Cranbrook |
|
|
Cranbrook is a country town lying at the heart of the Weald, the name given
to the fertile stretch of land in Kent and Sussex that lies between the North
and South Downs. Flemish weavers settled in Cranbrook in the 14th century, and
for several hundred years the town was the centre of a thriving cloth industry.
The high street with its typical Kentish weatherboard houses, leads towards the
restored Union Mill, a windmill originally built in 1814.
The Town Band is comprised of about 30 regular brass players who live in Cranbrook and the surrounding areas. The history of the Town band goes back to the 1920's. It has enjoyed mixed fortunes over the years and the present band was re-formed forty years ago. Since that time it has gradually grown in membership and the standard of playing has progressed steadily. Current membership includes people of many different ages and professions.
|
|
The BandCranbrook Town Band is self supporting; it's main income is obtained from concert performances throughout Kent & Sussex during the summer months. It does however take the time to support other organisations and has links with many charities, the British Legion and various churches. In addition the band does what it can to support music in schools and promote brass band music throughout the country.
|
|
The Musical Director |
|
|
|
The present Musical Director is Ian Lanceley. Since his appointment in November 1986 the band has responded extremely well to his enthusiastic teaching and has undoubtedly improved under his leadership. Ian’s banding started with the Litherland Silver Band in 1969. Since then he has played with and been a member of a number of top brass bands around the country. He also has extensive orchestral, wind band and big band experience Ian is a teacher at the King Ethelbert School in Birchington, Kent.
|
The Chairman |
|
|
|
The current Chairman is David Newsom. He joined the band at the end of 1986 aged
12, playing Third Cornet. During the subsequent six years he moved gradually up
the Cornet line and was playing on the front row when he went to University in
1992. During his 3 years at Royal Holloway and Bedford New College David played for Egham Town Band during term time, returning to Cranbrook during the holidays. He returned to the band full-time in 1995 and moved to Euphonium, which he still plays. David was appointed Chairman in February of 1999.
|
