Introducing the Wessex Military Band
The band originally started as a youth band in 1981 and in 1990 the British Army invited the band to form as the voluntary band of the Army Air Corps based at Middle Wallop near Andover, as they didn’t have a regimental band. They became known as the Voluntary Band of the Army Air Corps but in 1993 the Army decided to disband the volunteer band, being undeterred at this time the Wessex Military Band was formed.
The Ministry of Defence repaid its gratitude to the band by providing financial assistance in reforming as the Wessex Military Band and allowing the band to use the recently decommissioned ‘Wessex’ regiment emblem with its distinctive Wyvern. One of the early and
most prestigious engagements the band was involved in the early performing for HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duke of Kent.
When, in 2006 the bands founder retired to Austria, the band was fortunate to have in its ranks people who were willing to take over the day to day running of the band. These were in the persons of; Phil Bond (Bandmaster); Mandy Bell (Band administrator, treasurer and
librarian) and Shirley Courage (Band Co-ordinator) and more recently Louise Goligher (Marketing Manager). There are many others who contribute to the operation, including; Jen Dixon, John Cusack and Alfie Goldstone!
During COVID, the band were obviously unable to perform its usual 20+ engagements. However, during 2021 they had a very successful season performing several times on Bucky Doo square, an invite only engagement at Nothe Fort (Weymouth) and at the Bridport 2021
Remembrance Parade. They started indoor rehearsals again at the beginning of this year, when they were pleased to welcome several new / returning players. During 2022, they have limited their engagements to open air having almost completed a very successful season
with their Bucky Doo concerts, entertaining the Bridport and visitor crowds and entertaining passengers on cruise ships leaving from Portland port. They also visited Europe again this year as they were invited to attend a Schützenfest in Germany, once again renewing their longterm friendship built up over many years with the people of Haus Dülmen. The band are hoping in future years to be invited to other overseas events in countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Malta and Spain, as they have been in the past.
Following a three-year break since the band last held their extremely popular Winter Concert, a decision was made to revive this but for the first time at a larger venue; the Electric Palace. Although the music has not yet been finalised, the Bandmaster promises an enjoyable,
entertaining and fun programme, with something for all musical tastes young and old. However, it is envisaged, this will be dedicated to the decades of our Queens historic reign, with some Christmassy numbers.
The Wessex Military Band has a strong base of members of all ages and abilities, ranging from beginners to ex-military musicians and music professionals. If you would like to join them and can play a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument or are interested in joining the Corps of
Drums, please contact or leave a message for Mandy Bell on 07535 354433 or email [email protected].
