120^th Anniversary Concert

On a beautiful summer’s afternoon in early July the sleepy little village of Michelmersh began to hum with activity as villagers, civic dignitaries, ex-players and supporters of the village band made their way along the narrow lanes to St Mary’s Church. All had accepted an open invitation to help Michelmersh Band Celebrate the 120th anniversary of its founding with a Service of Thanksgiving. When plans for the celebration were being made it was decided that St Mary’s was the obvious setting to start the celebration, as it and its incumbent Rector in 1886, are inextricably tied to the band’s history. A look at the band’s history page on this site will tell the full story of how the Reverend Barrington Gore-Brown, a benevolent if rather imperious gentleman, had been approached by three local men for a loan to purchase a set of instruments to start a village band. The loan was duly made with the stipulation that any man joining must sign ‘the Pledge’, swearing off the demon alcohol – the Rector was a staunch supporter of the Temperance Movement! Early rehearsals were held in the Sunday School Room at the Rectory further strengthening the tie to the church at that time.

The current Rector of St Mary’s welcomed a near capacity congregation and lead the service which celebrated the band ‘family’ and the continuing family ties within it. David and Terry Parsons, grandsons of founder-member Tom Parsons, and Derek, Michael and Katie Topp, grandsons and great-granddaughter of co-founder Thomas Topp, all still play in the band carrying on the family tradition. Hymns included Thine Be the Glory, recorded in local papers as having been played at the band’s first public performance at a Temperance Tea Party.

A short concert of pieces chosen to reflect the band’s history and conducted by Melvin White followed the service. Old ‘brown music’ favourites Death or Glory and Amparita Roco were followed by a piece specially written for the band by ex-conductor Robert Smith. St Mary’s Church, the middle movement of his Three Michelmersh Sketches was dedicated to the memory of Wilf Parsons, long-time player, conductor and son of founder Tom Parsons, the very moving rendition bringing a tear to many an eye in band and audience alike. The introduction of women to the band in the late 1960s had prompted prophecies of doom from some band stalwarts at the time, but the enormous contribution made by the female members since then was acknowledged as the six female members of the cornet section lit up the church with their Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy number. Contest success was represented by the Hat Dance from Mexican Fiesta, the piece with which the band first qualified for the National Finals in 1996, and as a triumphant finale, Victory! from Cry of the Celts left the band standing to the enthusiastic and emotional applause of everyone present.

Band and guests alike then took a stroll down the lane to The Barns – restored for village events – for a Birthday Tea. The huge, high-timbered barn was dressed in its Sunday best, with tables set with scarlet cloths and bright flowers to greet guests as they were served with traditional clotted cream teas and a very special Birthday Cake by band supporters. The Michelmersh Training Band, resplendent in brand new uniform waistcoats purchased with an anonymous donation, played a short programme as guests arrived. A wall of photos from the first known one of the band taken in 1890, up to the present day proved very popular, but it was the display of old uniforms, instruments and memorabilia which provoked most comment and interest amongst the guests and band members past and present.

And that swearing of an oath of Temperance? History has it that within a very short space of time, Thomas Topp plucked up courage to tell the Rev, Gore-Brown that if he continued to insist upon it he would have no band at all! The rector reluctantly agreed to drop the stipulation - for which Malcolm at the Bear and Ragged Staff pub in Michelmersh is extremely grateful as his takings are boosted every Friday evening after band rehearsal!

The Band would like to express its thanks to the Rector, Canon Bruce Kington; to Melvin White, conductor on the day and James Montgomery, compere; to Jo Morgan for the fantastic birthday cake and to Janice Waterman and all of our supporters for their hard work and commitment to making the day the huge success it was.

Thank you all.