2025 marks 50 years of making music in Watlington for the Concert Band.
In 1975 Phil Sperrin, the conductor of the Chalgrove Band and brass teacher at Watlington Primary School, alongside Ron Bettles, a parent of one of the students, formed the Watlington Youth Band.
Initially intended as a 'training band' for students to play for the thriving Chalgrove Brass Band but as the band grew, it soon became independent. Chalgrove, and other Oxfordshire bands benefitted from this training band.
In 1975 Phil Sperrin, the conductor of the Chalgrove Band and brass teacher at Watlington Primary School, alongside Ron Bettles, a parent of one of the students, formed the Watlington Youth Band.
Initially intended as a 'training band' for students to play for the thriving Chalgrove Brass Band but as the band grew, it soon became independent. Chalgrove, and other Oxfordshire bands benefitted from this training band.
 Phil Sperrin conducting the band |  Phil conducting at the Watlington Hospital Fete. |
Gerry Hird In 1986 Phil Sperrin left the band and Gerry Hird took over the baton! Gerry, his wife Angela and their three children had moved to Watlington in 1984. Angela ran a music group at the Primary School and Gerry was a teacher in Chinnor and also at Lord Williams School in Thame. He was also an organist at St. Leonards.
However, in 1997, Gerry and Angela relocated to Dorset and by this time the band was quite small – it had only four players left !
However, in 1997, Gerry and Angela relocated to Dorset and by this time the band was quite small – it had only four players left !
Dave Pullen This could have been a critical juncture for the band, but Lady Mogg, President of the Band intervened! She approached Dave Pullen, who took over the leadership of the band and WCB found a new lease of life. Dave had been playing in brass bands for many years but conducting a band a new challenge for him. Dave bought with him friends and family members, boosting the membership.
Recognising that the band had evolved beyond its youth origins, Dave and the members decided to rename the Watlington Youth Band to Chiltern Band Watlington RBL, reflecting its strong ties with the Watlington Branch of the British Legion.
The late 1990s brought further transformation when Henley Town Band, a wind band disbanded and several of its players joined Watlington. This is when the band transitioned from a Brass Band to a Wind Band prompting another name change to the Watlington Concert Band. This change broadened the band's musical scope and attracted even more musicians from the surrounding areas. Since then, the Watlington Concert Band has continued to flourish. The diary is always full, with performances at local fetes, concerts and Watlington’s Remembrance parade.
Recognising that the band had evolved beyond its youth origins, Dave and the members decided to rename the Watlington Youth Band to Chiltern Band Watlington RBL, reflecting its strong ties with the Watlington Branch of the British Legion.
The late 1990s brought further transformation when Henley Town Band, a wind band disbanded and several of its players joined Watlington. This is when the band transitioned from a Brass Band to a Wind Band prompting another name change to the Watlington Concert Band. This change broadened the band's musical scope and attracted even more musicians from the surrounding areas. Since then, the Watlington Concert Band has continued to flourish. The diary is always full, with performances at local fetes, concerts and Watlington’s Remembrance parade.
Christmas Eve One of the most popular events in Watlington, the Christmas Eve carols started when the Youth Band played Carols for their parents under the Town Hall. This has grown and grown over the years to the event it is today, with many saying it makes Christmas.
When Dave retired from conducting, the band had the honour of introducing conductors from the Army. This collaboration has further enriched the band's musicality and repertoire.
James Symington has been Musical Director since 2023.
When Dave retired from conducting, the band had the honour of introducing conductors from the Army. This collaboration has further enriched the band's musicality and repertoire.
James Symington has been Musical Director since 2023.
 General Sir John Mogg |  Lady Margaret Mogg |  Tessa Mogg |
Over many years, the Band has received a huge amount of encouragement and support from the Mogg family. When the Youth Band was founded, General Sir John Mogg was our President, and when he died his wife, Lady Margaret Mogg took overs until her death at aged 104. The band were delighted when Tessa Mogg, General and Lady Mogg’s daughter-in-law agreed to become President. Tessa is a constant support to the band and an active member of the Committee. Her ongoing support and active involvement are really appreciated by us all.
The band are celebrating their 50th year, with a new look. Working with a company called BYXP, we now have a new logo that has been designed to blend elements inspired by Watlington’s heritage, its surroundings and the music the band brings.
Do you have memories of the band? We’d love to hear from you and would love you to share any pictures and videos you may have.
Do you have memories of the band? We’d love to hear from you and would love you to share any pictures and videos you may have.
