The Poynton RBL Concert Band aims to provide exciting, energetic and flexible wind ensembles for musical events. We are continually seeking to build an expanding enthusiastic membership and audiences for a viable and sustainable future. We aim to embrace diversity in musical taste, thereby appealing to the wider needs of the whole community.
The band was formed in 1974 when a group of people followed the idea of John Kilshaw in forming a military band. He, along with Mr H Thomas, Mrs K Thomas and Mr Burgess arranged a meeting on 19th June 1974. Invitations for an Inaugural Meeting on the Wednesday, 18th September, 1974 – were sent around the Poynton community and interested parties with a view to forming a Military Band under the musical directorship of Mr. Ross Livie.
Thirty-six people turned up with instruments and the band was on its way – the band's first official concert was at the Poynton Social Centre on the 11th December, 1974, conducted by Peter Toms Bandmaster from the Royal Marines. It has the support of the local press and MP for Macclesfield, Mr. Nicholas Winterton, and many successful concerts followed.
After 2-3 years rehearsing at the Poynton Centre, demand on the centre from other organizations meant a move to another rehearsal room, which was to be in the old Fire Station behind the centre, this was not a particular good move, crowded and cold in the winter. Charles Oldfield had now taken the musical directorship of the band and many more concerts were conducted including many outdoor venues for schools, churches and hospital fetes. With the problems of the rehearsal room John Kilshaw made an approach to the Royal British Legion Club for possible use of the club facilities for rehearsal and storage of equipment and this finally happened in October, 1986. Sadly, shortly after the move to the RBL Club, Mr. Kilshaw died. We all recognised the great effort and determination John contributed to create the band and get it on the road to where it is today.
The band changed its name from the Centre Concert Band to The Poynton Royal British Legion Concert Band. A junior band was formed by Frank MacDonald which was very popular for 10 years.
In 1987, the band entered its first competition “St. Helens Regional Competition” on the 3rd May, 1987 and was awarded the Merit Award Shield. The following year, the band won Best Brass Section and in 1989 were Runners-up at the National Concert Band Festival in Southport.
Charles took the band to play at the BASBWE Festival at the Royal Northern College of Music and it was invited back to play twice more by Clark Rundell and Timothy Reynish.
In 1991, Peter Leary (who was principal trombone player with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and formerly in the Northern Brass Ensemble) was appointed musical director of The Poynton RBL Concert Band. Through the 70's and into 2001 the band has grown stronger in size and in the quality and variety of music. It enjoys the support from the players, the Royal British Legion Club and the local community. We have given many concerts throughout previous years and are looking forward to the coming years.
Dave Caine took over as Musical Director in 2005 and the Band benefited greatly from his experience and knowledge of windband music gained from a long musical career with 16 years in the Army, including service with the Cheshire Regiment and Grenadier Guards, followed by 30 years in Manchester Music Service where he was Senior Brass Tutor.
Keith Hatton, who's interest in music began at the age of 12 took over the baton in August 2009. A highly qualified musician, Keith brings to the role a wealth of experience gained from a distinguished musical military career.