Married Army Reserve musicians who have spent decades bringing joy to communities through their service are retiring after more than 80 years' combined dedication to military music.
Portrait of Captain Milford.
Portrait of Sergeant Milford.
Captain Tom Milford and Sergeant Helen Milford, from the North East, have entertained thousands of people through their roles with the Royal Signals (Northern) Band.
Tom has led the Darlington-based band as Director of Music since 2003, whilst Helen joined in 1990, later becoming one of the first women to serve in mixed gender Army bands.
Their careers have taken them from Tom conducting the Coldstream Guards at Buckingham Palace to both performing for 2,000 people at annual Proms in the Park concerts.
Distinguished career
Tom's 45-year career, including 22 years in the Regular Army, featured deployment during the first Gulf War and meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II.
"I have been able to balance being band director with running a music business."
He said: “Having a full-time and part time occupation, doing something that you really enjoy is an opportunity that not everyone will experience.
“I have been able to balance being band director with running a music business, hosting residential symphonic wind band workshops.
“I have met many people through military and civilian musical groups and have forged strong friendships which will last forever.”
Female pioneer
Helen helped to pioneer women's integration into previously male only bands. She donned the uniform of the band of the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC), a separate female corps, until 1992 when the WRAC was disbanded, and its members were integrated into the wider Army alongside their male counterparts.
"It's wonderful to see women now joining."
She said: “Joining the band gave me the opportunity to play music at the highest level and enjoy experiences which I could never have gained elsewhere, all alongside my civilian career as a software developer.
“It is wonderful to see women now joining the band and being accepted equally on their own merit.”
The couple, both aged 64, have balanced their military service with civilian careers and family life with the band, which continues with around 30 members from diverse backgrounds including teachers, students, civil servants, and doctors.
Reserve Musicians serve their community whilst experiencing adventure and camaraderie through their shared passion for music.
Actively recruiting
The band is actively recruiting woodwind, brass, and percussion players, as well as seeking a new Director of Music or Bandmaster to lead future engagements. Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome to join and serve whilst pursuing musical excellence.
Fifty musicians attended the band's inaugural Play Day in October, with several now in the process of joining. The event allowed local players to experience rehearsing and performing with military musicians without immediate commitment. The next Play Day is scheduled for March.
The Royal Signals (Northern) Band is based at 50 Signal Squadron, 37 Signal Regiment in Darlington.
For recruitment information, email [email protected]
The Director of Music/Bandmaster vacancy is advertised on the Find Forces Jobs website.