How it Started.

During the Christmas season of 1897, the Brass Band of the Rushden Salvation Army had a 'break' with the local Corps. They were asked to relinquish their uniforms and instruments, which they did. The ex-bandsmen were invited by the 'Tin Tabernacle' in Station Road to form a new band. Some bandsman were able to purchase their own instruments with the remainder being funded by the church. The band adopted its new church building as its headquarters and the RUSHDEN INDEPENDENT WESLEYAN MISSION BAND was born in 1898.

From 1898 - 1931, the band played weekly, at Sunday open air services as well as at occasional concerts in the park. They then decided to compete in contests to show that 'a Christian musical combination could stand up to trained efforts of other brass bands.' They enjoyed success at contests over the the next few years. They also made regular radio broadcasts until the start of the second world war.

Sadly, several of the players were lost during the second world war. This left the band with a depleted membership for a number of years. This did not deter the stalwart members of the band, who continued to meet, until eventually the numbers grew again.

What we do now.

At present there are about 25 members in the band who meet regularly on a Thursday evening to rehearse at the Rushden Mission Church. The players range in age from 12 years to 70+ years. The present conductor has been with the band for two years. We play a wide range of music and have a lot of fun in the process! Throughout the year, we perform concerts across the county. We also play at summer fetes and garden parties, and also at a number of church services each year. We play purely for pleasure and do not take part in contests.