Ahead of Thursday’s Drive I caught up with Jessica Gilby Doyle of The Haverettes.
For over 55 years this all girls marching band has given young girls an opportunity to learn music, make friends, gain confidence and travel the world to perform. With the departure of the band master in recent years, they have struggled to find a permanent replacement and so Jessica joined us for a chat about the history of The Haverettes, her fond memories performing with the group as a young musician and why it is so important that they continue to offer future generations of young girls the opportunity to join The Haverettes. Click play below to listen or tune in from 3pm on Thursday 10th February.
Formed in 1965, because their daughter and other girls were only allowed to march behind the Hornchurch Drum and Trumpet Corps (an all boys band) as majorettes, Alf and Sylvia Smith from Hornchurch in Essex decided to form an all girls marching band. Over the years the band then went from strength to strength, going from a one song routine to a huge repertoire and various displays under their belt. The girls had a major impact at various levels in National Competitions and compete at the highest level in TYMBA contests, formerly national champions. The band are often invited to perform in various shows and carnivals across the UK and Europe as well as being in various music videos including the Inspiral Carpets and Enya, on ITV’s This Morning and even TV adverts too. The latest being the Mulberry Christmas Advert 2018, the 12 days of Christmas (look out for their feet / drums!).
The Haverettes are holding an extraordinary general meeting on Sunday 13th February 6:30pm – 8:30pm at Elm Park Assembly Hall to discuss the future of the band. If you or somebody you know would be interested in helping to support the continuation of the group then please do attend or get in touch as soon as possible by contacting them here.
For more of Stewart’s shows, interviews, poems and reviews, to submit your music for airplay or to check out Stewart’s comedy and books visit www.stewartpink.com.
