News & Events
Meet Stephen French our new Musical Director, 2024
As regular readers of our website will know, David Padget reluctantly advised the band last year of his intention to retire from the position of Musical Director at an appropriate time during the 2024 season following the successful appointment of a new Musical Director. Having been appointed to the role in 1998, David has for 26 years successfully played a leading role in developing and navigating the band through many changes which have seen the band membership swell from eighteen members to thirty and resulted in the recording of two CDs which have proved very popular, with sales of over 450 discs.
David is a popular and respected member of the band, never afraid to adopt change where necessary but has decided the time is right to make way for someone younger with new ideas to take up the baton. It is with great joy that we can confirm that David has decided to remain a member and can now be seen regularly supporting the trombone section as a playing member.
Our thanks go to David for his past and continued support of Wealden Brass!!
So it is with great excitement that we can announce and welcome the appointment of Stephen French as Musical Director of Wealden Brass in August 2024. Stephen comes equipped with a wealth of experience and knowledge that will complement and help build on the bands achievements.
Stephen started playing the trumpet at the age of ten at primary school in Hertfordshire, inspired by a vibrant and animated teacher. His love of brass and performing grew from this point and was found regularly performing to family and friends, this quickly progressed when he joined his local brass bands, Ware and Epping Forest Brass Bands’. Stephen went on during his school life to play on the front row at the County Brass Band and lead trumpet in the County Concert and Jazz Bands, first performing at the Royal Albert Hall at the age of 14. In 2006 Stephen joined the Army to become a Musician, training at Kneller Hall, Twickenham. He was posted to The Band of The Life Guards (later The Band of The Household Cavalry) and went on to complete the challenging six month equine course to become a mounted musician.
In 2014 Stephen gained a Music Performance Diploma Bb Trumpet from Trinity College London. His 13 years in the Army took Stephen around the world performing on a global stage at international tattoos, state visits, The Queen’s Birthday Parade and performing as a State Trumpeter at royal banquets and state occasions.
During 2018 Stephen left the military to look after his son Albert and later Edwin where he started his own Preschool Music Classes, Musical Bumps, to begin and inspire the musical journey of the next generation, something that is essential in continuing the future of live music! Not just a brass player, but Stephen also plays the String Bass and is Musical Director of the Uckfield Community Orchestra. Stephen intends to use his experiences, and knowledge of a vast range of musical genres to continue Wealden Brass’s reputation, successes and enjoyment both for our players and audiences.
Band Social Dinner
In May 2024 the band held its eagerly awaited meal at Callenders Restaurant. The event also served as an ideal opportunity to celebrate and thank our long-standing MD, David Padget for his 26 years of unstinting support, guidance and friendship. The occasion was very well attended by the band members and their partners, indicative of the level of appreciation felt by all. A special vote of thanks must go to Jo Bushell, band Chairperson who masterminded the occasion including organising menu choices, gifts for David from the band and ensuring all present had a great time. Lastly a special thank you must go to the management and staff at Callenders Restaurant, Hailsham who ensured that we received food of an excellent quality and in a timely manner. Well done to all!!
Planned Retirement of Wealden Brass MD David Padget after 26 Years of Service
It is with mixed feelings that the band announces the retirement of our long serving and ever popular Musical Director, David Padget.
David penned a short statement below.
I was appointed Musical Director of the band in 1998 and now, after 26 years and in my 80th year, I have reluctantly advised the band that it time for me to retire from this position and for someone younger and with new ideas to take up the baton from me.
When I joined, the band had a membership of eighteen, which has now grown to thirty, with six still present from when I started. We have also recorded two CDs which have proved very popular with sales of over 450 discs.
I am most grateful for the support I have received from our hardworking and committed members which has made my time as MD both an honour and a privilege. I have had a wonderful time conducting such a lovely group of people!
Once a new Musical Director has been appointed, I shall return to the trombone section and look forward to working with him or her.
