Our History - the 1980s
In 1980 Kevin Hayter took over as Musical Director of the ‘A’ Band, with Linda Nurcombe taking over the reins of the Training Band. Arthur Chapman was appointed MD of the Senior Band in 1983, having conducted the band at several contests the previous year. At Arthur’s suggestion Spring and Christmas Concerts were established and they soon became well established highlights of the band’s annual calendar.
In 1985 Christine Nonoo took over as MD of the Training Band. Rehearsals were moved to Friday evenings and the band’s name was changed back to the Youth Band. The ‘A’ band was later renamed the Senior Band, and the names have been unchanged ever since.
In 1986 Hangleton Band marked its 21st birthday with a special afternoon tea for 200 guests and a concert attended by 300. A new baritone was purchased for the occasion and dedicated to Bert Osgood. 1986 also saw the band qualify for the National Brass Band Finals for the first time following a second placing at the Watford regional qualifiers. Paul Stanley was appointed MD of the Senior Band the following year after Arthur stepped down.
In 1989 Andy Wooler was appointed MD of the Youth Band and then also the Senior Band following the departure of Paul Stanley in June. Later in the year local vicar Father Terry Martin was then appointed MD of the Youth Band.
1989 also saw the band make a television programme appearance, on ‘Hearts of Gold’. As part of the programme presenter Esther Rantzen posed as a member of the band during a performance on Brighton seafront in order to surprise a member of the public. The appearance generated some great publicity for the band, with articles in two national newspapers and also the Radio Times.
Read more about the Hangleton Band in the 1960s, 1970s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s.
