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80's and 90's & Places weve played
Dean Faulkner Current Band Master
1946-1979
Each Bandmaster brings something new to the Band, and Dean Faulkner is no exception. Dean has been a member of the Band for 30 years now and Band Master since 2003. Perhaps the most visual change that the Band has seen in recent years is the move from wearing the St John uniform that went with our role to having our own unique jackets - each one individually fitted to ensure that we all look our best. In 2004 I began my Sovereigns Award within St John and needed a specific target to aim my fundraising at. When Dean suggested new uniforms it was quite a surprise - would this be achievable and would St John nationally approve?Thankfully they did, so a jacket style was agreed on and fundraising began - the aim being that the jackets would be ready to be worn in 2006 for our 60th anniversary year. Not only were we able to raise enough for the jackets, we were also able to purchase a Band Masters sash and a new Drum Majors sash, both designed especially for us. Musically the Band now incorporates a much wider range of instruments than ever before - tenor sax and clarinets have been introduced, enabling a variety of harmonies to be played whilst alto sax and euphoniums have been added to create a bass section. Having different instruments available offers more opportunities for new members and also means that the Band is able to play in a greater variety of formations - marching will always be the roots of our Band, however now we can provide a smaller wind-band and play in concert formation too. Other structures that Dean has managed to introduce are private music lesions for members wanting to learn a second instrument or improve on the instrument they already play - fully funded by the band. We have also seen the creation of the Band's website - this has given us further opportunities to play at different events. If you havent logged onto it yet then it's well worth a visit.One of the proudest moments must be when our member, Maxine Cruise, joined the Royal Marines band. For someone who could not play at the age of 10 to become a Royal Marine musician by the age of 17 is quite incredible. The band truly gives everyone the opportunity of life changing experiences, something we are all very proud of.The newly formed Swing Band, which performed at the start of the second set tonight, has opened up further avenues for members, and gives a completely different style of music. The Swing Band enables members to play another instrument that they perhaps wouldn't play in the main Band, and experiment with music that stretches their abilities.From the start Dean has had high hopes, and high expectations, for the Band, and his enthusiasm, together with that of every member of the Band has helped these to be realised. We all look forward to future events with the Band, and hope that we can continue to build on the strength and reputation that began in 1946 with those enthusiastic Cadets. We have already mentioned this evening about the uniqueness of our unit of St John. Whilst going through our records I found the following sentence that was written by one of our members and I think this sums up the true essence of the Band."Band members past and present always remember the special affinity we have with each other, and that friendship and loyalty is fundamental in achieving great things"
Wally Gunn led the Band into the 60's, remaining as Band Master for 10 years. This period saw the Cadets from the other two Island Divisions, known as Queenborough and Sheppey Rural, joining and also Adult members, however still no women! The Band were using cavalry trumpets with no valves, side drums, tenor drums, bass and cymbals. In 1968 valve trumpets were introduced to widen the range and increase the scope of tunes that could be played. The marching season would begin with the St Georges Day parade in April and finished with torchlight carnivals in Faversham and Rye, and of course Remembrance Day in Sheerness. The summer months were filled with carnivals, fetes and civic duties. Regular route marches took place on Sunday mornings around the back streets of Sheerness to improve marching and playing. The uniform was the standard Adult uniform with dress cords. Dress regulations were strict although the Band did embellish the uniform over the years.One notable parade was the opening of the Kingsferry Bridge where our members played the fanfare at the ceremony attended by Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent. The Band regularly took part in the St John Day parade in London as well as carnivals and fetes throughout Kent and the County Cadet Camp held at Dymchurch.The late 60's and early 70's were a difficult time for the Band - for the younger members it wasn't the thing to be seen in uniform, many of the older members were playing in dance and country bands and gigs often clashed with Band engagements. Band Masters Roger Dunn and John Austin kept the Band going but eventually after the 1972 London Parade the decision was made that the Band would continue to practise however would not appear in public. Following the amalgamation of the three Island St John Divisions in 1977 the instruments were re-housed in the The 80's and 90's saw the Band going from strength to strength, indeed many of the Adult members you have seen performing here tonight joined during this period. With the addition of glockenspiels in the early 