In 1887 a brass and reed band was founded in Cobham, Surrey, later to become The Cobham Band in 1970 with the death of the band’s last surviving reed player. The band throughout its history has achieved periods of success, but nothing like recent achievements. David Ruel, the band’s Musical Director has moved the band forward, improving its standard of playing and most importantly, the consistency in its level of performance at rehearsals and on the concert and contest stage. The band has achieved a number of firsts under David’s baton – the band’s trophy cabinet has never been so full in 123 years!

First prizes aside the band has performed at London’s most historic and prestigious landmarks including Westminster Abbey, Kensington Gardens, Greenwich and St. James’s Royal Parks in addition to the many engagements the band undertakes within Cobham and throughout the Borough of Elmbridge.

The band embraces music of all styles and presents varied and entertaining concerts of enviable quality to the delight of the band’s patrons who have helped raise considerable amounts of money for charity.

Every year, the band, at its Annual General Meeting, chooses a charity to support during the following year. For 2010 / 2011 the band is supporting Help for Heroes and Barnardo’s.

In the past the band has supported: Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children; Woking Hospice; Surrey Air Ambulance; Brass Band Aid; The Shooting Star Children’s Hospice, Hampton; The Princess Alice Hospice, Esher; Mencap; Diabetes UK and Surrey Wildlife Trust.

The band rehearses at Churchgate House Centre, St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Downside Road, Cobham on Monday evenings from 20.00 to 22.00 hours with the occasional extra rehearsal on a Thursday before major concerts or contests and when the Monday is a pubic holiday.

As you can see the band has a good regular membership but new members are always welcome and if you would like to come along, or interested in joining please contact either:

David Ruel on (01276) 31074 or the Band’s Secretary, Pat Steele on (01372) 453864

The band is grateful for the support it receives from the R C Sherriff Trust in advancing the arts in Elmbridge.