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History
Gosport Silver Band was formed in 1968 as the brainchild of Alderman John Fairhall, a
former Mayor of Gosport. While on holiday in Austria he heard a town band and thought that it would
enhance the image of Gosport if it too had a town band. He put this idea to Gosport Borough Council, which
supported him unanimously and made available a loan of £5,000 for the purchase of instruments, music and
uniforms. The council also provided a rehearsal room.
The Band's founder Director of Music was Cecil Brown, a retired Royal Marines Commissioned Bandmaster,
who led and directed the Band until 1982. He was succeeded by Albert Hall, also a former Royal Marines
Bandmaster, who stepped down as musical director in April 2005 but continues to play in the band to this day.
Albert was succeeded as Musical Director in April 2005 by Derek Jones and in September 2007 he was succeeded by Richard Sharp.
In its early years the Band pioneered music on the Solent, playing on the Isle of Wight ferries on
Sunday afternoons while they cruised from Portsmouth to Southampton Water. It was a feature of the
welcoming scene when Princess Alexandria visited the town.
When the Golden Jubilee of Gosport attaining borough status was celebrated, the Band shared the
platform with the Central Band of the Royal Air Force at a gala garden party.
The Present Day
The Band features prominently in various aspects of the life of the town. Each May it plays at
the Annual Meeting of Gosport Borough Council when the new Mayor is elected. Annually, it contributes
to Not the Last Night of the Proms at St.Mary's Church at Alverstoke. Each October the Band
pays tribute to its founder by presenting a special concert at the Thorngate Halls. It is no idle
boast when the Band claims that it has entertained hundreds of thousands of people and helped raise
considerable sums for charity.
The Band draws players from the whole of the Solent area. New players of all standards are always
welcome and further information is available from the Director of Music, Richard Sharp on 07875382691, or the band's secretary,
Dr. Len Gittins on 023 92363707. We currently have a training band and individual members of the band help
coach beginners and intermediate players to become experienced enough to join the main Band. Our current membership for the training band stands at 18 members.
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