History of the band

Frampton on Severn Silver Band

Frampton Band is one of the youngest in the county, celebrating it's first 30 years in 2007.

The idea of a village band was the brainchild of bandsman and village resident Colin Reeves.  In September 1977 a committee was formed consisting of Colin as Chairman, Graham Underwood as Treasurer, Ann Underwood as Secretary and member Bill Wood.

Geoff Garfield, Geoff Gledhill and Trevor Pike became guarantors, enabling the purchase of the first set of instruments.  A recruiting campaign was undertaken and local youngsters came forward to learn and play together.  With support from Sharpness Band and tuition from their conductor Reg Ridler, the first notes were blown.

The Frampton-on-Severn & District Silver Band was now officially launched.

Ken Nelmes of the Woodford Band then took the baton and the hard work began.  The numbers began to grow and the band quickly established itself on the local scene, playing at fetes, concerts and various village events.

Reg Ridler continued his association with the band by working tirelessly training the young recruits before they graduated into the main band.  Reg worked with the training band until his death and his support and encouragement in those early years is most gratefully acknowledged.

The band continued to grow from strength to strength and a year after it's formation Brian Ireland came on board as conductor and began to shape the young band into a popular musical group, which was soon in demand for various local events.

A slot on the Rolf Harris radio programme, which was visiting the village as part of a round Britain series, provided the platform for a national airing for the four young players who were selected to play in a quartet - Ann Underwood, Kirsty McWalter, Debbie Reeves and Stuart McWalter.  The room in Frampton Community Centre where the broadcast took place is still known as the 'Rolf Harris Room' and has a much-prized self-portrait by Rolf on the wall.

The band became regular participants at the annual Stroud Entertainment Contest and regularly scooped the 'Deportment Prize' and the trophy for the 'Band with the Most Players Under 14 years of age'.  After narrowly missing out several times they eventually gained first prize in the 4th section of the competition.  Since those early days the band has concentrated on performing at events rather than at competitions.

The band were keen to take their music to other parts of the country and travelled to Dawlish and Teignmouth in Devon for camping weekends and gave concerts in the local parks.  As the age range of the band increased it was decided camping was out of the question and for their Isle of Wight tour the band were comfortably housed in a hotel in Shanklin.  Following the twinning of Frampton-on-Severn with Bourgbarre in Brittany, the band has twice travelled to France to play at events being held there as part of the twinning ceremonies.

Over the years there have been many changes - new uniforms, new instruments and a new shortened name.  Rehearsals are now held in our own band room at the Frampton Community Centre where we have an ever-growing collection of music.

As the years have gone on Brian has seen many of the young players grow up and marry and is now pleased to welcome their children as the second generation into the band.

Frampton Silver Band aims to give it's young members a goal - learning to play a brass instrument and become part of the band.  Events in and around our village are well attended and the band strives to be an asset to the whole community.