Description

Faversham Mission Brass is a non-contesting brass band based in the lovely market town of Faversham. Over the years, the band has become more and more a town band than a church band, although the band is still connected to Faversham Gospel Mission and plays at its services about three times a year particularly Easter, Harvest and Christmas. The band plays regularly in the town for concerts and community events, as well as on the district's bandstands and for many charity organisations to assist with their fund-raising activities.

A potted history of the Band is as follows:

Approx. 1882

A handful of musicians got together as a Christian Witness to the town of Faversham. These musicians became the founding members of Faversham Gospel Mission based in Tanners Street, the building being erected during 1888.

1887

An early instrument problem can be noted as in the Band Minutes of that year it states that the Bandmaster was asked to teach young men music, but without instruments!

1900

The Band took part in many parades and an Easter Sunday march was arranged for 6.30 a.m.

1901

A Mrs. Russell was collecting money for new instruments. Some of the old instruments were sold for 4/6d and a new model instrument was purchased for £2!

1902

It is noted that learners paid 3d a week for training until 10/- was paid and that the Town Crier did the Band advertising.

1913

This was the earliest year mentioned that the Band played in the town carnival.

1915

The Band started giving concerts, one of which was for soldiers in the war held in the Weslyan Chapel and another in the Queen's Hall.

1921

It is noted that the Band be allowed to play for charity but not for political parades.

1923

Earliest mention of the Band taking part in contests.

1934

The Band purchased the instruments of the disbanded 'Powder Cotton Works Band' at £15 for the lot!

1940

The popular Bandstand services held in the Recreation Ground were discontinued owing to the national crisis but were re-commenced in 1951.

1946

Women admitted to the Band for the first time!

1957

The Band entered the 4th Section Contest at Tunbridge Wells and won first prize gaining 155 out of a possible 200 points.

May 1962

The Band, under its bandmaster, Mr. G. Seggery, won the Wilmshurst Challenge Cup and a prize of £10 in the Royal Tunbridge Wells Band Federation's annual contest.

May 1978

After months of fund-raising, the Band was able to purchase a new set of instruments. The instruments were presented at a concert in the Alexander Centre by Mayor of Faversham, Brian Wise, and Dennis Motley, chairman of the Band's fund-raising committee. A certificate of thanks was also presented to Gwyn Williams, conductor, for his services to the Band and for his help with the fund-raising efforts.

1980

The Band made its first (and so far only) LP!

October 1982

The band took part in an eight hour sponsored blow-in to raise money for their own funds and the Gospel Mission lease fund.

Early 1983

The Band purchased a new set of uniforms. These were in use until 2006.

July 2004

The Band purchased a set of polo shirts with its logo as an alternative to the more formal uniform.

March 2007

The Band purchased a new set of uniforms which were unveiled at the first concert of the season. A special mention goes to Slater Menswear for its excellent value and service.

August 2007

The Band finally replaced the music stand banners that had been used since the 1970s.

November 2008

A set of quality fleeces was purchased for outside engagements during the winter months complete with logo and back embroidery.

Description

Built in 1895, and refurbished in 2006, the Leas Bandstand stands opposite the Clifton Gardens and next to the Leas Cliff Hall.

There isn't a car park, but, street parking is available nearby.

The Leas,

Folkestone,

Kent,

England,

CT20 2XL.