History of the Suffolk Concert Band
The band was formed, in 1967, when several amateur musicians attended an adult education class. The class was run by the Ipswich Civic College (now Suffolk College) for people interested in playing military and brass band music. The nucleus of the class were members of the Ipswich Town Brass Band, and Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Territorial Regimental Band. The band split from the College and became the Suffolk Military Band with Rankin Bushby, their college tutor, as musical director. TOP
In the early 1970's the band became a self contained and civilian organisation which financed itself by playing at fetes and concerts. It was called the Suffolk Military Band. The band president was General Sir Richard Goodwin an ex-Suffolk Regiment soldier and great supporter of the band. In 1971 Bernard Reader took over Rankin's job at the Civic College and also took on the Suffolk Military Band. The band rehearsed at St. Helen's County Primary School in Ipswich, a venue on the 1st floor which meant carrying drum kits and stands up two flights of stairs every week. Bernard Reader was not only a talented director but an accomplished arranger and composer, during this period he provided the band with many arrangements of popular music and original compositions. The band concerts became very entertaining events with many local musicians appearing as guests. The band played in a variety of performance venues.When Ipswich opened a new entertainment venue in the Corn Exchange the band played in the inaugural week and became regular performers at this new venue. The band were regular summer visitors to the pier Pavilion in Felixstowe with Handel Evans regular Tuesday organ and band concerts. We had regular Christmas events playing in the streets of Grundisburgh and indoors for the Kesgrave Wine Circle. When the Queen Elizabeth visited Ipswich in 1977 to celebrate her Silver Jubilee the band played outside Ipswich airport where she had landed and her motorcade drove past the band playing a piece Bernard had written for the occasion. The Junior Band was formed during this period, it was idea of Bernard to give players on secondary parts a chance to play the lead parts as well as an opportunity for learners to have somewhere to perform. In 1978 Bernard Reader left the band to take up other musical challenges in the Ipswich area. During this transition period we were conducted by a couple of young teachers in the area called Barry Salmon and Geoffrey Lavery. The band eventually appointed Andrew Fairley as a new conductor he was an ex- Guards flautist. On the administrative side of the band Colin Pettingale was the driving force of organisation as the band secretary. TOP
Into the 1980's Andrew Fairley continued conducting with his more traditional military band style. On occasions when he was unavailable Barry Salmon and Band Sergeant Ray 'Hookie' Walker would conduct the band. Ray had been with the band since its inception and had a career as a regular with the Suffolk Regiment behind him. The Junior Band were taken over by Geoffrey Webb a bass player from the band. In 1981 Andrew decided to leave the band to further his business interests in the area and the position of Musical Director went to Derek Cable. Derek was head of music at Stowmarket High School and there he ran a very successful schools band with tours to Europe and the USA behind it. In 1983 the band made its first trip across the North Sea and performed in Brugees in Belgium, this was the first of many trips during the 1980's. Derek was also composing and arranging for the band, he also had commitments as a music examiner. These examining commitments took Derek overseas, particularly to the far east, for parts of the year. During these absences the band were conducted by Ray and Barry as before. In 1984 an opportunity was given to a young clarinetist in the band called Suzanne Dexter to conduct in Derek's absence. On 16 June, a nervous Suzanne Dexter, conducted her first 'proper' concert with the band in Hadleigh. Sue became the regular stand in for Derek, she also began to introduce the band to more contemporary music written specifically for wind band. During this period the band moved its rehearsal venue to St. Clements Congregational Church Hall in Back Hamlet Ipswich or as it is known, the Grimwade Memorial Hall. This venue gave the band the opportunity to store music and equipment in the same building we rehearsed in. At this time the library was in the hands of Steve Barton and was catalogued and put in its new home. Steve left the band when work took him north, the library was taken over by Andrew Farthing and the first electronic catalogue began. In 1984 Barry conducted the band when they performed outside the National Theatre on the South Bank in London and in 1985 he conducted in Marble Hill and Battersea Parks. Derek conducted the band in Golders Green Park in 1985. In 1986 Sir Richard Goodwin died and Paddy Drake took over as the the new president of the band. During the 80's the band also undertook regular performances for the Officer's mess at RAF Wattisham. In 1987 Derek took a full-time job examining in the far east and conducted his last performance with the band. Suzanne took over as the permanent musical director. TOP
