Uckfield (Industries)
In 1972, Steve Johnson, an accomplished musician in his own right took over the position of conductor and being from the land of brass in the Midlands, he bought many new ideas to the bandroom.
One of these was to enter the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, and the other was to work with “Professional” Conductors, a whole new idea for a small town band like Uckfield.
Lt. Col. Sir Vivian Dunn was the first professional conductor the band had, Sir Vivian had been the Director of Music to the Royal Marines for many years and obviously brought much experience to the youthful band members and success was soon registered with highly successful local concerts and full to capacity audiences as well as the band becoming well known and highly respected on the contesting circuit.
Success followed success, and the band became London & Southern Counties Champions (4th Section) in 1974.
Like all amateur organisations, players come and go, and times change but good fortune has often been on the band’s side and an association with local companies existed for a long time, the band being know as Uckfield (Industries) during this period.
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