A NEW sign welcoming people travelling from Colchester into Boxted celebrates the village’s unique band.

It comes as England’s only surviving Methodist silver band, which is based in Boxted, marks its 125th anniversary this year.

The sign, which says “welcome to Boxted, home of the Boxted Methodist Silver Band,” was provided by Boxted Parish Council.

The band’s chairman Sir Bob Russell said: “Members are most grateful to parish councillors for featuring the band on the new sign welcoming people to Boxted.

Gazette: Welcome – Boxted Methodist Silver Band's vice-chairman Russell Sawyer, left, with the youngest and oldest members, Erin Stoker, 16, and John Polley, 90Welcome – Boxted Methodist Silver Band's vice-chairman Russell Sawyer, left, with the youngest and oldest members, Erin Stoker, 16, and John Polley, 90 (Image: Newsquest)

“We also appreciate the support of the county councillor and city councillors who represent Boxted.

“Although Colchester Methodist Circuit shut the village Methodist Church in 2019, the band was determined to play on. We have 33 members.

“It is wonderful that Boxted Parish Council has shown this significant expression of support for what is a unique band, which takes the name of Boxted wherever it plays in Essex and Suffolk and further afield including London and last year to Dover Castle.”

The welcome sign has been placed at the end of Boxted Road at the boundary with Mile End, near Cuckoo Farm Cottages and Betty Potter’s Dip just before Straight Road.