History

Matthews Norfolk Brass was formed during the early part of the twentieth century as the Reepham Temperance Band and well before the thirties changed its name to the Reepham Town Band. In those latter days the Musical Director was Mr E T Ruffles, who was the driving force in progressing the musical performance of the band, until his untimely death in 1957.

Mr Ruffles assisted the formation of the East Anglian Brass Band Association of which Reepham Band is a founder member.

In the early Seventies the Band saw a revival under the then Chairman Bill Holden and very quickly improved its technical ability to enable entry into national competitions.

During the eighties the ReephamTown Band was able to attract financial support from Bernard Matthews Plc and changed their name in appreciation of that support.

Since changing name Matthews Norfolk Brass has achieved considerable recognition as both a contesting and concert band. In recent years the Band has played for the Queen Mother and HRH Prince of Wales at Sandringham, and has also appeared at the Waldorf Hotel London as well as in a national television advertisement for its sponsor. No stranger to the stage, concerts include supporting Don Lusher (trombone) and Evelyn Glennie (percussion), Julian Lloyd Webber (cellist) during their visits to Norwich. Summer 2005 the band were asked to play at Caister Lifeboat Station to launch the new Lifeboat when (Charles and Camilla visited), HRH Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

Contest Achievements

National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain finalists on four occasions. Pontins Brass Band National Championships finalists on six occasions. Southern Region Open Champions. First Section Champions on three occasions. Champion Band of East Anglia – 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005.