HISTORY OF THE WOODBRIDGE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY

COMPILED BY BERNARD BARRELL IN 1985

 

Although the records are incomplete, it is clear that the orchestra was founded in 1907 – the programme of the 7th concert (1924) describes it as the “W.E.A.” Orchestra;  but the following concert shows “Woodbridge Orchestral Society again. It is known that some of the players came together as the result of a W. E. A. class at that time.

 

From about 1933 to 1955, the W.O.S. was essentially a String Orchestra, but as wood-wind and brass instruments began to appear, larger rehearsal space was needed which meant leaving the tiny St. Mary’s Rooms, moving to the Red Cross rooms in Seckford Street.  Eventually in 1966, the Orchestra became an Adult Education Centre Class, moving to spacious and congenial surroundings at St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Burkitt Road. (Class fees were then 15/- a term!)

 

In 1980, the orchestra became an “affiliated class”, returning to independent status, but retaining the use of St. Mary’s School.  This came about on account of the rapidly rising Adult Class Fees.

 

The Orchestra’s Presidents have included:

 

            Dr. Preston                               (1910-11)

            Mrs. Capel-Cure                      (1927-31) (?)

            Mr. Roger Quilter                     (1932-53) (Also a Patron earlier)

            Hon. Lady (Gwynned) Quilter   (1954-60)

            Dr. Imogen Holst                      (1961-84)

            Mr. James Butt             (1985)

            Mr. Bernard Barrell                  (1985 - 2005)

            Mr. David Lloyd                       (2005 -         )

 

The Orchestra’s Conductors have been

 

            H.M. Timbers                           (1907-20) (?)

            Alfred J. Dye                            (1921-21)

            Philip Haines                             (1931-54)

            Bernard Barrell             (1954-85)

            James Butt                                (1985-88)

            Andrew Fairley             (1989-2000)

            Neville Reeder                          (2000-        )

(The elements in red are additions to the original text, to bring the history up to date with regard to Presidents and Conductors.)

 

Mr. H.M. Timbers was the Headmaster of the Woodbridge Council School and he continued to play the Double-Bass after Mr. Dye’s appointment as Conductor.  The latter was a much-respected local Music Teacher and composer who had to give up the conductorship because of ill-health.  Mr. Philip Haines, who had played the violin in the orchestra wince 1925, was the Music-Master at Woodbridge School.  He was also appointed Conductor of the Woodbridge Choral Society in the mid-1940’s, directing both Societies until his sudden death in 1954 at the age of 54.

 

Since the early 1930’s, the orchestra has not given “public” concerts regularly, preferring to invite friends to an “At home” concert at the close of season – a custom which it still maintains.  However, there have been occasions when the Orchestra has assisted the Choral Society (especially when Philip Haines conducted both bodies), but more recently this has been found to be rather impracticable.  The Orchestra has often played in local churches – sometimes when an “At home” had been impossible, for instance… and on one occasion it gave a concert at Hollesley Bay Borstal Institution where it was very warmly received – a Hymn-tune Prelude by Vaughan Williams being encored!

 

It is particularly pleasing to note that Dr. Imogen Holst (who never once “forgot” an “at home” concert – unfailingly sending a personal message if unable to be present) wrote three works for the orchestra: “A Woodbridge Suite”, “Joyce’s Divertimento”  (Solo Viola & Orchestra) – and “Deben Calendar”.