80's the band was able to become more versatile with tunes ranging from marches, folk songs and regimental pieces to popular music from the shows. Band Master Maurice Taylor saw us through the early part of the 80's, followed by Kevin Roberts. The Band wanted to lead the St John Day parade in 1986 to celebrate it's 40th anniversary so a big effort was made throughout 1984 and 1985 with playing and marching. It was at this time that Sonia Lassnig became our Drum Major, the drummers learnt 'Drummers Knocks' and 'Hales Jigs' and new members were drafted into the brass section. Everyone worked hard to perfect the marching display that would take place after the service in Patternoster Square. The Band returned to London 10 years later with Band Master Tony Cole to celebrate the Band's 50th anniversary. The Sheppey Division, including the Band, became very busy towards the late 80's and early 90's, and weekends were always spent performing at local events such as our own fundraisers, carnivals, charity events and formal ceremonies. As well as our members, much of our repertoire comes from this era too, at the time it felt like we were learning a new tune every week! It's funny how most of us could probably play what was known as 'Match of the Day Onwards' in our sleep yet struggle with the new tune we were learning last week! Along with Tony, Band Master Dave Anderson was responsible for many of our most popular tunes, however I think that everyone will agree that dropping 'Star Wars' was one of our better moves - Sorry Dave!It was also during this time that we began our selection of Christmas tunes, and introduced what we call the War Medley - a selection of well-known tunes from the 1940's. With Kevin, Tony, Dave and later Allyn Roberts, the Band grew in so many ways - the marching displays became more complicated, the music more challenging, lifelong friendships were founded and the Band became one of the best locally, and one of, if not the best bands in St John nationally.Over the last 64 years the Band has been fortunate enough to play at some fantastic locations, and has taken part in some very prestigious events. Small and local parades are just as important as the larger parades that we have had to travel for - every time you put on your uniform you are playing because you want to and you hope that those who are listening really enjoy the performance and realise St John is not just about first aid. Ceremonial, and commemorative parades have always formed a major part of the Bands activities with Remembrance Day being the one parade in the year that no-one ever misses. In more recent years we have played for the VE and VJ celebrations, the Poppy concert and the Wildfire service at Queenborough. The Arnhem Oak parade will always be remembered as the muddy parade where all the cars got stuck, and because we had to play the Dutch National Anthem - possibly the most challenging piece we have ever had to learn!Locally we play Christmas tunes for the Foxley Road light up each year, take part in school fetes and local charity fundraisers, and for many years led the Sheerness summer and winter carnivals. We have played at St Peters Church for Christian Aid concerts, and at Minster Abbey where we held a concert with the Camarthen Male Voice Choir. The Christmas Dickens festival at Rochester has always been a good one to get us practising the carols, even if we do freeze on the day. 2006 was a very special year for us as we celebrated our 60th anniversary and wanted to mark this with some memorable events. We managed to re-create the first ever band parade and marched through Sheerness, this time to Trinity Church, for a service of thanksgiving and dedication of the new Band Master and Drum Major sashes. Having played at the opening of the Kingsferry Bridge in the 60's, we were then chosen to be the Band to open and lead the first people over the bridge, which is now call the Sheppey Crossing. However the majority of the Band will say that the most memorable part of our special year was leading the parade at Disneyland Paris - this was the first time we had ever ventured into Europe. Marching down Mainstreet with thousands of people clapping and cheering us on was just incredible, and quite emotional - this day has to go down as one of the most memorable days in the Band's long history.The Band has taken part in, and led, the annual St John Day Parade in London more than 25 times, had the honour of performing at the Centenary celebrations in Hyde Park in 1987, and played at Mansion House. Also in London we have marched in the Lord Mayors Show and the parade held on New Years Day.As well as performing at our own St John County events we have supported Divisions further afield and performed on the Isle of Wight, at Cromer, Cambridge and Leicester.We have been lucky enough to play for Royalty - Princess Margaret at Westminster Palace, the Duke of Gloucester at Leeds Castle and the Queen - both at Eastchurch Primary School and at St Johns Gate in London. We have shared some amazing experiences together as a Band, visited some incredible places, and met some exceptional people, however the most important thing for each of us is being part of this family, promoting our organisation and showing just how diverse we are. When you put on your uniform or strike that first note it gives you a great sense of pride in what we do. Our friendships, marriages and social occasions have also played a fundamental part in our success, long may that continue.