The revival of trips away took place with the band performed in Bournemouth and in 1990 and Salisbury in 1991. In 1992 the band changed its name to Suffolk Concert Band in order to reflect the full range of the ensemble's repertoire. Also the band took on a new constitution with a need for vice-presidents, all the past musical directors were made vice-presidents along with Paddy Drake. The band began choosing its own presidents and the job has gone to Philip Sparke, Bernard Reader and Martin Bell. During much of this time Gordon Scopes, another founder member of the band, was chairman of the band. Ann Clarke took over the Junior band in the second half of the 90's after the band changed its name to SCB Community Band. In 1992 the band played at the wedding of Jill and Ian Blofield a couple that had met via the band. In 1993 Suzanne got married and became Mrs Suzanne Dexter-Mills and the band performed at her wedding. Another event introduced during the 90's were performances in outdoor summer concerts in Christchurch Park these were called 'Orchestrelle' concerts. The concerts included performances by professional concert orchestras with local groups and fireworks, the band took part in 95, 96 and 97. In 1997 the band asked John Whelton, an ex- Royal Marine bandmaster, to conduct as Sue and Barry were unavailable. This introduction led to other conducting opportunities for John and a band decision to split the year between Barry, John and Suzanne. In the 90's the band performed several times at the Corn Exchange with celebrity comperes these included Desmond Carrington, Griff Rhys-Jones, Bob Holness and John Brunning. During the 90's the band established itself as a regular performer at local annual events including the Mayor's Ball, Barham Hall Gardens openings and Music in the Park Festival. The band also performed at some old favourites including mess dinners at RAF Wattisham, now for the Army Air Corps. Interesting performances included those at Southend airshow and Newmarket races. In the 90's Simon Pulham took over as chairman of the band. Simon's other interest in theatre organs reunited the band with this instrument for several joint concerts. Most of these concerts were at Castle Hill church in Ipswich with its Christie organ, as well as the Wurlitzer at Cotton and Christie in Stevenage. Local organist and friend to the band David Ivory was often at the keyboard. The 90's also saw the birth of the band web site. In 1999 the Community Band was put into a state of suspended animation, the numbers had dwindled to a level too low for practical rehearsal and performance. The band has continued to play traditional 'Military Band' music alongside some more modern music written specifically for 'Symphonic Wind Band'. The more modern composers include Philip Sparke, Guy Woolfenden and Nigel Hess. TOP
The band moved into the new millennium at full strength, with all sections full including Eb clarinet, bassoons and baritone saxophones.
2000: The year began with band and organ at Stevenage under the direction of Barry. Sue then took over for more organ and band at Castle Hilll. This was followed by a concert at St Mary's Church at Bury St. Edmunds. This splendid church is the Regimental Church of the Suffolk Regiment. The band had performed in the church before but felt we should perform in Bury more regularly. An old custom was revived with a trip to Europe. The band went to Holland for 4 days under Barry's direction. After a horrendous journey through UK, France, Belgium into Holland the band arrived and stayed in self catering accommodation. A concert was given at the Airborne Forces Museum at Oosteerbeek, the highlight was playing John Addison's wonderful 'Bridge Too Far March' where it all happened. On the social side much fun was had by all including a ten pin bowling competition and a bike ride in not very suitable weather. Amongst the cyclists was 79 year old Don Cheeswright. The band did its usual performance at Barham Hall in June with Suzanne . In early July the band played in Elmhurst park, Woodbridge with Barry. This was one of a series of concerts featuring local groups that happened only as the result of a lot of hard work by local councillor Catherine Bryant. July also saw our regular appearance at the Music in the Park event in Christchurch Park. We gave another Summer Concert at the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe with Suzanne. The Suffolk Regiment OCA event was Ray Walker's last performance with the band, he had decided to retire from the SCB and leave the euphonium chair in Ian Blofield's capable hands. Ray was presented with a framed collection of photographs covering his period with the band. In September the band played under Barry in Easton Church. The big concert of the year took place in the Corn Exchange with Suzanne, Barry and Bernard Reader. The concert included a performance of 'Regimental Reunion' a piece written by Bernard to commemorate Ray Walker's contribution to the band over many years. In October the band played at the wedding of Ruth Symington and Andrew Farthing another couple who had met through the band. John Whelton took over for the rest of the year with concerts at Needham Market in November and Kesgrave at Christmas. This was our second appearance at the Kesgrave event that had grown out of the old wine circle Christmas concert we used to do many years ago. John included a spot for our singing group of Pearl Gibson, Ruth Symington, Lisa Taber and Sally Webb. Christmas was concluded with our annual St. Clements and Needham Market carol concerts. In 2000 we said good-bye to, long serving and always there to help, bassoonist Katherine Doyle as she has moved south with her work. In 2000 the band moved its rehearsal venue up the road to Holy Trinity Church hall. For the time being accommodation is being kept in the Grimwade memorial hall for library and other storage.
