Haverhill, a thriving market town on the Suffolk/Cambridgeshire border, has been home to bands since the 1920s. In those days, bands included woodwind instruments in their set-ups. Brass bands in their own right came into being in the town at the beginning of the 20th century when there were two: The Shepherds and the Oddfellows. These amalgamated after World War One to for the Co-Op band and evolved in to The Haverhill Silver Band in the 1960s.
At that time, the band was very much a part of the local community, often performing in the bandstand which stood at the top of the Recreation Ground, nearer to Recreation Road. Current band President, Les Ager, was principal cornet for five years after returning from National Service and was later conductor from 1964-1971. Charlie Hulyer then took over as MD until Les returned in the mid 1970s. The band then enjoyed resurgence, as Les steered them to a number of competition successes at national level and in 1983 the band performed in the Section 3 Finals which were held that year at the Royal Albert Hall. In 1974, Les introduced "Carols For All", now a popular annual event at the town's Old Independent Church and he also instigated the band's first recording, an LP entitled "Haverhill Silver Band In Concert", in 1982. Heavily involved in the local Operatic Society, Les handed the conductor's baton to Charles Shipp. Charles played euphonium in the Haverhill Salvation Army Band, Haverhill Silver and then the Cambridge Co-Op Band. He took the helm having conducted the Cambridge Band and steered Haverhill to top section status. The last CD made by the band was "Song and Dance", recorded in 1999 under Charles' leadership.
Mark Ager took over directorship from Charles and the band has consolidated its position, attaining top section status once more after its stunning achievements in 2006 First Section competitions. The band was awarded first prize in the Butlin's Mineworkers Open Championship in January 2006 and also achieved first position in that year's First Section area Finals. Due to this success, the band was placed 78th in the world rankings.
Haverhill Silver Band continue to entertain audiences both locally and further afield. Take a look at the engagements page to learn where they will soon be performing.
