Description

The band was founded in March of 1953 in the Parish of “The Good Shepherd” Downham, Bromley, Kent. The founders were Cyril Mahoney, Tom Whinder and Tom Shea all accomplished musicians. (Trombone, Clarinet and Cornet respectively)

They were soon joined by others and in May were playing for outdoor church services in the Parish. Appropriately the Band was called “The Good Shepherd Band”.

A programme of sports days and garden fetes rapidly developed in addition to Church music and by its second year was engaged on almost every Saturday and Sunday in May and June in and around South East London.

Rehearsals take place during term time between 7:45 and 9:15pm at Bishop Justus School on Magpie Lane in Bromley.
Occasionally we play on Friday evening at a different venue so it would be wise to contact us beforehand if you were planning to visit.

Description

Hexagonal bandstand surrounded by lawns and trees, with concerts for an audience in deckchairs.

Overlooking the River Thames and home to one of London’s most iconic views, Greenwich Park is an amazing mix of 17th century landscape, stunning gardens and a rich history that dates back to Roman times.

The Bandstand was erected in 1891, the same year as the park's only surviving Victorian granite drinking fountain, this Grade II listed structure is located on the south-east side of Great Cross Avenue. The field surrounding it is known as Bandstand Field.

The metal was cast by the Coalbrookdale Company, famous for its decorative ironwork. 40 years before, the company exhibited the Coalbrookdale Gates (now in Kensington Gardens) at the Great Exhibition. The iron bandstand in Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham, was also cast at Coalbrookdale and erected in 1864 - making it the country's oldest surviving iron bandstand.

This bandstand is used today as a traditional meeting point for leisure activities and sponsored events.

Great Cross Ave.,

Greenwich,

Greater London,

England,

SE10 8XH.