Formed in the early 1800’s, Haslemere Town Band is believed to be one of the oldest brass bands in continuous existence.
When Haselmere’s two family bands, the Bridger Band and Berry Band, came together in 1837, under William Bridger, they formed what was to become Haslemere Town Band. The band’s first engagement saw them played for the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838.
In ’02 the band, now renamed the Haslemere Town Band, entered the National Championships at Crystal Palace, London. In ’07, Sir Harry Waechter, High Sheriff of Surrey, who resided at Ramsnest, near Chiddingfold, instigated the Ramsnest Band Competition Silver Cup. Haslemere Town Band now owns the cup having won the competition three years in a row.
The War of 1914-18 saw the Town band lose many players, as did the Haslemere Institute Band. So, after the war the two bands combined under Turner Bridger, son of the original founder Charles Bridger, and with O. J. Langridge as conductor.
On 26 July ’30, the band, conducted by Mr. C. J. Murrell, competed against Ardingley Brass Band, on the The Common, Portsmouth in the 33rd Southern Counties Amateur Bands Association competition, for the Hawkes Challenge Cup, coming first. The band also performed two further times at Crystal Palace in the ’30’s before it burned down
After the WWII, the Band declined, but continued thanks to the efforts of Denny Clement who both conducted and played, not easy when you play trombone. Maurice Wright became the Musical Director in ’78, holding the position for fourteen years. Then Graham Wade held the baton as Musical Director from 1984 until 2006. On Graham’s resignation, Peter Yarde became the Band’s Musical Director.
The Band’s current president, Tony Waddell, is a great-great grandson of one of the originators of the band, Charles Bridger. The Ramsnest Cup along with other band memorabilia is held by the Haslemere Museum.
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