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‘Bret’ band are the only surviving village band in Worcestershire.

The earliest mention in public records which the band has found, is one in September of 1895 where reference is made in the Evesham Journal to an event to raise funds for the newly-formed band.

Further research has revealed that the band was formed sometime between the autumn of 1894 and the summer of 1895.

The band evolved from a Band of Hope based on a chapel in the village and when first formed it was known as the Bretforton Temperance Band.

Some years ago the band was fortunate enough to purchase this chapel and now it is here that they meet to practice every Thursday at 8pm.

Our training band rehearse on a Sunday evening from 6pm – 7pm. They are conducted by Paul Wood with help from other members of the Bretforton Silver Band.

We have a supporters club who are always looking for willing volunteers. Ways in which they help us include…..

· Running raffles at events such as the Asparagus Auction and Christmas concert

· Organising a tombola for the BretFest village fete.

· Helping us to advertise and promote our concerts by distributing posters and flyers to the village.

· Selling our CD’s at events

· Assisting in running our stall at our ‘The last night of the Proms’

· Organising an annual band dinner for band members, supporters, trustees and life members.

· Fundraising at ‘Bank Holiday Brass’ on the August Bank Holiday by running a cake stall, raffle and selling fruit & veg.

The supporters club also raise funds through their 100 club. Subscription is £12 per year with monthly prizes of £25, £15 and £10 and in December £100, £50 and £25.

At our annual Christmas concert the supporters club make a donation to the band. The money they have raised over the years has gone towards new lighting for our band room, a new euphonium, acoustic panels for our bandroom, new uniforms, tubular bells, purchasing a shed for extra storage. and many more..

The band have recorded 2 CD’s ‘Evergreen’ and ‘Isn’t This a lovely day’ They are available to purchase at our events or by contacting us.

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