+ Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

‘The Band has been entertaining the community in and around Reading in the form of a brass band since 1904 ... The origin of the band dates back to the 19th century when a ladies’ sewing circle at the Spring Gardens Mission raised sufficient funds to purchase brass instruments for the Spring Gardens Wesleyan Mission Concertina Band. Records show that the band became a brass band in circa. 1904 and went from strength to strength winning many contests. However, in circa. 1933-34 it severed its connection with the chapel because of a dispute over the selling of scent cards and football tickets to raise money for the purchase of new uniforms and instruments which the leaders of the chapel objected to ... Membership of Watkins Brass provides a great opportunity for young people to learn how to play a brass instrument within the discipline of a group under the direction of an experienced brass tutor ... and welcomes young brass players under the age of 17 who have achieved or can perform to the equivalent of Grade 2 standard or higher.’