Mr. W. Blythe started a drum and bugle band in 1919; the brass band developed from 1921 and has continued in that form to the present day. The band's first engagement was at Teynham in 1921 and in the following year they played for the Prince of Wales at Crystal Palace. During the 1920's and 1930's the band was very popular at local events and gained first place in the 'Village Orchestra' section of the 1928 Kent Music Festival.
History
At the coming of war in 1939 the band was affected by depletion in numbers and the remaining players affiliated with the Auxiliary Firemen's Band. Mr. Blythe reformed the band in 1942 and they began playing at engagements again. In 1944 they played in an audition for 'Bandsmen of Tomorrow' with the BBC.
Unfortunately by the end of 1996, due to key players moving away from the area and a lack of scouts wanting to join, the Band faced extinction. It was saved at the twelfth hour by a handful of local musicians, who thought it a shame that a band with such a proud history such should cease to exist and so stepped in to help. The Band made the most of this reprieve and has evolved once again into a full brass band giving regular quality performances in the local area, as well as occasional trips to France and Germany.
1954 Whitstable Recreation Ground
A regular engagement of this time was at local football matches. In 1966 they played at the Camping and Outdoor Life exhibition at Olympia and for several years at Gilwell Park, the home of World Scouting. 1967 saw the purchase of more new instruments, competitions, parades and concerts, together with a trip abroad to Calais and a first place in the Junior Brass Band Competition in 1970. The band's Jubilee was celebrated in 1971, coinciding with recordings for Radio Medway and the beginnings of a string of contesting successes. Band activity continued through the early 70's playing each year at Remembrance Day, St. George's Day, Group Parades, carnivals, fetes and competitions.
1970 at Gilwell Park
1972 at the Band Group Scout HQ
Following a low point in 1977, when most of the adult members left to form an alternative band in the town, the Band flourished throughout the 1980s, with a steady stream of boys from the troop eager to tackle the daunting task of learning to play a brass instrument. Their growing ability saw the Band’s concert performances increase; they once again played at Gilwell Park, as well as venturing to Germany at the invitation of Borken town council to play for both the inaugural Twinning Association dance and, two years, later the ceremonial opening of the town’s new swimming pool.
In 1988 the Band made a return to the contest arena, competing in a Southern Counties brass band contest in Sussex; the Band acquittied itself remarkably well considering the average age of its members was just twenty one.
1980 at the Band Group Scout HQ
1986 Concert at Whitstable Playhouse
2009 at the Band Group Scout HQ
1st Whitstable Scout Group Band
Founded 1919
Our Next Event
Sunday 28th April 2024
3.00 pm
St George's Day Service
Canterbury Cathedral
