A short history of Wellington Silver Band
1887
1887 Wellington Town Band was formed from Wellington Volunteer Band of the 2ndBattalion Prince Albert's Somersetshire Light Infantry. First set of instruments and music bought for £70 and they arrived on 13 May. On 4 June the first concert was given outside of the Squirrel Hotel (by November that year the band had performed 32 times).
1900’s
Wellington Town Band marched to the new town park, given to the town by Fox Bros & Co Ltd, and played the first concert in the bandstand in 1903. Band held concerts for the “Titanic Fund” (the band played in lots of concerts to raise money for national and local charities – which the band still likes to be involved with today).
1914-1918
The band played on even though many members were enlisted. The band played at local events to help keep the populace in a patriotic mood and cheerful during those grim days.
1920’s
New uniform and instruments purchased through support from local businesses and towns people. The band changed its name to Wellington Town Silver Band.
1940-1946
Band continued, although it was thought it would fold due to enlisting, playing at many local events for fundraising for the war effort and finally the Welcome Home parties.
1950’s
Band headed new carnival and won competitions in Crewkerne and Barnstaple.
1960’
Revived carnival after 7 years lapse. Purchase of current band room. New set of instruments bought at a cost of £1500.00. In 1967 the band did first twinning exchange with Lillebonne.
1970’s
Band came 2nd in HTV's “Best in the West” in 1975. In 1979 band changed its name to Wellington Silver Band.
1980’s
Saw dip in membership at the beginning of the 80’s but by the time of the Centenary Concert in 1987 the band was going strong and with a new uniform, at a cost of £3500.00.
1990’s
Band’s first twinning trip to Immenstadt in 1992 on twinning exchange. In 1996 a new set of instruments including full drum kit purchased at a cost of over £25,000.00, most of the money was donated by the National Lottery although the band had to put forward a percentage of the cost.
2005-2007
2005-2007 saw the lowest ever membership within the band fluctuating between 5-8 players. In 2007 a major recruitment drive took place for learners and existing players. 2008 back to strong membership.
2009
2009 Successful recording of CD ‘Monumental’
