History of the Band
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Middlesex Yeomanry regiment was raised in 1797 as the Uxbridge Yeomanry Cavalry and in due course acquired a brass band.
In 1908 on the formation of the Territorial Force the Regiment they became the 1st County of London Yeomanry (Middlesex Yeomanry). War time put the breaks on the band and after the Great War and with the formation of the Royal Corps of Signals in 1920 the Regiment lost its cavalry role and became a Signals Division.
Following WWII there were more changes and by the 1960s the Middlesex Yeomanry had amalgamated with the 47 London Signal Regiment. The band grew quickly in numbers taking on major roles in public duties and in films. In 1967 the Territorial Army was reformed, the two Regiments were reduced to Squadron strength and in 1968 the MOD ordered that the band be disbanded completely.
A former Major, now retired Lt.Col Bill Williams, who had worked so hard to recreate the band in 1960 was determined to keep the band in existence. He obtained permission for the MoD to keep the band with their uniforms and badges of rank. “Col Bill” as he was known supported the band until his death in 1999. Ron Keevil was able to arrange for the few remaining players to be rehoused with their library at the White House Community Centre in Hampton. Gradually, the band rebuilt its strength and gives regular concerts. With the demise of the Hampton on Thames Community Association which ran the White House, the Band now rehearses at the Teddington Constitutional Club and gives its main concerts at St. James’s Church, Hampton Hill. A number of members of the band have served as musicians with the RAF or famous military regiments; the rest are made up of musicians from the community but all share the joy of music making. Today we continue to perform in South West London and beyond, remembering our legacy whilst embracing the future with fun, modern music alongside classic favourites.
Following WWII there were more changes and by the 1960s the Middlesex Yeomanry had amalgamated with the 47 London Signal Regiment. The band grew quickly in numbers taking on major roles in public duties and in films. In 1967 the Territorial Army was reformed, the two Regiments were reduced to Squadron strength and in 1968 the MOD ordered that the band be disbanded completely.
A former Major, now retired Lt.Col Bill Williams, who had worked so hard to recreate the band in 1960 was determined to keep the band in existence. He obtained permission for the MoD to keep the band with their uniforms and badges of rank. “Col Bill” as he was known supported the band until his death in 1999. Ron Keevil was able to arrange for the few remaining players to be rehoused with their library at the White House Community Centre in Hampton. Gradually, the band rebuilt its strength and gives regular concerts. With the demise of the Hampton on Thames Community Association which ran the White House, the Band now rehearses at the Teddington Constitutional Club and gives its main concerts at St. James’s Church, Hampton Hill. A number of members of the band have served as musicians with the RAF or famous military regiments; the rest are made up of musicians from the community but all share the joy of music making. Today we continue to perform in South West London and beyond, remembering our legacy whilst embracing the future with fun, modern music alongside classic favourites.
