The Birchington Silver Band is a ‘concert’ band, that is as opposed to a competing band. Its objective is to enjoy making music and to share that pleasure with its listeners. The cost of entering competitions became prohibitive some years ago. The annual programme consists of about two dozen concerts, including charity events, of which nine concerts are given locally in the Birchington Village Centre. The band enjoys a good reputation and has many devoted supporters.

The Musical Director, Stuart Cates, celebrated five years ago 50 years association with the band and has been conducting the band over thirty years having graduated to conducting from the solo trombone position. The band members, men and women, come from a variety of occupations including many ex military bandsmen. There is a very good fellowship with much humorous banter but still excellent discipline and commitment. The band is run by a committee which meets monthly.

Although the band was originally founded seventy years ago, it was reformed after the Second World War and celebrated 50 years as the Birchington Silver Band six years ago. Some weeks ago, the band joined forces with a K.C.C. initiative called Quartet in the Community setting up a Learners Band through a local teacher, Susan Feast, who teaches at Hartsdown School. The Silver Band gave a concert at the local school to kick the initiative off and the project is going well. We are hoping the Learners Band will perform at our Christmas Concert. A few of the bandmembers have given many hours in assisting with this project.

There was a very welcome influx of funds from the Lottery a few years ago which made a complete set of new instruments possible. Of course, music, uniforms, repairs etc still make their demands which are met by various engagements, supporters and, naturally, by the members themselves.

The band is very proud to be the official Town Band of Les Mureaux, near Paris where at least every two years the band takes part in the Easter Service and gives a concert to the people of the town.