Lyme Regis Town Band takes great pride in welcoming members of all ages and abilities. Its youngest player, Theo, is just ten years old, while its oldest, Geoff, is well into his eighties.
Theo, currently in Year 6 at Marshwood Academy, will move on to Axe Valley Academy in September. He has been playing the cornet for nearly three years, having first picked it up during a school initiative in Year 4. In addition to this, Theo has been learning both the violin and piano for the past five years. Outside of music, he keeps busy caring for his pony and competing in show jumping events, something he has been doing since the age of five. Over the last three years, he has also dedicated three hours a week to training at Axminster Gymnastics Club, where he performs as part of the display team at local events and fêtes. The band is delighted to have such a talented and committed young member, who is a valuable addition to the cornet section.
At the other end of the age range is Geoff, a founding member of the band and its oldest player. A bass trombonist, Geoff recalls the early days of the band’s re-formation in the 1980s:
“In 1981, the film The French Lieutenant’s Woman, based on the novel by John Fowles, was released. Filming transformed Lyme Regis into a bustling set, bringing a welcome sense of excitement to the town. Well-known actors, including Meryl Streep, were often seen around. As a gesture of thanks for the disruption, the film company donated £3,000 to the town.
Chris Chapman, owner of the Serendip Bookshop, suggested using the funds to revive the town band, which had disbanded in the 1950s when many players left for national service. With his enthusiasm and drive, the band quickly took shape. Anyone who could play was encouraged to join, and often several members came from the same family—a tradition that continues today. The band currently includes three married couples, as well as founder member Viv Wright, who plays alongside her son John, the band’s percussionist. John’s father, Derek Hallett, serves as Vice President.
To get started, old instruments were tracked down and new ones purchased. There was even a rumour that instruments had been buried during the Second World War to prevent them falling into enemy hands, making some difficult to recover later. Joe O’Donnell, landlord of the Ship Inn, became the first Bandmaster.
The band soon became an active part of community life, leading the parade for the annual Civic Service and supporting other local bands during carnival processions. Many members had military band experience, which ensured a high standard of performance. Summer concerts on Marine Parade began in 1982, marked by the arrival of the band’s distinctive red jackets. Joe also introduced audience participation by giving children percussion instruments—something that still happens today.
Local support was tremendous, with Christmas concerts often selling out well in advance. Pat Perry later took over as Bandmaster, maintaining these high standards and running a music theory class whose pupils achieved excellent Grade 5 results. Behind the scenes, Jim Sweetland played a vital role in keeping the band running smoothly.
I’m delighted to see the band still thriving today. It remains a friendly and supportive group, and I believe that sense of community is the key to its lasting success.”
Further details about the history of Lyme Regis Town Band can be found on their website.
