Heathfield Silver Band
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Heathfield Silver Band is a thriving village band, with a history dating as far back as 1880. Members of the band range from 9 – 80 and there are almost as many ladies in the band as there are men. This is certainly a change from 50 years ago when women were definitely not allowed! Another notable change to the bands’ history is the fact that they have a lady conductor, Frankie Lulham.
The band membership has increased over the last few years so much that the band decided to go ahead with plans to extend and refurbish their practise room in Alexandra Road, Heathfield, East Sussex, even though the cost of doing so amounted to over £20,000. With sheer determination and a lot of hard work, the members raised the money needed in just over 2 years.
A grand opening ceremony and Coffee Morning was planned for Saturday September 3rd 2005 to celebrate their success in providing a modern venue for a traditional village band to continue rehearsing for many years to come. TV presenter David Dimbleby officially opened the newly extended band room. There was coffee/tea & cakes, a raffle, displays of band memorabilia and of course small groups of players to entertain throughout the morning.
If you are interested in joining the main band or training band as a player please see our website for details. Rehearsals for main band are on Tuesday nights between 7.30–9.30pm, rehearsals for training band are on Thursday nights between 6.30-7.30pm.
The band plays at weddings, garden parties, church functions, and fetes and regularly gives concerts. They are also a marching band, taking part in the local bonfire celebrations. During September they march in Uckfield, Crowborough, Mayfield, Lewes and East Hoathly carnivals, as well as marching on Remembranace Sunday, St. George's Day and Heathfield's Cuckoo Fair.
