Brass band in Godalming since 1937
Walter was the first bandmaster. He was an ex Royal Marine and the band / music master at Charterhouse School and it was he who started up the band in 1937.
Unfortunately he died in 1941 at the young age of 49.
Jack was a professional musician who played in Orchestras on the Liners. Shortly after Mr Radlett’s death Jack, the band’s solo trombone player, took over leadership of the band and carried them through the war years. It was Jack who changed the format of the band to the now traditional ‘Brass only’. This change coincided with several new players joining the band, names that were to become synonymous with the future membership of the band, Waugh, Fishlock, Boxall, and Wakefield. After seven years of his leadership at Godalming, Jack’s next position was as leader of Haslemere Band.
Believed to have been an ex-Marine, Chris Ralph came from the Farnham area. At that time he was working with the band’s baritone player, Ted Waugh, John’s father, at Weyburn Engineering.
Wilf’s name became synonymous with Godalming Band as bandmaster and then Musical Director. He developed the band musically and led them to many contest successes over the years. During his time with the band Wilf was a very active member of SCABA, the area brass band association, being a committee member and president for a considerable period. During recent years the Youth Band welcomed his great grandson, Matthew into the band - a very promising cornet player.
Gwyn conducted the band, ably supported by Albert Meek. Both gentlemen had a military background and they both assisted with the leadership of the band. Albert was from Kneller Hall and was conductor of the famous Watneys Silver Band, where Gwyn played solo cornet.
←Where we play | Musical Directors (1937 to 1966) | Musical Directors (1967 to 1984)→