WOODBRIDGE SALVATION ARMY BAND

Like many Salvation Army Corps, Woodbridge had a band from the very early days. Surviving Corps Records indicate a band under Frederick Pierce. However, the band was soon led Bert Crane.

Woodbridge band pictured on the Market Hill c1896

This photo is dated 1915, and Sgt Major Hubbard can be seen holding a tambourine, seated in the centre on the left of Captain Linnington (holding the flag)

This document on the right is a reproduction of a very large commoration plaque for Bandmaster Crane for the Corps first Electric Light.

The full text reads:
"The Electric Light in this hall was installed and dedicated to the Glory of God, In Loving Memory of A.G.Bert Crane, by his devoted Wife
He was for many tears an earnest member and worker of the Woodbridge Salvation Army Corps and Bandmaster for six years. He was called to the Higher Service on July 24th 1918 at Cremona, Italy, while on Active Service.
E'en as he trod that day to God, So walked he from his birth; In simpleness and gentleness, and honour and clean mirth"

A written tribute to Bandmaster Crane

The band made good progress, by 1918 the leadership had passed to Bandmaster William Hill.

Woodbridge Band under Bandmaster William Hill, the date is unknown but Sgt Major Hubbard can be seen standing at the back, third from the right. The band colour sergeant was Mr Sharpe.

Woodbridge Band pictured in 1920. Sgt Major Hubbard can be seen seated in the centre of the photo next to Captain Jones

Another picture of the band, possibly taken on the steps of New Street School! the date is again unknown, known faces are: front row l-r: Mr Weller Snr, Russel Weller, ??, Sgt Major Copland. Back row, l-r: Mr Wellam, Eric Weller, David Weller, Cecil Smy, Harry Weller.

Woodbridge Band marching with Felixstowe Band down Church Street on Easter Monday 1921 with Captain Lucas

Having survived the difficult years of the 1914-1918 war and the depression of the 1920's, in 1929 the band was now under the direction of Bandmaster Sid Smith, a baker by trade, who was to become one of the characters of the town.

Woodbridge Band, the date on the back of the picture is given as 10 November 1929, David Weller can be seen at the back holding the flag. Also given is the Officers as Captain Windyate(CO 1930) & Lieut Weaver

During the 1940's the band again had to cope with the war years and after some years without a bandmaster, Albert Askew of Ipswich Citadel was invited to assist the band by conducting rehearsals; in 1951, he was commissioned Bandmaster. The band soon established itself as one of the finest in East Anglia. During the early years of Bandmaster Askew's leadership, there were three families who accounted for more than half the players; they were David Weller and his son's Eric, David and Brian; Cecil Smy and his sons Eric and David; John Skuse and his sons Bramwell & Kenneth.

Woodbridge Band pictured in 1953 under Albert Askew, Major Thurlow (CO) can be seen standing on the back row, third from the right

People identified on this photo are as follows:
back row l-r: D Weller, R Skuse, J Askew, W Postans, N Driver (holding flag), Sgt Major Copland, Wesley Smy, Cecil Smy, Eric Smy.
Front row l-r: B Weller, I Jenkins, R Bowers, ?, J Skuse, CO (unknown), J Becker, unknown, unknown, E Weller ,B Skuse.

For the rest of the history, please click here:
Woodbridge Band Part 2