Band plays its first ever concert after 40 years...

A 40-year-old north Hampshire band has given its first concert performance.

The Old Basing Royal British Legion Band, which changed its name from the Corps of Drums a year ago to attract more musicians, put on its debut concert at the Royal British Legion in Crown Lane, Old Basing.
The band started out as the Old Basing Army Cadet band in the 1960s and became a corps of drums in 1985, then Old Basing Royal British Legion Corps of Drums, before opening up to a wider range of instruments last year.

Maurice Lambden, who was involved with the original cadet band and was guest of honour at the concert, said: “I always wanted to see the band expand to give concerts and I am delighted to see it going from strength to strength.”

The concert included military marches, carols and a display of precision stick drill by the drum section in the dark, with the sticks and gloves highlighted by ultra-violet light.

A finale was played by the bugle section under the direction of band master, Noel Sanders.

The band, which practises at the legion building, in Crown Lane, on Sunday mornings, is looking for new members and any musicians interested in joining, including woodwind, brass, percussion or bugle, can contact band co-ordinator Russ Jordan, on 02156 332753, or visit oldbasingband.co.uk.