Band Origins

Staines Brass Band was formed in 1930 by a small group of brass players living in and around Staines who were keen to   share their talents and pleasure in playing good music. The band has continued filling that main objective ever since.

For many years the band had no  permanent rehearsal room and could often be seen carting instruments, stands, music, and even chairs around the halls, rooms and even Pubs (though we were once a temperance band!) in Staines, in order to keep going. Eventually it settled in the '70's in a wooden changing hut at Staines Football Club as its 'temporary' residence.

Even in this homeless state the band was making a name for itself on local Bandstands, Parks and Concert Halls, and especially, through the '70's and '80's, as it began to contest with good success in Area and Regional Band Competitions. However, it has been the '00's that has seen the band develop into a major force in the brass band world both in concert and on the contest platform.

Concerts have been performed with such stars as Don Lusher, Kenny Ball, George Chisholm and a never to be forgotten night with Messrs Hinge and Brackett! Bandstand performances, as well as in and around Staines, have been given, in recent times, in such venues as Hyde Park, Hampton Court Palace, Dover Castle, Twickenham Rugby Ground for the 1999 World Cup, Polesden Lacey, St James' Park, Royal Festival Hall and the Birmingham Symphony Hall.

Contesting at local and/or national levels, the life-blood of most Brass Bands, has seen the Band achieve successes in, amongst other near and far places, Folkestone, Leicester, Prestatyn, Isle of Wight, Weston-Super-Mare, Stevenage, Buxton, Yeovil and Blackpool. And, 'tis, every brass band's ambition, in the Royal Albert Hall for the National Championships of 1996, 2000 and 2006.

The band reckon to do about a dozen concerts a year, including playing for Charity events, Council, Civic and Church occasions both indoors and out. This helps to fund the expenses of the band which is a self financing organisation. Staines Brass also look to do about 6 contests a year to keep the playing standards up and (hopefully) the silverware coming in! This also helps us to bring in more players and increase the local support.

Finally, the band worked for and achieved, with excellent support from its local authority of Spelthorne, its own purpose built bandroom in the Staines Lammas Park on the banks of the Thames, where it rehearses at least twice a week depending on the playing schedule. The band has rehearsed here since 1990. It also runs a second band - the Staines Lammas Band for players who enjoy a more relaxed once a week rehearsal, and a more local engagement schedule. Both bands welcome new players of all ages and playing ability. You will always find a place somewhere in our ever expanding activities.