Haverettes All Girls Marching Band
In 1965, because their daughter Barbara and other girls were only allowed to march behind the Hornchurch Drum & Trumpet corps as majorettes, Alf and Sylvia Smith from Hornchurch in Essex decided to form an all girls marching band. Over the years they have improved their routine, performing at local and national fetes, carnivals, and parades. They have also had a major impact at various levels in national competitions. They now regularly compete at the highest level in TYMBA contests. The Haverettes are often invited to perform in Europe and have performed in Norway, Germany, Holland and Belgium. Because of their history in Havering, they were part of the official festivities when the county was twinned with Ludwigshafen in Germany in the early 70's. The Band even opened a new hospital wing in Romford (assisted by Princes Margaret). The Haverettes are a registered charity, relying on donations and fund raising from supporters and the general public. The ages of the girls range from 8 to 28, some of them having already served over 15 years in uniform. There is a committee of Band Officers and supporters who meet regularly to discuss Band events and fund raising.
