Bradwell Silver Band

General information

BAND HISTORY

Bradwell Silver Band was founded on January 15th 1901 and can proudly claim that it has been in continuous existence for well over a century. Most of the original members lived in what was then rural North Buckinghamshire villages of Bradwell and Stantonbury and were employed at the London and North Western Railway Works in neighbouring Wolverton. These areas were later renamed Old Bradwell and New Bradwell respectively and although both areas retain their identities, they are now very much a part of the ever expanding development that is Milton Keynes. The railway works ceased to be a major employer by the 1980s and today’s membership is drawn from a cross section of trades and professions.

Bradwell Band is a self-supporting organisation whose activities are financed with the support of the local community, a Supporters Club and fees received from a wide variety of engagements.

A strong emphasis is put on our Development Group which will produce the players of the future. Instruments and tuition by senior band members are provided to development group members completely free of charge.

Bradwell Silver Band is very popular and kept busy throughout the year with appearances at a wide variety of engagements, from local fetes to much larger gatherings. For instance, the Band performs in the grounds of Woburn Abbey, entertaining members of the De Havilland Tiger Moth Association who travel from all over the world for their annual flying week-end.

In 1990 we played at the occasion of a Royal Film Premiere of "Presumed Innocent" in the presence of the Duchess of York and have appeared several times on television. In December 1997 the Band were featured on the Anglian news because of its longest running tradition. Every Christmas morning since 1901, whatever the weather, Bradwell Silver Band has played Christmas Carols around the streets of New Bradwell starting at 6:00 a.m. Tradition has it that children are not supposed to open their presents until they have heard the band play in their street!