The band originated when a few musicians met in a pub in Ermine Street, Huntingdon back in 1980. When they found they were being asked to play at proper functions they decided that a name was needed and so the Ermine Street Jazz Band was formed. Nobody knows when or why, but eventually the band was renamed the Ouse Valley Stompers. Although Dudley Hedge played a few times with the Ermine Street Jazz Band he was already committed to another band and it wasn’t until about 1988 when this band folded that he became available to join the Ouse Valley Stompers. About a year later a decision was made to change the name to the Ouse Valley Jazz Band. Soon after, a major upheaval occurred and Dudley Hedge took over the running of the band. New personnel were taken on, including an ex-professional trumpet player from the London theatres. This was an important point in the evolution of the band as this trumpeter started introducing written arrangements. Further arrangements followed when another ex-professional saxophone player joined the band. Yet another significant occasion was Dudley’s marriage to Angela, for shortly after that event Angela decided she wanted more involvement with the band. With her becoming the lead singer, the band became known as the Ouse Valley Jazz Band with Angela. As with all bands, musicians have come and musicians have gone, but the Ouse Valley Jazz Band has survived throughout these changes and has established itself as one of the leading bands in East Anglia.