MUSICAL director of the Wellington Silver Band is seeking to fill some vacancies within the ranks of the historic grouping which dates back to 1860.

Colin G. Dance has recently taken over lead and said: “With our other B flat bass leaving due to work commitments, we have openings for two B flat bass players and have instruments available at the band room.

“We are also looking for a tuned percussionist and have our own set of timpani and other tuned instruments. Other brass players are always welcome.”

Initially called the Wellington Rifle Corps Band, the first Wellington band was attached to the 8th Somerset Rifles. By 1869 they had competition in the form of Wellington Amateur and by 1880, the Wellington Harmonic Society in Tonedale.

All three bands were much in demand but by 1886 only the Volunteer Rifle Corps Band remained, formed from musicians across the area.

Military service during WWI reduced the size of the band and volunteer groups were disbanded in the early 1920s.

In March 1926 the band morphed into the Wellington Silver Band and was in great demand during the 1930s playing concerts and charity events around the area with new uniforms enhancing the band’s popularity.

A highlight in 1936 saw the band and the Wellington Branch of the Royal British Legion travel to London leading a march from Paddington Station to Hyde Park for a service.

1939 once again saw lean times in terms of players, many being called up for active service at the start of WWII.

By 1947 things greatly improved and normal bookings were taken with the band’s success bringing wins at contests in Crewkerne and Barnstaple in 1957.

The band has continued to entertain the citizens of Wellington and the surrounding area and go from strength to strength - even achieving the fourth round of the Southwest Brass Band Association contests, says Colin.

He said: “We have decided not to compete but to play for the enjoyment of ourselves and our public.

“We do many charity events throughout the year and are fortunate to have acquired our own band room which is above a retail business we rent out in Wellington’s Fore Street.

“Fundraising for the provision of a lift is in progress, much to the relief of our bass players who bravely manhandle their instruments up and down a sheer flight of steps each band practice.”

The band rehearses on Tuesday evenings in the band’s building from 7.30 pm to 9.45 pm.

The Musical Director continued: “We also have a beginner’s group and an intermediate band, who rehearse on Thursdays (Beginners 6.00 pm to 6.30 pm and Intermediates 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm).

“Please phone our secretary Gill Muggeridge on 07751 563664 to confirm your visit.”

The band is performing at the Service of Remembrance in Wellington Park on Sunday, November 8 at 2.00 pm, and at the Christmas Concert in St John’s Church on Saturday, December 19.