This summary history was written by Caroline Perkins who is writing a book about the history of the Band.  If you have any information for her, please do contact us or email  [email protected].

First Phase

Bandmaster Mr Henry Elbourn, a tailor who later ran an Outfitters Shop in The Broadway. He was also a member of the Amersham Church Choir and helped raise money for the organ at St Mary’s Church.
1844 – Earliest record that the band played at Barnet Independent order of Foresters event, Loyal Wrotham Lodge
1856 – played at The Union Treat, Amersham
1866 – Played at a Choral meeting at St Mary’s Church

9137T
Front Row from the left: George Ward with the beard, John Redding 5th from left, small boy Georgie Ward (Son of George Ward). Back Row from the left: Jim Redding (PHO9137)

Second Phase
Bandmaster  – Mr George Ward, ran a cycle shop and keen photographer.
1890 George Ward re-forms the band as a ‘Sons of Temperance’ Band
1891 Severed the connections with the Sons of Temperance movement and become a temperance organisation of its own.
28th July 1891 First photograph (left) of the band having played at Bendrose Farm for the Lower Baptist Chapel Annual Treat.Temperance Brass Band rules 1892
1892 – Change of name to Amersham Town Band

See the 1892 and 1897 Christmas notices.

 

9044
In 1898. Back row from the left: Charles ‘Dibe’ Keen on Drum, Tom Baker on trombone, George Ward centre. Front row from the left: John Redding, Jim Redding (PHO9044)

 

(PHO9247)
Also in 1898 (PHO9247)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Band in the High Street in 1901
The Band in the High Street in 1901

1898 – New Uniforms, see photographs above.

1909 – re-formation with Mr W Victory and MR G Ward

Third Phase pre war

Bandmaster Mr Arthur Webb, delivery man and later grocers shop proprietors at Chesham Bois. Prize-winning Euphonium player with Chesham Silver Band.
1910 – Successful concert under new conductor

 1914 Played at WWI recruitment meeting in the High Street Old Amersham
1919 Played at Peace Celebrations in Amersham

(Possibly the Amersham Band in fancy dress?)

Third Phase post war

Bandmaster – Mr Herbert Fountain, cycle maker who worked for George Ward and married his niece.

The band in 1926 with uniforms aquired secondhand from a Wycombe band, with Herbert Fountain in the centre front row.
The band in 1926 with uniforms aquired secondhand from a Wycombe band, with Herbert Fountain in the centre front row.

1926 – Band re-formed with second hand uniforms from Wycombe Band
1932 – Band re-formed again with Herbert Fountain as Bandmaster
1934 – Purchase portable band hall (Shed) which was possibly placed in grounds of The Swan.

The band in 1935 with their new uniforms at the Chenies ‘Buffalo Parade’, thought to be taken outside The Red Lion in Chenies
The band in 1935 with their new uniforms at the Chenies ‘Buffalo Parade’, thought to be taken outside The Red Lion in Chenies

 

 

 

 

 

1935 – New Uniforms, and paraded for the Kings Jubilee in Amersham on the Hill and Old Amersham.
1951 – Band wound up

 

1935 uniform in 1997Amersham Band would like to trace a band uniform dating back to 1935, last exhibited in 1997 here in the photograph. The uniform belonged to Mr Leslie Keen, a member of the band in 1935 and part of the group that reformed the band in 1977. The uniforms were purchased by the band in 1935 and used for the first time at the parade for the King George V Jubilee. If anyone has any information about the uniform please get in touch at [email protected]

Fourth Phase

1977 – Band re-formed by Jean Archer (Town Mayor), Eric Edmonds (Town Councillor). Nigel Tolliday appointed as Musical Director.

Click for the Band’s website.

Plan Your Visit

Opening hours:

Wednesday to Sunday, and Bank Holiday Mondays, 12noon to 4:30pm

49 High Street
Old Amersham
Buckinghamshire
HP7 0DP

01494 723700
[email protected]

 

“Enjoyed our visit to this wonderful interactive museum where you are positively encouraged to touch things!”

“Visited Amersham museum yesterday – lovely place, provides many details on the history of the place. Plenty of cute cafes, pubs and shops around also… not difficult to find free parking nearby. ”

“A well-run, informative and interesting small museum on the main street. It’s mostly volunteer-run and they do a great job in keeping it and making you feel welcome…Check out the herb garden too.”

“Enjoyable film and television location guided walk around Amersham hosted by Amersham Museum – here are the Sun Houses on Highover Park and further up the hill is High & Over.”

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