Royal Signals Northern Band

Band Permanent Staff Warrant Officer: WO2 DJ Crowther

The Band was formed as a Brass Band as it was considered easier and more cost effective to recruit Brass players in a northern based band.  The first Bandmaster was a Mr W Holmes, a Mill Manager of Darlington and Simpson Rolling Machines.  This appointment did not last long and the Band was taken on by a Mr A Woodall who had had previous military band experience with the Green Howards.  Under his leadership the band won the Silver Cup for Territorial Bands in the Association on numerous occasions.  Mr Woodall later became the Mayor of Richmond and on ceremonial occasions was often seen changing from Mayoral robes into Bandmasters uniform to carry out his duties as Bandmaster.

The band continued to flourish throughout the fifties and early sixties until a new band was formed on the 1st April 1967 as 34th (Northern) Signal Regiment (Volunteers) Band following the amalgamation of 49th and 50th Divisional Signal Regiments.  This band was formed as an amalgamation of three TA bands; the Royal Signals, Royal Engineers (both Brass Bands) and 6 Durham Light Infantry military band.  During this period the band was lead by a distinguished series of bandmasters, namely Stan Peacock, Maurice Pope and Derek Farrington.  The band was initially based at Brambles Farm TA Centre in Middlesbrough until its move to more suitable practice facilities at Bradford Armoury, Darlington.

In April 1999, the band was disbanded as part of the Strategic Defence Review.  Fortunately, due to the full support of the Corps and 34 Signal Regiment the band was kept alive as an “unofficial” band and the musicians were re-trained as Driver Lineman and continued to serve in their dual role.  In 2006 it was recognised that the band were an asset to the TA and on the 01 July 2008 it received its “official” status back and are now able continue the fine traditions of the Signals TA bands.  Due to TA restructuring and the disbandment of 34 (Northern) Signal Regiment in 2009 the band is now under control of 32 Signal Regiment (V) and forms part of 2 Signal Brigade. 

The Band is still based at the TA Centre Bradford Armoury, Neasham Road, Darlington and is in constant demand for musical support from the Corps, the Regiment and the civilian community.

The Band currently has 28 male and female musicians and draws its members from ex-regular forces and civilians from all walks of life.  Many of the ex-regular band members have seen operational service in Northern Ireland and in both Gulf Wars. Amongst its members are school teachers, driving instructors, welders, printers and hospital technicians.  The opportunities for travel are extensive, as in past years the band has completed summer camps in Gibraltar, Germany and Scotland and in 2008 the TA celebrated its centenary with a Pageant on Horse Guards Parade, London where the Royal Signals (Northern) Band took a leading role.  During the same year the band was also privileged to play at Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Garden Party.  The band was honoured to be selected to conduct its Annual Camp in Cyprus for 2010.  The band performed at a UN Medal parade in Nicosia, Charity concerts in Pissouri, Paphos and Curium and at Beating Retreats in Nicosia and Episkopi.  The band is able to provide a wide variety of musical groups for every occasion including Marching Band, Concert Band, Mess/Dinner Band, Brass Quintet, Saxophone Quartet, Woodwind Group and Fanfare Trumpets.  The band is currently rehearsing to record a CD in the summer which will be available in September. The CD will feature music from all genre’s including Corps music, Military marches, solo items and poignant tributes as well as popular music and music from the shows. The band currently has limited vacancies for a number of instruments and welcomes new members that have a high standard of musicianship and that are committed to the challenge of a modern TA Band.  Rates of pay are very competitive and rise in increments over the years; travel costs are also heavily subsidised.  Rehearsals take place every Tuesday evening between 7.30 and 9.30 pm and occasionally at weekends.

The Royal Signals (Northern) Band plays by kind permission of Lt Col P Donegan, Commanding Officer 32 Signal Regiment (Volunteers).