Concerts and Events - 1930s

Details of concerts by the band before the 1970s are very limited. Unfortunately early band account books, which would have provided some pointers to non-charity concerts simply by recording a payment, were mislaid during a bandroom move a number of years ago. Concerts and events listed here are from personal memories, or the chance appearance of a document detailing the event.

1930	Date	Venue	Time
1931	Date	Venue	Time
	1931	From the Band's Annual Statement of Accounts to October, 1930: The band was called "Gravesend Town Silver Band" and practiced at Lord Street Mission Hall. The Bandmaster was Mr. G. Chapman. Finances were not as sucessful as in previous years due to bad weather and a large amount of unemployemnt in the District. During the year the band purchased 4 Clarionettes from the Gloucestershire Regiment who along with other Regimental Bands were lowering their pitch. The instruments were in first-class condition and were a great improvement to the Reed Section of the Band. Engagement money was shared between members taking part as recompense for lost time etc. The band played 36 programmes on the Promenade on Sundays and attended Mayoral Church Parades, Annual Concert at the Poor Law Institution, Hospital Fete, and Tennis Finals (for Benefit of Hospital).
1932	Date	Venue	Time
	1932	From the Band's Annual Statement of Accounts to October, 1931: The band was called "Gravesend Town Silver Band" and practiced at Lord Street Mission Hall. The Bandmaster was Mr. G. Chapman. The past season was the worse since the War [First World War] due to continuous bad weather and wet weekends and the bad state of trade generally. The band however carried out its obligations and played in all weathers on the Promenade. New instruments were needed, some having been in continuous use for over 30 years. Engagement money was shared between members to recompense them for their time, etc. The band played 37 programmes on the Promenade on Sundays and attended Mayoral Church Parades, Annual Concert at the Poor Law Institution, Hospital Carnival, Ambulance Dedication, Church Army Service etc.
1933	Date	Venue	Time
1934	Date	Venue	Time
1935	Date	Venue	Time
Sat	07/12/1935	From "The Reporter" TOWN BAND The Mayor of Gravesend has taken upon himself the task of raising sufficient funds to provide new instruments for the Gravesend Town Band. A total sum of about £450 is required, and towards this approximately £100 has been raised. If the Band is to continue its good work it is absolutely essential that all the present instruments should be replaced. The Band has a long and honourable record in Gravesend and district and it would be a great misfortune if it should have to disband. We trust that the efforts of the Mayor will meet with plenty of support and that the necessary funds will soon be raised.
1936	Date	Venue	Time
	pre-War	Band uniform - dark blue with high collar jackets trimmed in red and gold, and peaked hats.
	??/??/1936	Counsellor G.R.Croft J.P., Mayor of Gravesend donated a full set of musical instruments to the band. Celebratory concert at Fort Gardens Bandstand, Gravesend	Afternoon
1937	Date	Venue	Time
	10/1937	From the Band's Annual Statement of Accounts to October, 1936: The band was called "Gravesend Town Silver Band" and practiced at Lord Street Mission Hall. The Bandmaster was Mr. T.W.Stopford (late Bandmaster 2nd Bn. The Loyal (North Lancashire) Regiment). The band has a new set of instruments thanks to an appeal by G.R.Croft, Esq., J.P. and also obtained the services of a new conductor Mr.T.W.Stopford The band played 30 programmes on the Promenade on Sundays and attended Mayoral Church Parades, Annual Concert at the Poor Law Institution, Hospital Carnivals, British Legion and Old Contemptibles' parades.
1938	Date	Venue	Time
1939	Date	Venue	Time
	Early 1939	From the Band's Annual Statement of Accounts to October, 1938: The band was called "Gravesend Town Silver Band" and practiced at Lord Street Mission Hall. The Bandmaster was Mr. T.W.Stopford. The band played 26 programmes on the Promenade and attended Mayoral Church Parades, Annual Concert at the Poor Law Institution, Hospital Carnivals, British Legion and Old Contemptibles' parades.
	18/04/1939	Corporation Of Gravesend Finance and Law Committee minutes para. 597 shows - "Gravesend Town Silver Band. Recommended that a grant of £125 be made to the Band on the following conditions: That two members of the Council shall be appointed to represent the Corporation on the Town Band Committee and that one of these representatives be appointed Chairman. That the Band be required to give 5 additional evening performances in consideration of the extra grant of £25. That the Band be authorised to take collections as in previous years. That these arrangements be subject to further consideration at the end of the season. Note. Recommended that Councillors Lester and Coles be appointed as the Council's representatives on the Town Band Committee.	12.15
	01/09/1939	Britain joins World War 2
	Late 1939	From the Band's Annual Statement of Accounts to October, 1988 "All our yesterdays" 50 years ago section: With the declaration of war the following members are serving with H.M.Forces, George Woolgar, Eric Turner, Les Souter, Bob Mealin. The band is now taking youngsters who are being taught by Bandmaster Tom Stopford to keep the band going during the duration of the war.
	30/11/1939	Corporation Of Gravesend Finance and General Purposes Committee minutes paragraph 177 shows - "Gravesend Town Silver Band A letter was received from the above, stating that it has been decided that the affairs of the Band be wound up and that all Instruments and other property be given over to the Town Council in trust, pending the reformation of the Band. It is suggested that the instruments be stored in the Bandroom. It was left to the Councillor Lester and the Town Clerk to make arrangements for the storage of the instruments."