Boxted Methodist Silver Band celebrated their 125th anniversary

The concert took place at Littlegarth School, Great Horkesley, on Saturday.

It was attended by Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Essex Alix Mason, the mayor and mayoress of Colchester, the High Sheriff of Essex, the Bishop of Colchester, the Commander of Colchester Garrison, and Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell who is also the band’s chairman.

For the event's second half, the 33 members of the Boxted Band were joined by more than 30 other musicians. 

In full swing - Jenna Francis, Vice-President of Boxted Methodist Silver Band in the moment. Image: Adrian Rushton (Image: Adrian Rushton)

In control – Victoria Steinitz, Principal Conductor, leads Boxted Methodist Silver Band in another rousing number! Image: Adrian Rushton (Image: Adrian Rushton)

The additional musicians were members and former members of 13 other bands from different parts of the country.

It made the event the biggest gathering of brass and silver band musicians in the Colchester area since the last Colchester Military Tattoo event 33 years ago.

Compere for the evening was John Brunning who is a presenter on national radio station, Classic FM.

The band members ages range from 16-years-old to 90-years-old, the latter being John Polley who has been a member for more than 80 years.

The programme was wide ranging, as diverse as Beatles and Abba numbers to Highland Cathedral and songs from the First World War.

A beautiful sound – the band raise the roof in front of a crowd of 200 people. Image: Adrian Rushton (Image: Adrian Rushton)

Aged 90 and still going strong – Mr John Polley, a member of Boxted Methodist Silver Band for more than 80 years! Image: Adrian Rushton (Image: Adrian Rushton)

It also featured the world premiere of a musical piece called Strong. A piece commissioned to commemorate the band’s 125th anniversary.

The song was composed by Alan Fernie and it is based on the hymn tune “I’ll go in the Strength of the Lord” which is the Boxted Methodist Silver Band's signature number.

Boxted Methodist Church was shut by the Colchester Methodist Circuit in July 2019. However, the band was determined to play on.

It has survived being made homeless and the challenge of the covid pandemic. Earlier this year, the band moved into Boxted Primary School. Alongside this, the school's pupils are being taught to play silver band instruments.

In harmony – Boxted Methodist Silver Band performed to celebrate its 125th anniversary. Image: Adrian Rushton (Image: Adrian Rushton)

Perfection – Principal Percussionist Ben Steinitz during the performance. Image: Adrian Rushton (Image: Adrian Rushton)

Crowd – the band performed numerous tracks throughout the evening. Image: Adrian Rushton (Image: Adrian Rushton)