We are proud of our
roots and our history and want to share this with you!
The Band is a
totally self-supporting registered charity and continues to
support other charities such as the Bristol Children's Hospital,
St Peter's Hospice, Dogs for the Blind and the Jessie May Trust
to name a few. Band members come from all walks of life. Many
are students, often having started in the Band's own training
programme and Number 2 band. Frequently they move on to other
bands around the country as they progress in their careers. Of
course this also means there is always a welcome for players
moving into the area.
We are an equal
opportunities organisation and welcome players of all ages and
ethnic backgrounds. The Band also welcomes the involvement and
commitment of non-players, Mums and Dads and friends of the
Band. Help is often required with events like the annual fete,
with fund raising activities and with social events. Friends and
relatives already assist with the music library and teaching
programme and more helpers are always welcome. Social events are
planned during the year to help build the team spirit and
increase the fun and enjoyment from belonging to the
organisation.
Here's some details
on our origins......
Bristol East Band
Founded in 1892
as the Bristol East Temperance Band by George William White for
the miners in the locality, the Band has had a continuous
presence in local activities and wider afield. The White family,
widely known in East Bristol, were heavily involved from the
beginning in conducting, teaching, playing and administering the
Band's affairs.
The Band
participated in various contests with the highlight of each year
being the West of England Championships in Spring. The Band was
consolidating it's return to the Second section prior to the
merger.
Kingswood
(Bristol) Band
The Kingswood
Bristol Band, as it is was last known, was formed in 1958 by Mr
Herbert Sevier. Consisting initially of boys from the Potters
Wood Methodist Church it went by the name of 'Kingswood and
District Band'. The first rehearsal, taken by Herbert, was on
14th January 1959. The band rapidly grew in numbers and success,
reaching the National Finals in London in 1966. It was also in
1966 that the now 'Potters Wood Kingswood Hill, Bristol Silver
Band' amalgamated with the Albion Dockyard Silver Band who were
also conducted by Herbert Sevier. The band's name now changed to
the 'Kingswood (Potters Wood) Silver Band'. The band was now
going from strength to strength, culminating in promotion to the
Championship Section.
The band
secured sponsorship from local manufacturing company Bendix in
1976, a partnership that lasted over 20 years. 'The Bendix
Kingswood Band' again reached Championship status in 1988.
A severe lack
of players almost caused the band to fold in the mid 1990's but,
through the loyalty of the members, built its way back up.
In 2000, the
band was placed 1st in the regional championships held at the
Riviera Centre, Torquay, becoming the Boosey & Hawkes National
Brass Band Champions of the West of England (2nd Section)
enabling them to compete in the National Finals in Preston.
The band
qualified again in 2001, again enabling them to compete in the
National Finals. In this year both the Regionals and Finals were
held in Torquay!
Although
throughout the banding world they became known as 'The Bendix
Band', sponsorship from the Bendix company eventually ceased
with the company's demise. With this in mind, in July 2006 the
band changed it's name to the 'Kingswood Bristol Band'. Thus
maintaining it's links to the community it regards as home.
With the band
in a new era we are looking forward to continued success in the
future, continuing to entertain audiences across the region.
