History of the Band

The Band was originally formed in 1899 and was called the "Chobham Ex Service Mens Band" under the leadership of .... well, we can't remember to be honest. None of the present members admit to being there. They enjoyed considerable success both on the concert platform and the Contesting field.

They moved to Bisley in 1966 and obtained the Sponsorship of The Bisley Office Equipment Company. They changed their name accordingly and continued to flourish. Among the various conductors were Bernard Blishen, Dave Watkins, Ren Trussler, Ernie Brown – many of these well known and respected in the local banding area.

After 20 successful years, the band and Bisley Office Equipment decided to end their relationship, so for a while the band continued on their own. There followed a couple of lean years, which were weathered because of the unfailing support of some half a dozen loyal members.

1988 saw a local company in Bisley Almac Packaging take on the Sponsorship and so the band again changed to its present name Almac Bisley Brass Band. We were fortunate in securing the services of Peter Stickland as our Musical Director, and under his leadership the band once again flourished. At the end of 2006 Peter retired, and after a short break we fell on our feet again by securing Lee Woodward as our Musical Director. Under his enthusiastic guidance we continued to develop and grow. Earlier this year Lee had a chance to further his conducting career at a contesting band, and reluctantly we had to part ways. Steve Perrett has now taken up the baton and we are continuing the good work that was set in place all those years ago.