The History of Heath Band
Over 90 years of music making
The early days
The Heath Excelsior Band was started by a group of friends in November, 1933, rehearsing at the Barn in Heath and Reach and carolling round the village. From its early days, right up to the ‘90s, the Band took part in contests, winning prizes and awards at competitions and festivals.
Lifelong Friends…
The Band formed a bond of friendship with the Acordeon Club de Brie under the leadership of local musician David Philips and throughout the 1980s enjoyed exchange visits, hosting the group and playing in France. David has kept his interest in the Band and is our current President.
Three Generations of the Farmer Family
A Family Affair…
Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren followed their forefathers into the Band and one of our present-day honorary life members, Arron Lansbury, is a founder’s grandson.
Three generations of the Farmer family
John Farmer played with the Band for almost 60 years and, as Bandmaster and Chairman, kept his father’s legacy alive. Sadly, John died in 2020 and the Band teamed up with Toddington Band to give a concert of his favourite music in his memory.
Zooming Marvellous! The pandemic presented a huge challenge, but we kept going throughout, with zoom rehearsals and a concert, and outdoor playing when this was allowed.
We’re delighted to be playing together again, and working to get the Band back up to full strength under the leadership of our new musical Director Steve Allen.
Happy birthday! We are celebrating the Band’s 90th birthday this year