The Divisional Fellowship Band is made up primarily of musicians from The Salvation Army, but is open to other Christian musicians who share a faith in Jesus Christ, His life and His teachings.
The Band was formed in 2000, initially to supply music for the West Midlands Divisional Home League Rally. From this grew other invitations, so regular rehearsals began in 2002. The band was officially inaugurated by the Divisional Commander on 27th March 2004. In May 2004, the band made a very successful tour of Norway. And In October 2015, the band visited Guernsey performing concerts and leading church services.
Since its inception, the band was led by Bandmaster Charles King. Charles was previously Divisional Bandmaster and bandmaster of various Corps, including Coventry City. He retired from the band at the end of 2025, having reached his 90th birthday. His successor is John Sharman of Birmingham Citadel.
The band is unique, in that although part of The Salvation Army, it is open to other Christian musicians who share a faith in Jesus Christ, His life and His teachings. The dedication, enthusiasm, energy, time and miles travelled by those who serve in the band is impressive. The reward is the joy and fellowship shared as we develop musically and spiritually. Whilst many players are retired, we do have a diverse group of members, young and old, Salvationists and non-Salvationists, men and women. The band rehearses most Tuesdays at 11:00 am in The Cradley Heath Salvation Army hall:
Cradley Heath | The Salvation Army
Each year, we carry out engagements at various Corps, Church and Divisional events often sharing the programme with other musical groups. In 2024, the band undertook a very successful tour of Norfolk supporting three Corps – Sheringham, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft. The Friday evening festival at Sheringham was shared with the local Corps’ Songster Brigade as part of their Corps Anniversary. On Saturday evening, the band played in Great Yarmouth Minster together with Great Yarmouth Brass. Over £1,000 was raised, shared between the Corps and RNLI. The Band led the Sunday morning meeting at Lowestoft followed by an open air at a nearby shopping centre. All events were well attended and much appreciated. It was a tiring but very rewarding weekend for the 28 members of the band.
If you are interested in attending any events in the future, joining the band, booking us for a concert or supporting in any way, please contact the secretary,
Trevor Pocock (trevor.pocock@salvationarmy.org.uk).
