Watlington Youth Band was formed in approximately 1976/77 and was originally intended as a feeder band for the Chalgrove Brass Band. Chalgrove Band was conducted by Phil Sperrin who was also the local peripatietic brass teacher for Watlington Primary School. Eventually, Watlington Youth Band became a successful band its own right, but still had strong connections with Chalgrove as both bands were conducted by Phil. Phil left the band in about 1989/90 and the band was taken over by Gerry Hird. Gerry brought with him his wife Angela and their three children which boosted the playing membership. Gerry and Angela moved to Dorset in 1997 which unfortunately left the band with only 4 players. Our President, Lady Mogg approached Dave Pullen and asked if he could help to build the band. Dave took over in late 1997 and brought with him his family! However, the band was clearly not a 'youth' band anymore, and so changed the name to Chiltern Band Watlington RBL. The band have strong links with the Watlington Branch of the British Legion and wanted to reflect that in the name.
In 1998/1999, Henley Town Band decided to fold and we were lucky to gain several players. This meant another big change for the band converting it from a Brass Band to a Wind Band and another new name change to Watlington Concert Band. The band has since gone from strength to strength, and has been lucky to attract players from the surrounding area. The diary is always busy and the band play at many different events from local Fetes and Concerts to Weddings (and even Funerals). |
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