The Southwold and Reydon Corps of Drums
By Derek and Sue Doy

Early in 1981, Mr John Barber, the Southwold Town Crier, had the idea to form a band in the local area, the last one having been disbanded in the mid 1920's. He called on the help of three local men who had been in the armed forces, namely Mr J Hughes, a military musician who became musical director, Mr D. Doy, an ex-sea cadet drummer and drum major (and later in the Royal Engineers) and Mr R. Palmer, a former bugler in the Suffolk Regiment. Mr F. Mortlock who had served in the army took charge of the frill and discipline. It was pure coincidence that both Mr Barber's and Mr Mortlock's fathers had been in the previous band and Mr Doyd's father had been in the local T.A. Regiment to which the band was associated.

"We were fortunate to have a successful youth club being run by another local man Mr Stannard in the council owned Stella Peskett Hall so we quickly had our musical recruits. We commenced practising twice a week every Thursday evening and Sunday morning and still do to this day".

It cost just over £10,000 to put the band on the road and £2000 per year to run it The towns people have always supported the band.

Four Mum's helped with the children, looking after them in the Hall or on parades, keeping uniforms spic and span. The band also ran a weekly tote, formed 'A Friends of the Band' and held an annual fete with the Youth Club in order to raise funds and, as they helped themselves so the donations came in. Also there were gifts of a drum, bugles etc so that by the month of May a band turned out and gave one of their benefactors a display in the Market Place whilst he proudly took the salute.

Their next move was to have uniforms, belts, coloured lanyards and hats. They were able to purchase to rolls of cloth (one each of red and black) through a shop in the town. Mr Barber, being an ex-guardsman designed the uniforms on the lines of the Irish Guards and they were lucky enough to have them made by three women of the 'Suffolk Royals' band from Sudbury who helped enormously. The hats, based on a round wooden top with felt surround, were made by a local Mum. Uniforms are still a problem as some cadets will need three different sizes during their stay with the band.

The band has played all around Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridge. Quite recently, they played in Hyde Park by consent of Her Majesty the Queen. Unfortunately, as we all get older, there is only one founder member helping full time and one part time and the band is now run by Mr and Mrs Clark with two mothers helping. If you would like to know more about the band or book them for a local event contact Mr or Mrs Doy on 01502 722987

Click here to see a pictorial history of the band