West Surrey Big Bands Society

The Meeting Place For Big Bands Enthusiasts

The Society started back in 1973 as The Syd Lawrence Appreciation Society but changed its name to embrace the wider Big Band and Swing Era. We celebrated our 30th anniversary as West Surrey Big Band Society in September 2003. Committee comprises: Chairman and Programme Controller: Grant Waglan, Vice-Chairman: John Charman, Treasurer: David Copland, Members: Derek Edwards, Peter Nyland, Clifford Hall.

Our aim has been to keep the Big Band sound alive, to create new interest in the Dance and Swing Bands and associated Artistes and provide facilities for listening to "our kind of music" in comfortable surroundings with sound quality of the highest standard.

Programmes are pre-recorded for convenience and are presented by a number of people, many of whom are very knowledgeable and experienced. Our music policy is one of variety and "musicality". Members are encouraged to come forward with ideas and suggestions for programmes and to present them if possible. Some talented presenters have been discovered this way.

Life President

Bill Bellerby

President

Peter Nyland

Vice-Presidents

Derek Edwards, and Mick White.

Alan Dell was also a Vice-President until his death in August 1995. His Radio 2 programme was in the very capable hands of Malcolm Laycock, also a Vice-President, who sadly died in November 2009. Moira Heath (Ted's widow) was also a valued Vice-President until her death in 2000. Henry McKenzie (Clarinetist with Ted Heath Orchestra)
was also a Vice-President until his death in September 2007.

If you like the music of the Dance and Swing Bands come along to Royal British Legion, The Street, (opposite The Onslow Arms), West Clandon, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7TD - 3rd Monday of every month at 7.45 pm. Admission Ł3.00. For further details call (01483) 223446; 222151