For 64 years our Band has been making music and taking part in events locally and further afield. The Band has become an 'Institution in Black and White' and is held dear to the hearts of members both past and present, their families and friends, and is highly respected by the local community and fellow members of St John. Our story starts in 1945. After seeing another Cadet Band from Ramsgate perform, the Sheerness Ambulance Cadets approached their Officers with a view to forming their own Band. Extensive fundraising began for the £300 that was needed to purchase the instruments. When enough money was raised four Cadets and the Treasurer of the Men's Division went to Potters, a musical instrument supplier, in London to purchase the instruments. Due to the war wood was restricted and so a licence had to be applied for before the drums could be purchased. Until the licence was granted the drummers had sticks but had to make do with the desks in the Broadway School on practice nights!The Band's first parade took place in Sheerness on the 27th April 1946 beginning with a ceremony at the paddling pond in Beachfields where the instruments were officially presented. The Band, led by Drum Major Norman Silverstone and Band Master Dick Lester, marched to Bluetown Church for a service and blessing of the instruments, then marched back through the High Street and Broadway where the salute was taken at the Conservative Club. The Band went from strength to strength throughout the 40's and 50's and built up a reputation for being very smart as well as being strong musically. The Band consisted of Ambulance Cadets only at this time. Their repertoire was bugle marches interspersed with drum solos. The boys had the honour of leading the annual St John Day Parade at St Paul's Cathedral, and also played at the St John Coronation Camp in 1953. In 1950 I was doing my apprenticeship with Dudley Hall and Brian Collett in Sheerness Dockyard. Both were tenor drummers in the Band - they were forever picking up their welding sticks and practising their drumming in the workshop. They persuaded me to join so in 1951, with Derek Howard as Band Master, my career with the Band began. The Band has been my life ever since and has given me more pleasure than I can ever say. Every time I go to a practice or parade it is a joy to see so many friends belonging to something that also gives so much enjoyment to others. I have seen so many changes since those early days of the Band, yet the reputation for being smart and for being strong musically has continued across the years. I hope you will agree as you watch the performance this evening just what I mean.Wally Gunn led the Band into the 60's, remaining as Band Master for 10 years. This period saw the Cadets from the other two Island Divisions, known as Queenborough and Sheppey Rural, joining and also Adult members, however still no women! The Band were using cavalry trumpets with no valves, side drums, tenor drums, bass and cymbals. In 1968 valve trumpets were introduced to widen the range and increase the scope of tunes that could be played. The marching season would begin with the St Georges Day parade in April and finished with torchlight carnivals in Faversham and Rye, and of course Remembrance Day in Sheerness. The summer months were filled with carnivals, fetes and civic duties. Regular route marches took place on Sunday mornings around the back streets of Sheerness to improve marching and playing. The uniform was the standard Adult uniform with dress cords. Dress regulations were strict although the Band did embellish the uniform over the years.One notable parade was the opening of the Kingsferry Bridge where our members played the fanfare at the ceremony attended by Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent. The Band regularly took part in the St John Day parade in London as well as carnivals and fetes throughout Kent and the County Cadet Camp held at Dymchurch.The late 60's and early 70's were a difficult time for the Band - for the younger members it wasn't the thing to be seen in uniform, many of the older members were playing in dance and country bands and gigs often clashed with Band engagements. Band Masters Roger Dunn and John Austin kept the Band going but eventually after the 1972 London Parade the decision was made that the Band would continue to practise however would not appear in public. Following the amalgamation of the three Island St John Divisions in 1977 the instruments were re-housed in the Headquarters at Halfway, and there was a resurgence of members and of interest in the Bands activities. New members were welcomed, including female Cadet and Adult members and so the Isle of Sheppey St John Band, under the leadership of Sidney Budd then Michael Ashby, was able to look towards the 80's with a renewed sense of enthusiasm. A little known fact is that the Band at this time did briefly introduce bagpipes Probably a good thing that the idea never really took off!