2001: Suzanne began the year with a concert in St. Mary Le Tower, Ipswich. The band had not played in this church for many years and it was felt that the band should perform in Ipswich this year as no Corn Exchange concert was planned for 2001. The audience was small. In May the band returned to St Mary's, Bury St. Edmunds this time performing with the St Edmundsbury Male Voice Choir. John took over for the summer with the usual Barham Hall and Music in the Park. The summer concert in the Spa Pavilion was another John Whelton entertainment feast including lots of solo features. John concluded his spot with the band's return to the Riverside in Woodbridge after several years absence. In November Suzanne was offered, and accepted, the post of musical director of the Cambridge Concert Orchestra. As both organisations rehearse on the same evening she had to resign her position with the Suffolk Concert Band . Suzanne had been with the band as MD since 1987, and as player since well before that. The immediate conducting duties were taken care of as Barry was programmed to be conducting up to Christmas. Suzanne was to have conducted from January working towards a concert in Stevenage in March and a return to St. Mary's Bury in May. Simon conducted a small band at Shotley Church for Royal British Legion Remembrance Sunday Barry took over the band and we performed in St Johns Church, Felixstowe sharing the concert with the Gyppyswyck Singers. We finished the year with carols at St Clement's Church, Simon conducted the band at Landguard Fort carol service and Mike Vorndran led the band for our traditional visit to Needham Market Community Centre Carol Service. This year the event was raising money for a local children's hospice.
2002 At the AGM Suzanne Dexter-Mills was made a Vice-President and Don Cheeswright an Honorary Member. To fill the vacancy left by Suzanne we asked Bernard Reader to conduct the band through from January to May with two concerts at Stevenage and Bury St.Edmunds. This was a return for Bernard who finished as our MD in 1978, although he has conducted individual pieces in concerts since then. We performed at Stevenage sharing the stage with David Ivory. Our attempts to appear as part of the Bury Festival failed due to the organisers lack of interest in local non-professional performers. We ended up performing on a Saturday night, with a major concert on next door in the cathedral. Our audience was disappointingly small. Barry took over in May. Our planned visit to Belgium was cancelled due to lack of commitment from members and financial caution within the committee. We did our usual summer things playing at Barham Hall and Music Day in Ipswich. We had another successful concert at the Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe. The band decided to advertise for a new Musical Director with options for guest conductors. John took over for September to Christmas. The band was fortunate to obtain a booking at Eastbourne Bandstand, we had wonderful September weather and a bumper crowd watched a memorable performance. In October the band broke the last link with the Grimwade Memorial Hall when the library was moved out, the building had been sold for redevelopment. In the same month a small band played at a variety show in Needham Market in aid of the Royal British Legion. The band continued the tradition of performing for Shotley British Legion on Remembrance Sunday. In November the band performed in the Corn Exchange with a Northgate School band and choir. Martin Bell attended this event and introduced the proceedings and the band were able to donate some money to UNICEF as a result of this concert. The band regained charitable status during November. Christmas came with traditional visits to Landguard Fort and Needham Market.
2003 We went into the year with a vacancy for musical director and after consultation with the membership it was decided to seek out and appoint a permanent MD. In the interim, John Whelton was to cover spring and Bernard Reader the summer with our new MD expected by the autumn. A barn dance was organised in January as a social function because of our charitable status this was run from outside the normal management structure of the band. John Whelton conducted the band in a concert in the Jubilee Hall, Aldeburgh (possibly the band's first trip to the seaside town). Once again a good concert but with a small audience. Bernard Reader covered the normal summer events including Barham Hall and a concert at the Spa. We returned to Eastbourne, this time on a Saturday in August, we had a smaller crowd than last year. After advertising for the MD post we had 3 applications and 2 people were asked to conduct the band as an audition. After this process Roger Jones was selected, he teachers at the Royal Hospital School and is an ex-Royal Marine Bandmaster. Roger took over in September and a barbeque was organised as a welcome to him. He had his first concert with the band in Ardleigh Church in November. We welcomed back Natasha Woodard on bassoon who has since married and become Natasha Free. Thomas Rumbold now studying at Colchester Institute became a regular member of the band, multi-talented on percussion and various clarinets. Toby Pratt, clarinet, had his first year with the band. Vanessa Lincoln played in the Spring and Summer but has moved on to study for a Masters Degree. Usual Christmas concert at Landguard Fort and also played carols for Kesgrave Social Club.
2004 We started the year with what were intended to be informal concerts on our rehearsal night. To some these events were intended to be no more than open rehearsals; they ended up as concerts in uniform with no entrance charge but a retiring collection for church, charity and band. They seemed popular although the January one was affected by snowy weather. In April we heard that Ray 'Hookie Walker' had died aged 88, more can be found about him under Suffolk Regiment on main menu. In May the band played at the Silver Wedding celebrations of Mike and June Vorndran. The band played at both days of the Suffolk Show, the first time the band had been asked for many years. Once again the band made a trip to a coastal location, this time to the Memorial Bandstand at Deal in Kent. In October the band returned to the venue of one of its first concert, Suffolk College, formerly Ipswich Civic College the first vist in over 30 years. New members included: Sarah Atkinson on clarinet, Will Baldry on horn, Marion Singleton on trombone, Simon Tomlinson on alto and Christian Oeschlin from Switzerland for a few months.
