The
band was originally formed as an amateur musical outlet for the RAF apprentices, who learnt their various technical trades
at Halton. In those long-gone days, each wing had its own band, who would march the apprentices to various parts of the camp
for different lessons, parades etc. As Halton is no longer an apprentice training station its members, whilst still amateurs,
are drawn from a wider spectrum of service life. In fact, due to the increased number of civilians (civil servants and contractors
etc.) that now work on military establishments, the membership of the band now includes ex-service and civilian musicians
as well.
The band performs at many different types of function
each year, from official parades, air shows and concerts, to church services, formal dinners and receptions. The band is often
to be seen during the summer months at bandstands around the country, especially in London and on the south coast.
In recent years the band has toured abroad, playing concerts in Norway, France,
Germany, Malta and Austria.
October 2007 saw the band on a duty
tour in Cyprus, playing for an investiture, for the British High Commission in Nicosia and at two service charity concerts.
The band was invited back to Cyprus the following year.
