The Cheshire Constabulary band is more 45 years old and while
many Police bands have faded over the years, we are proud that in
Cheshire, ours continues to thrive.
The Cheshire Constabulary band can trace its roots back to the
Stockport Borough Police Band of the 1950s. Various County boundary
changes led to the formation of the Cheshire Constabulary Band in
1967.
The band’s primary role has always been to foster good public
relations through music. Since its formation the band has played at
thousands of engagements. The band is still as popular as ever with
a full calendar this year, and next, and it is always in
demand.When at ceremonial occasions we are proud to wear
tunic-style uniform associated with the more traditional image of
the British Police Service. The Cheshire band is a traditional
Brass Band unlike Greater Manchester Police and Merseyside Police
bands which are of the military band configuration and include
clarinets and other woodwind instruments.
Together with our corps of drums the band gives performances at
awards evenings, concerts and ceremonial occasions. The band gives
numerous concert performances throughout Cheshire, and beyond. In
2010 the band was delighted to accept its very first engagement
outside the UK when it made a (self funded ) trip to the European
Brass and Wind band festival in Bad Schlema, Germany. The band was
such a success that further we were asked back in 2012 and are set
to travel again this year. 2013 looks to be a busy year all round
with a full engagement list and the bands first CD recording in
May.
The band recently returned to the competitive arena and over the
last 5 years has climbed from being unranked, to second section. On
that journey we had the honour of qualifying for the National
finals on two occasions.
In years gone by, the majority of Police Force bands were made
up of serving Police Officers who attended engagements, and
rehearsals in “duty time”. Cheshire was no exception. Times have
changed and the current band and corps of drums are all unpaid
volunteers. They originate from all walks of life in addition to
Police officers and staff.
If you wish to obtain any further information, or are interested
in booking or perhaps joining the band, please contact Musical
Director Mr. Dave Woollam on 0785 789 5674 or email
david.woollam@btinternet.com
More details on the band and the dates they are playing can be
found at www.cheshirepoliceband.co.uk.