As part of our 25 years celebrations, we are running profiles of our band members past and present.

Bob Reid, our drummer who played his last concert with us at the Bandstand in Priory Park on Sunday 3rd July.

Having spent the last 20 years with the band as the drummer, it is with real sadness that I left in July to return to my native Scotland after 30 years away.
My history, is that from the age of 12, I have played in Flute bands with my Dad, then onto Pipe Bands with the Rolls Royce works bands. Both in Glasgow.
Having returned from South Africa in 1986 and moved to Southend, I always wanted to play in a Brass Band.
My working live was spent selling Hydraulics, and whilst talking to one of my customers (Frank Dixon of Ekco Plastics) we got onto the subject of music, and Brass Bands in particular.
This led to my introduction to David Hurrell, and the rest, as they say is history.
It will be very strange, especially on thursday nights, when I will always consider it to be "Band Practice" night.
I will always have a special place in my heart for the Southend Band, and for Southend as a town.

Shirley Russell, who is our longest serving band member.

Shirley Russell

I started playing (or trying to) in my late teens, I was involved with Scouting and Guiding at my local church, the Scout Band was going through a rough patch and two or three of the helpers were asked if they would join the band to help boost the youngsters, so I agreed. The band was coached by Les Boreham who was a music teacher and a member of Southend Band. It was coming up to Christmas and we arranged to go carolling, so Les asked a few members of Southend Band if they would come and help. The chaps came and helped us on several occasions and eventually getting chatting to them it was suggested I went along to their practice. After a while I became a member and became friendly with Rusty (who was a horn player), this led to us getting together and 40 years plus we are still married. The band has alot to answer for!!

Rusty was one of the founder members of Southend Band, when I joined it was called the Southend United Football Supporters Club Band, but unfortunately he had to stop playing due to health problems. I still get recognised on occasions as the female member of the band that used to march around the pitch at half time. (Once met, never forgotten.)

Here are a few pictures from our Edwardian Christmas at the bandstage

From left to right, Dave, Phil, Sally, Amanda and Andy.

Jon, Helen, Amanda, Sally, Andy, Oliver and Bob