2005 Due to experience of bad weather in the earlier part of previous years, January and February were quiet months. In March, we started the concert diary with a studio recording at Suffolk College to assist students in part of a Digital Recording course run by Adrian Budgen. We continued with the highly successful concert series at Holy Trinity with concerts in March and April, audience numbers slowly creeping up as word gets around. Also in April was another concert at Ardleigh Church followed by a concert at Stradbroke Church in May to raise money for a new roof for the Church. This was Christian Oeschlin's last concert before returning to Switzerland. Once again, the band were invited to play at the Suffolk Show for both days, enjoyed by all especially as the weather held out! Once upon a time, bandstand concerts in Christchurch Park were a regular feature of the Suffolk Concert Band, and this year they were once again invited to play in the park, to raise money for a new bandstand. The weather was spectacular and the afternoon was enjoyed by all. The regular summer events at the Spa Pavilion and Minden Day were repeated and in addition the band took a trip to Sheringham and put a concert on in the church. Unfortunately the weather was awful but the concert went very well. 2005 was the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar and to commemorate there were three concerts; joint concert with the band of the Royal Hospital School, Needham Market and Suffolk College. The year was completed by Christmas concerts at Woodbridge Salvation Army Hall and Holy Trinity. New members this year included: Alex Tostdevine (Oboe), Joy Settle (Tenor Saxophone), David Brunning (Bassoon) and Jonathan Gardiner (Euphonium). We also welcomed back ex-members Ray Wilson (Oboe), who took over as Treasurer, and Clem Cocker (Clarinet)
Current President and Vice Presidents
President: Martin Bell OBE
Vice-Presidents: Brian Annis OBE, Rankin Bushby, Suzanne Dexter-Mills, Andrew Fairley, Colin Pettingale, Bernard Reader, Barry Salmon, John Whelton
Past Presidents
General Sir Richard Goodwin
Paddy Drake 1970 - 1992
Philip Sparke 1992 - 1995
Bernard Reader 1995 - 1998
Past Vice Presidents
Ray Walker 2003 - 2004
Toby Pratt 2006 - present
Simon Pulham - 2006
Mark Cheadle
Gordon Scopes
Ray Wilson
Geoff Tidey
Bernard Reader
Roger Jones 2003 - present
John Whelton 1998 - 2003, 2004, 2006
Barry Salmon 1971 - 2002, 2004
Suzanne Dexter-Mills 1987 - 2001
Derek Cable 1981 - 1987
Andrew Fairley 1979 - 1980
Bernard Reader 1971 - 1978, 2002, 2003
Rankin Bushby 1967 - 1970
Uniforms, Traditions and Regimental Connections
The band inherited several instruments, some uniforms and a large amount of music from their army connections. The instruments and uniforms have since been replaced but much of the music is still in the present library.
The red and yellow colours used by the band are shared with the Suffolk Regiment and are a reminder of roots in the Suffolk Regiment. It is said that soldiers of the Suffolk Regiment (XII Foot) picked red and yellow roses to wear in their hats as they marched to the Battle of Minden in 1759. The battle resulted in victory for the British and became a regimental battle honour.
The Suffolk Regiment eventually became part of the Royal Anglian Regiment which itself became part of the Queens Division. One of the bands within the Queens Division is now called the Minden Band - we look upon them as distance cousins and we occasionally meet at musical functions.
The SCB sometimes plays the Suffolk Regimental quick march `Speed the Plough' which was once considered to be the hardest march in the British Army. The march is an arrangement of a Scottish reel and a Suffolk Morris Folk tune. The 12th Foot became the Suffolk Regiment in 1782 and the march dates back to at least 1741. The tune amalgamated with `Rule Britannia' (Royal Norfolk Regiment) as the regimental march of the Royal Anglian Regiment. LINK TO SUFFOLK REGIMENT MUSEUM.
A regimental link is maintained, in August every year, when members play at the annual Minden Day Suffolk OCA Regimental Reunion. The final, and most important, link with the past is the fact that we have members who were in the TA and the Suffolk Regimental bands.
In Memory of Long Serving Member Who Are No Longer With Us
"Thank you for the music"
| Reg Clarke | Derek Riding | Paul Fenoulet |
| Publicity Officer | Clarinet | Conductor/Arranger/Composer |
| Clive Beaumont | Freddie Cocker | Hazel Tidy |
| Cornet | Cornet | Percussion |
| Ray Walker | Dennis McAllister | George Heath |
| Bandmaster/Euphonium | Alto Sax | Saxophone/Clarinet |
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| Alan Murray | ||
| Clarinet/Bassoon | ||