The Bob Cutting Big Band began life as the Harold Elmey Big Band which was formed in about 1964 as the local Musicians Union Branch Rehearsal band. The Union provided funds to enable purchase of music and band members paid a small weekly contribution towards rehearsal room hire etc… It was intended to provide opportunities for local musicians of all standards and included many of the best local dance band musicians.

After a fairly short time in its original meeting place it moved to Lake Street Community Centre for many years. Eventually car parking became more difficult and it moved to Marston British Legion where it still meets. The move was arranged by the then conductor Harold Elmey, a well known trombonist, who ran the band for about 20 years. The Musicians Union became less involved and it was thought proper in view of time and effort he put into the running of the band for it to take his name.

When Harold sadly passed away the band was taken over by one of the saxophone section Richard Balding. He successfully ran the band for about 10 years. Today, the band is led by its Musical Director, the well known local professional trumpeter Bob Cutting.