Queen Victoria was on the throne when a band, the fourth oldest in the Salvation Army, 

Under the leadership of Bandmaster George Burton the band flourished playing in city parks and 

bandstands and taking part in various processions.

The Salvation Army. When he arrived at the Mechanics' Hall the band was supposed to play 

‘See the conquering hero comes’, but the men got as carried away as the crowd and stood up and 

cheered as he climbed the steps to the platform

When Bandmaster Burton retired Will Vickers 

took over, but difficult times were ahead and the 

start of the First World War left the band with only 

five men for several years. 

It was during this time, however, that the William Booth Memorial Halls were opened (1915), built by 

the city to honour the Founder, and the band now proudly bears that name.

Also around this time, the Commanding Officer started a new instrument scheme and a complete 

set of ‘our own-make’ instruments were purchased for a total cost of £640.

Bandmaster Sid Sutton took charge just before the Second World War, when again many of the men 

were called to serve their country. Will Vickers took over again when peace returned until Bandmaster 

Vaughan was appointed. In July, 1951, bandsman Ralph Bristow was appointed Bandmaster 

and held that position for 35 years.

During his leadership the band played before the Princess Royal at the Albert Hall, took part in 

BBC Radio’s Sunday Half Hour programme, appeared on Songs of Praise and toured Switzerland and 

Norway. The band were also prominent in civic engagements and in December 1959 the Chief Constable 

asked whether the band might present music in the City Centre on New Year’s Eve in the hope that it 

might have a positiveimpact on crowd behaviour.

The event continued very successfully for some years until a firework was thrown down the bell of a bass

instrument and it was thought too dangerous to carry on.

Bandmaster Bristow retired in February 1986, when Band Sergeant David Garrett took over. During his 

14 year period of leadership the band continued to travel the country and embarked on a memorable 

European tour. The centre-piece of that tour was the participation in the opening celebrations for a 

new Salvation Army Centre in Karlsruhe, Nottingham’s twin city in Germany.

Bandmaster Duncan Cameron is now in charge, taking over when Bandmaster Garrett retired in 2000. 

Under his leadership the band continues to play and travel and seek out new ways of ministry. 

A thriving Friends of the Band scheme now exists and under its auspices there have been great festivals 

in which the band has worked with some of the foremost brass virtuosi in the country. 

All through the years though, in addition to these highlight events, has been the week in, 

week out commitment to ministry in the Salvation Army Citadel and the Open Air services;

in the hospitals, prisons, schools and care-homes.

This is Salvation Army banding; presenting the gospel message in music and proclaiming to all who