David Padget (Mar 2024)
If anyone has an interest in taking up the challenge of helping direct the future of the band of hard working, enthusiastic and friendly musicians as Musical Director, please follow the link. Musical Director Vacancy
Next Engagement
Take a look at our upcoming appearance page to see where Wealden Brass are performing in 2024
Our summer fete season continues with our next performance on:
Wednesday 11 September 2024 – Eastbourne bandstand – 1812 Night – 8.00 pm – 10.00 pm
This is our last summer season engagement!! We will soon be moving onto Christmas!!
East Dean celebrates its annual fete, postponed from earlier in the year due to bad weather. Pictures courtesy of Karen Wintle.
The Band Plays at a Charity Event in Aid of St Wilfrid’s Hospice, raising £1,258.19
Kathy Bennett, one of our Solo Cornet players raised a total of £1,258.19 in aid of St. Wilfrids Hospice, opening up her fabulous garden in Oldfield Road, Willingdon to the public for the day. The public also enjoyed refreshments, a selection of plants for sale and light musical entertainment courtesy of Wealden Brass. Well done Kathy!!
Presentation of the John Walter Cup, March 2023
At the AGM the John Walter Cup was awarded to the player that has shown the most improvement or made the most effort to improve their playing over the preceding year. This year the award has been presented to James Ward who has shown great ability playing his Eb Bass and has taken on a new solo, The Bare Necessities from the Jungle Book which he plays with confidence and sounds great. May this be the first of many solos. Well done James!
**NEW YEAR MESSAGE 2023**
Last year we sadly had to say “goodbye” to Trevor Rood, our principal euphonium, treasurer and librarian who passed away after a short illness. He is greatly missed by us all.
The better news is that the band continues to flourish after two years of covid restrictions and had, I think, the best playing year in the band’s history.
Whilst the Eastbourne bandstand remained closed in 2022, it is planning to re-open this year so we look forward to our 1812 concert in May.
During 2022, the band received bookings from new venues such as Berwick Inn for its Beer festival, which was a great success, and we continue to attract new members due to the excellent atmosphere amongst members and the quality of our playing.
I wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year
David Padget
Musical Director
Recent Engagements
Beckley Village Fete – Our MD, photobombed by Andy our Tuba player – Photograph courtesy of Aubrey Renno
26 April 2022 – Trevor Rood Principal Euphonium Player from 1979 to 2022
Trevor was one of the original founding members of Wealden Brass when it was formed in 1979. Since then, the band has been a very important part of his life. Apart from being an excellent euphonium player, Trevor was band Librarian and Treasurer for over 40 years. In addition, he also took responsibility for looking after the spare instruments in store and carrying out minor repairs when required. Never one to waste words unecessarily, you would always do well to heed his words of wisdom. He also volunteered with other band members to provide brass tuition at Hailsham Community College (HCC). As you can tell, Trevor was involved with practically all aspects of the band, helping build it to the success it is today. He will certainly be a hard act to follow and will be very much missed as a fine musician, a very hard working and dedicated member but above all, as a friend!
A New Year Message to Our Members, Their Families & Our Supporters
I wrote last year that 2020 was a strange banding year with no concerts at all and limited rehearsals and fortunately 2021 was much better.
Whilst rehearsals were limited due to a period of lockdown and the later period when 2 metre distancing was required, we did return to full rehearsals in May thanks to the support of Trinity Church at Willingdon and returned to Union Corner Hall, our usual home in July.
We were very pleased to have a full summer season again of fetes, an 1812 concert on Eastbourne bandstand in September, which was well attended, and our usual programme of Christmas concerts and carolling all of which was very well received.
During the year we welcomed several new members to the band which enabled us to fill outstanding vacancies and strengthen several sections of the band so overall, a very successful year despite the still challenging covid situation.
I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy 2022
David Padget, Musical Director
First Event of the Season – Nutley Fete, 26th June!!
Today we held our first concert of the year and what a day it was. The weather was perfect and the public attended in good numbers. Probably as relieved as we were of a return to some semblance of normality, albeit with the social distancing and sanitising that has now become a normal part of daily life for everyone. Many thanks to the organisers and our band members for making this such a memorable event.
