After the First World War
the players formed the Town Band using only Brass instruments. For many
years Mr Jimmy Sparks was the Bandmaster. He was also known locally
for his own dance band.
They disbanded during World
War II.
Practices were started again
in 1946 and the first General Committee Meeting was held on 2 February
1948. The band at this time was practising in a room at the factory.
The next practice room was
above the garages at the Kings Arms. There was no electricity and practices
were held in candlelight.
In 1952 the band had moved
again to a room in Sandhill Street before renting their present band
room in the town hall (under the library) in 1960.
During the early 1950's the
band was strong in members and quality. They took part in area contests
with some success.
With the advent of television,
interest and numbers waned, 1960, which left only eight members, but
practices were always held.
In 1970 membership had increased
to sixteen and in 1976 the band was re-launched under the baton of Mr
John Woodland. The band entered the South West Brass Band Association
(SWBBA) concert at Barnstaple in 1980.
The present band has twenty-nine
players, many living in or around Ottery St. Mary and others travelling
from Newton Abbot, Longdown, Sidmouth and Honiton.
The Band currently has two
practice nights:
Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm
until 9.30pm
Thursday evenings at 7.30pm until 9.00pm
New members are always welcome.
To find out who to contact, click here