Eric Ball, Chalk Farm Band & the Northern Chorus Chalk Farm Band

Chalk Farm Band

As early as 1898, just sixteen years after its formation in 1882, Chalk farm Band was first featured as the solo band for a Salvation Army International Congress. The venue was London's Crystal Palaceand the band was led by a youthful A. W. Punchard. Bandmaster Punchard led the band in many pioneering developments that influenced the life and growth of Salvation Army bands worldwide. Particularly notable were the trail-blazing overseas tours over thirty of which have been completed to date.

The first of many gramophone recordings was made as early as 1912, for Pathe Frere, and the band's first radio broadcast was transmitted in 1924. Formal recognition of the band's consistently high standard of service came in 1934 when it was received by King George V at Buckingham Palace, London.

As well as being held in high esteem overseas, the band continues its vital work in local ministry in the cosmopolitan area of North London. Enduring links with the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, means that it is regularly called upon to participate in high-profile events in Central London.

Over the years the band has been very active in the British broadcasting media having appeared for many years on BBC's Blue Peter programme as well as making regular appearances on Songs of Praise and BBC Radio's Gloria Hunniford programme, all of which carried its ministry to millions.