All about us

New Brancepeth Revellers Jazz Band was formed in 1970. It was originally a girls club. The girls then asked the organisers, Sid Welsh and Mrs Pattinson, if they could be made into a Jazz Band. There was over 100 names taken in October 1970. Sid then contacted Dennis (current trainer) to see if he could help start a band as he was a Sergeant Major in Durham Army Cadet force. He agreed to help for three weeks to start the band off, 3 weeks turned into 33 years! After training for the Winter period, the colours were chosen for the band, turquoise and orange. The band marched for the first time with 73 marching members on the 1st May 1971. There was a drum major, mascot, banner party of 7, band major, 44 kazzoos, a drum rear, bass drummer and 17 in the drum section. In the 1970's we competed in the Northern Area Association, then when it disbanded we joined our present one - North East Association.