Cradley Heath Band was established in 1881. From church and Salvation Army platforms to civic parades; from street corners to concert stages, this innovative band has shared its unique ministry with others. The band is very much involved in the life of Sandwell and Dudley boroughs, providing music for many civic, church and cultural events including the annual Songs of Praise service and Remembrance Day services. This 13 member volunteer band is conducted by Bandmaster Rob Westwood-Payne and participates every Sunday in the worship services at Cradley Heath Salvation Army Corps. The band also provides several special concerts each year as well as Christmas carol playing on the streets of the boroughs of Sandwell and Dudley.

 

Rob Westwood-Payne grew up in The Salvation Army at Norwich Citadel. He left Norwich to study at the University of Warwick and became fully involved in the music centre there culminating in his conducting Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue to a full house in Symphony Hall in Birmingham. He also transferred to The Salvation Army at Coventry City, where he became Songster Leader at the age of 21. He was made Songster Leader at Cradley Heath in April 1998 shortly before marrying Gail in the following October. He was commissioned Bandmaster of the Cradley Heath Band of The Salvation Army in January 2006. He is also West Midlands Divisional Youth Chorus Leader and Assistant Programme Director at the West Midlands Divisional Summer School for The Salvation Army. He is a member of the Salvation Army's Divisional Advisory Council and past member of the Territorial Youth Advisory Council. He is an Associate Solicitor in the Licensing Team of a national practice based in the midlands.