures forced him to leave and we advertised again. This time we were contacted by a serving Army musician, Oliver Jeans, principle flautist with the Band of the Army Air Corps. Oliver needed experience in conducting to pursue his ambition to attend the Army School of Music at Kneller Hall and we were glad to help him. Despite his service commitments, Oliver was a dedicated member of the Band and stretched our musical ability to new heights. In 2005 he realised his dream and selected to attend the Army School of Music at Kneller Hall, followed by a posting as MD of the Parachute Regimental Band. Colin Gray was a percussionist with the local Lucknow Band of the Prince of Wales's Division and offered his skills when Oliver left in early 2006. However, his service commitments forced him to resign later in the year. One of our trombonist, Helen Pickett, who has years of experience conducting the Trowbridge Band, took over as temporary MD to see us through the 2006 Christmas Season. Finally, in mid 2007, we appointed Clive Burroughs from Verwood as our MD. Clive is another ex-army musician, in a previous life he was Trumpet Major for the Blues & Royals Band of the Household Cavalry. Through all these changes we must give a special thanks Brian Carter, a member for over 60 years, who repeatedly took over the baton at the last minute.