About Faversham Mission Brass
Currently:
Over the years, Faversham Mission Brass has become more and more a town band than a church band, although the band is still in attendance at Faversham Gospel Mission about four 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.
Photo of the Band dated 1904
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.