Despite their 200th anniversary celebrations being curtailed this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Haverhill Band that hails from the pretty market town just south-east of Cambridge has still been busy marking the occasion with musical performances.

Fanfare and Happy Birthday

They have just released their sixth 'isolation' project with a new arrangement by principal cornet Tim Pannell, of 'Fanfare and Happy Birthday'.

The piece was to have been used at concert events throughout the year but can now be enjoyed on-line instead at: https://www.facebook.com/haverhillsilverband/ alongside the other pieces played by the band.

Research has also come up with the earliest known picture of the band — thought to have been taken around 1857, although the band itself is mentioned in local news reports as far back as 1820, making it one of the oldest in the entire UK.

Research has also come up with the earliest known picture of the band — thought to have been taken around 18574BR

Thriving

200 years later the community organisation is thriving with a youth, community and Championship Section senior band boasting well over 60 members.

Musical Director, Paul Filby told 4BR: "We are justifiably proud of reaching the 200 year milestone of fine music making.

I've huge admiration for the attitude and determination demonstrated by all the current players of Haverhill Silver Band during the period of forced separation and a great deal of pride that we follow on a great tradition of music making in our community."

Looking forward

He added: "We are of course looking forward to the day when we can all meet up again, but the challenges of making music together in isolation has brought a sense of achievement and reward."