Godalming Band showed off a brand new set of jackets and ties at their annual Christmas concert, bringing their year of 80th anniversary celebrations to a stylish close.
The band raised money for their uniform replacement project with two new concerts held in the spring and autumn, and a spectacular evening marching with the Lewes Borough Bonfire Society in November. The band was also gas grateful to receive grants from local councils which enabled the new uniforms to be completed just in time for the Christmas concert.
Dominic Cleal, the band’s PRO, said “it was an exciting and proud moment to see the band assemble and walk out in this new set of uniforms, looking very smart and well-fitted. We couldn’t have achieved it without the perseverance of our band members and the support from our supporters and council members in the local community.”
Godalming band’s uniforms have varied over the years, from their original double-breasted, brass-buttoned Navy jackets, through different versions with red piping and lapels, to the familiar mid-blue uniforms that the band are known for today which originated in 1979 and were last refreshed in 1995 to coincide with the opening of the band room in Farncombe. The band moves into 2018 in a smart new set of black concert jackets with blue lapels and gold embroidering, and a brand new tie with the Godalming Band crest. The uniform for the band’s prize-winning percussion section also includes a new black waistcoat.
The band is an integral part of the local community in Godalming. It has an active Youth Band teaching children from the age of seven to seventeen to play and enjoy music together. The bands play at many local events in and around the town, including charity events, as well as regional contests. Christmas saw both youth and senior bands out carolling in local villages and visiting retirement homes and day centres around the area, as well as their final concert of the year where the new uniform was unveiled. Godalming band is self-supporting, thanks to the generosity of local residents to provide funds for instruments, music and uniforms for both the senior and youth band.
Godalming Band’s Musical Director is James Haigh, who has led the band since 2013. The Youth Band Musical Director is David Lofus MBE.
For more details about the band and forthcoming events, see www.godalmingband.org.uk or contact the band’s Public Relations Officer, Dominic Cleal (01403 355129, pro@godalming.band).