We now have a book about the full history of the Band - Available from Burrow's Bookshop, Ely and Band members.
Our historian, Laurine Green, would welcome any photographs or information about the Band that anyone could provide her with.
Contact Laurine on the Bandmaster's telephone number.
Two members in this photograph went on to join the re-formed band in 1962, Walter Partridge and Jack Tingey.
Walter is seated on the right of the front row with Jack on the left of the middle row.
Walter Partridge, now Band Sergeant, is seated third from the right
on the
front row.
Reformed in 1962, fourteen players under the direction of Mr Eric Peters started practicing on instruments specially purchased with the backing of local businessmen. Eric, being an ex-Royal Marine, based the band on the Royal Marine Band formation.
This photograph shows Eric Peters standing, with his brother, Fred, sitting centre with Cecil Eames on his right and Jack Keefe on his left.
In December 1962 the band was seen carolling in Ely streets to raise money and in 1963 the band marched in the Ely Hospital Sunday Parade in civilian dress.
Walter Partridge can be seen on bass to the left of the lamp standard and on the extreme right, having lost his right hand so now on trombone, is Jack Tingey
After fundraising and donations from local businesses, by 1964 the band had their uniforms and now numbered 23.
Back Row L-R: Jack Keefe, Fred Peters, Bill Nunn,
Norman Howe, Roy Seymour,
Dick Turnill, Cecil Eames.
Middle Row L-R: Arthur Hitch, Chris Bunting,
Malcolm Fletcher, Tony Lucock,
R. Harris, Selwyn King, Maurice Blake.
Front Row L-R: Terry Overall, Jack Matthews,
Geoff Human, Jack King,
Eric Peters,
Mr. W. G. Cooper (Bandmaster), Jack Tingey, Roy Nunn, Walter Partridge.
In 1965 the band accepted engagements further afield, traveling to Cambridge for the Battle of Britain Parade, with Drum Major Eddie Canham carrying the band's new mace. By 1969 the band had 35 members with a smart Corps of seven drummers, and continued to play locally and also marched in the grounds of Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire.
In front of Ely Cathedral - Eddie Canham with the mace.
A parade through Wilburton - Eddie Canham with the mace.
Marching display in Ely Park - Eric Peters with the mace.
A garden fete concert in The Bishop's Garden, Ely.
Mr. W. G. Cooper conducting.
The Ely Hospital Parade
The 1970's saw the band continue to grow and venture all over East Anglia. Major uniform requirements then prompted a change of image and the band discarded the old blue uniforms for a bright red, military style which is still worn today.
1975 - Our new uniforms. Walter Partridge has now moved up to the left end of the second row from the top.
The Ely Hospital Parade
A concert on Jesus Green, Cambridge.
Conductor Mr. W. G. Cooper.
In November, 1977, 53 members took part in
the Lord Mayor's Show in London,
one of only four civilian bands taking part.
The Ely Hospital Parade
A concert in Ely Cathedral.
Mr. Maurice Blake now the Conductor.
Since then, through the 80's and 90's, the band has visited Spalding for the Tulip Parade, Skegness, Colchester, Battersea Park for the Easter Parade, Norwich for the Lord Mayor's parade, Wellingborough, Huntingdon and Hunstanton.
Today, although no longer a marching band, the City of Ely Military Band continues to delight its audiences with Military and Modern music all over East Anglia. Under the Musical Direction of Mr. Phil Green, and with a strong membership, aged from 12 to 80, the band strives to uphold its professional appearance and musicianship, whilst remaining an amateur band encouraging all musicians whatever their age or ability.
Mr. Philip Green, seated, is now Conductor.
On 11th. October The Band was granted
The Freedom of The City of Ely in
Ely Cathedral
Front Row, Second left - Maurice Blake.
A previous Bandmaster.
On Maurice's left - Malcolm Fletcher, the Band Secretary ever since the Band reformed in 1962
On Malcolm's left - Philip Green, the current Bandmaster.
This honour was bestowed upon the Band by The City of Ely Council in recognition of 47 years of service to the City by the Band.
