The band was formed as the result of a suggestion from Brian Anderson, our previous minister, after the visit to our church by the St. Albans band.  Brian asked “Why can’t we have a band?”

Sally Woodhouse seized the moment and took names of musicians in the church.  I volunteered to be a member and to play.  I was soon asked to run the band. We arranged the first meeting in April 2003 with the first performance in May 2003 during the morning service.

We have since performed more than 50 times and have played more than 200 different tunes including hymns, church songs, band pieces, music from modern musicals, classical music, and some pop.  The first piece, and now our signature tune, was ‘Be Still, for the Presence of the Lord’.

Over the years, the band has grown and changed.  The main difference with the band today is the addition of more trumpets, a clarinet, another flute and recorder, and of course David White plays the keyword.  The latest addition is Rosie Rafferty with her saxophone and Elizabeth Battarbee with her oboe. Today we have three flutes, two clarinets, one saxophone, one trumpet, one trombone, two oboes, one bassoon, one violin, keyboard and two guitars.

We purchase, write and arrange music to play during services, for the Guild, for the BBQ, and for other churches – although we have only played once elsewhere, so far

If you play an instrument and fancy coming to try or join please see Ken Gibbs or Elizabeth Battarbee.

Don’t forget Fridays 8.00 in the evening in the Church come cold, wet or sunshine we practice.

KEN GIBBS