VIRTUAL BLOW
Musicians throughout the UK have been affected by the lockdown regulations and the requirement for social distancing with rehearsals and concerts cancelled or postponed since March.
For our second virtual performance we have chosen “Paloma Blanca” (white dove in Spanish), composed by J Bouwens arranged Edrich Siebert, to remind everyone of Spanish holidays that they may have enjoyed in the past or may be able to have this summer.
It was a hit throughout Europe for the George Baker Selection in 1975 and the tune was also used by the Wurzels for their hit “I Am a Cider Drinker” the following year. Our video, expertly edited again by our trombonist, Simon Rudge, features the premier performance of the Wealden Brass formation dance team. Not quite strictly standard yet but who knows!
David Padget (Musical Director)
Thanks to Simon Rudge, one of our trombonists, Hailsham based Wealden Brass have put together this video with each musician playing their part at home in isolation with just a metronome beating time to keep the band together.
I hope you enjoy this piece by ABBA composed by Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus and arranged by Steve Cortland.
David Padget (Musical Director)
Following the release of the music Simon was also interviewed by local radio station, BBC Radio Sussex. Listen to the interview
For a full list of events for 2023 please follow this link. Upcoming Events
NEW Wealden Brass CD – Released
Following hot on the heels of our first very successful CD, ‘Wealden Brass At The Movies’, we have now completed our second, “Wealden Brass – Unforgettable Brass Band Favourites” which is now available for sale. Tracks comprise well known themes and tunes including “Breezin’ Down Broadway”, “Unforgettable”, “Zambezi”, “Frolic for Trombones”, the ever popular “Sussex by the Sea” and many more. – For full details, click on the CD cover opposite.
The History….
The band was formed in February 1979 and held its first practice at Vines Cross church on 6th March 1979. Starting with just six playing members, they were collectively known as Vines Cross Modern Brass.
In 1980 the band moved to Hailsham and began rehearsing at Marshland School. During that year, the band membership increased four-fold to twenty four members and the name was changed to Hailsham and Vines Cross Modern Brass.
In October 1982, the band moved to Union Corner Hall in Hawks Road, Hailsham and has rehearsed there ever since.
In 1997 the band changed its name to Wealden Brass and now regularly performs throughout East Sussex including Eastbourne Bandstand. The band has built up an enviable reputation for entertaining concerts under the musical directorship of Mr David Padget, who was elected into the post in 1998. The band continues to grow from strength to strength thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of each and every member (and the loyal support of the public of course) and looks forward to providing another season of entertainment.
Charity Work
The band carries out a great deal of charity work in helping to raise money for good causes.
Some of the beneficiaries include:
- Hailsham RAFA Association
- St Mary’s Church (Hailsham)
- Anthony Nolan
- Demelza
Membership
We have regular attendance at our practices in the Union Corner Hall, with approximately 26-30 members. Two of these are founder members.
Even though our membership is strong, we have vacancies that we would like to fill and we are always on the lookout for talented musicians to join us.
In 2008 we received some Lottery funding in the Awards for All programme, which was used to buy four instruments. We have a selection of spare instruments available to lend to get new players started.
In fact, you don’t even need to be able to play to join our group. One of our members is a qualified music teacher and will help you to get started.
Celebrations
In 2004 the band celebrated its silver anniversary with a concert in the Hailsham Community Hall, followed by a reception for the friends, supporters, former members and other alumni, including the long-suffering family and friends who do so much to support and assist the musicians.
The band has a very friendly atmosphere and every excuse is taken to have cake and drinks after a rehearsal to celebrate.
Come and join us
If you are interested in joining Wealden Brass, please contact our secretary Caroline Haylor on (01323) 843753. You can also call or E mail Caroline if you would like Wealden Brass to play at your event/concert. You can also email us for more information by contacting any of the following committee members:
Secretary: Caroline Haylor: engagements-secretary@wealdenbrass.co.uk
Treasurer: Brendan Harris: treasurer@wealdenbrass.co.uk
Musical Director: David Padget: md@wealdenbrass.co.uk