1919 – Formation
- Dec 1, 1919
- 1 min read
Following the 1914‐1918 war a local branch of a support organisation called the ‘Comrades of the Great War’ was formed in Cirencester on 5th February 1919; similar branches were formed in many towns at about the same time.
Shortly after, bandsmen returning from the services and joining the association got together to form the ‘Comrades of the Great War Band’ under the direction of Mr S Stevens. Rehearsals began at the Temperance Hall in Thomas Street on Monday and Thursday evenings between 7:00pm and 9:00pm with many of the instruments being ‘borrowed’ from the regiments the men had served with.
The first public appearance of the band was in Cirencester on Sunday 9th November 1919 at the first Armistice Parade. Over 250 members of the ‘Comrades’ were on parade that day, led by their own Band.
The Band’s next appearance was at Christmas when they made their first tour of the town and the hospitals.
Bandmaster: Sid Stevens (1919)
Bandroom: Temperance Hall, Thomas Street (1919)
