Brass Band Reference - Extinct Brass Bands

Extinct Brass Bands

Of the many brass bands that have flourished in Britain over the last 150 years very few have documented records covering their history. This page is an attempt to collect together information about such bands and make it available to all. Over 3,000 extinct bands are recorded here. Where "active" dates are given these indicate documented appearances - the bands may well have existed beyond those dates quoted. Any contributions of material, information, pictures, or suggestions, references etc. are more than welcome. Where the material warrants it, a separate page or archive will be established for particular bands. Various bands have changed their names several times over the years, which makes tracking them down more difficult. Any details of "family tree" relationships between bands and their names will also be welcome. Finally, if any band appearing on this list is still active, please let me know!

See also Cornish Brass Bands for details of extinct Cornish bands
See Brass Bands Genealogy for information on current bands' dates of origin and name changes
See Brass Band Ancestors for those seeking information on people and bands
See Vintage Brass Band Pictures for images of early brass bands
See Vintage People Pictures for images of early bandsmen (largely unnamed)
See Brass Band Historians and Researchers for details of those seeking information

Please send any additions, corrections, comments or material to

gavin@ibew.co.uk

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D
Dagenham Brass Band: Active in the 1920s
Dagenham Silver Band: Active in the 1970s. Later known as Barking Concert Band
Daisy Hill Subscription Band (Bradford): Active in 1905 when Louis Allison took over as conductor. Also active in the 1940s and 1950s
Dale Abbey Brass Band (Derbyshire): Active in 1896
Dalkeith & Westfield Trades Band (Midlothian): Founded as Westfield Brass Band - it was in existence in 1892 when it led a procession to welcome a visit from William Gladstone. In 1904 the band changed its name to the Dalkeith & Westfield Trades Band in order to gain a wider support. That same year the band led a parade in honour of Winston Churchill. In 1905 the band received a grant from the town council after a vote. There's no trace of when the then band went out of being, but it must have been before 1911 as it didn't take part in various reported occasions thereafter.
Dalkeith Burgh Band (Midlothian): Formed sometime before 1929, as it led the Gala Day procession in that year, in the gap left by the earlier Dalkeith & Westfield Trades Band. It played at the local gala day crowning in 1953 in King's Park - the same day as the Queen's coronation. Merged with Monktonhall Colliery Silver Band in 1989
Dalry Brass Band: Active in 1872, when they participated in the celebrations for the opening of the new Orange Hall in Irvine. In October 1903 the Kilwinning Co-op Society's new Ł7,000 building in main Street was formally opened following a procession round the town comprising nearly 1000 persons and led by Dalry Brass Band. In January 1905, at a singing competition under the auspices of Dalry Silver Band, Miss Anniw Frew, New Street, Stevenston, was winner of the gold medal. In September 1905 the Dalry Silver Prize Band provided musical entertainment during the afternoon of the Grand Quoiting Exhibition Game, held under the auspices of Dalry Quoiting Club,
Dalry Silver Band: See: Dalry Brass Band
Dalry Silver Prize Band: See: Dalry Brass Band
Dalton Amateur Band: In January 1897 the annual meeting of the Dalton Town Band was held at the Wellington Hotel. Very soon after this meeting had taken place, there was some disagreement among the members of the band which made some of them terminate their association with the town band and start a band of their own. This was officially formed as the Amateur Brass Band at a meeting held in the Wellington Hotel in March 1897. Mr. A. Baker was appointed as conductor of the new band which survived for many years, and frequently performed at concerts, parades, etc. A Baker later went on to conduct the Brotton Old Band, the Anaconda Copper Mines Band (U.S.A.), then to the Barrow Iron and Steel Works Band in 1921.
Dandenong Brass Band (Australia): Formed in 1885 and amalgamated with the Dandenong Railways Band in 1895, disbanded in 1939
Dandenong Railways Band (Australia): Formed in 1892 and amalgamated with the Dandenong Brass Band in 1895, disbanded in 1939
Dannemora Steel Works Brass Band (Sheffield): Active in 1965
Dannemora Steelworks Prize Band (Sheffield): Won the selection contest held in Doncaster at the Salutation Inn on 14 April 1900
Darcy Lever Band (Bolton) [1]: James Halliwell joined Darcy Lever Band at the age of 12 in 1853 and played with them for 15 years while their uniform was a Black Frock Coat, tall hat and white waistcoats. The band dispersed in 1874, where upon Mr Halliwell went as bandmaster to the 9th Lance Volunteer Band.
Darcy Lever Band (Bolton) [2]: In 1886 James Halliwell reformed the Darcy Lever Band and was bandmaster until the band dispersed for the last time in 1906. James Halliwell died in 1924. Several members of the Halliwell family played in the band
Darfield District Band: Active in the early 1980s.
Darfield District Houghton Main Colliery Band: See: Darfield District Band
Darley Dale Brass Band: Formed on the 16th August 1880 and rehearsed in Wensley. The band was a typical village brass band, taking part in local traditions and events. Apart from a break during the Second World War, it continued until the early 1960's when the numbers in the band began to dwindle, and in 1965, the band admitted defeat and ceased to exist, selling all the instruments to the County Education Authority along with the music and all other equipment. A successor band was formed in 1984.
Darley Silver Band: Formed in 1901 as Darley Temperance Band. Their first conductor was Redford Procter from Dacre, was in demand for agricultural shows around the district, for which in the early days it was necessary to hire a wagonette and horses for the journey. They played at annual village school fetes, and at the Darley Hospital Sunday Event on Stocks Green, local hospitals benefiting from collections at this event and others at churches and chapels. They led the procession through Darley at the Annual Rechabite Band of Hope Festival on Whit Monday, and were involved locally whenever there were national festivals, coronations, peace celebrations etc, and at many other local events, performing in their uniform of blue, red and gold. From 1932, the band rented a room in Wall, Square for their weekly practices. They kept going when many such bands disbanded, two members, Joe Furniss and J R Houseman, completing forty-five and thirty-eight years service respectively. The band merged with Summerbridge and Dacre Band in 1959
Darley Temperance Band: See: Darley Silver Band
Darlington Band: See: Darlington Borough Band
Darlington Borough Band: Active in 1930 and into the 1950s
Darlington British Railways Band: See: Darlington N.E.R. Brass Band
Darlington Forge Band: Active from 1921 through 1932. Newspaper report from April 1924 - "Opening of Darlington's new lake. With 3,000 people watching and Darlington Forge Band playing, the Mayor stepped ceremonially into a motor boat, which promptly failed to start."
Darlington Forge Company Band: See: Darlington Forge Band
Darlington N.E.R. Brass Band: Formed in the late 1830s and became all brass by 1860. Active in 1913 and through to 1948.
Darlington N.E. Railway Band: See: Darlington N.E.R. Brass Band
Darlington Philharmonic Band: Active in 1864
Darlington Saxhorn Band: Formed in 1858. From a newspaper report in 1862 - "Darlington Total Abstinence Society sponsorted a new water fountain and it was ready for opening on June 10, 1862. Led by Dr Fothergill's successor as president, William Thompson, and the Darlington Sax Horn Band, the abstainers paraded from the Mechanics Institute, in Skinnergate, along Blackwellgate and High Row and up Bondgate to the fountain. There Mr Thompson, whose bankruptcy in the late 1870s allowed Darlington to acquire a vast chunk of South Park very cheaply, ceremonially drank the first glass of water from the fountain." Still active in 1876.
Darlington Temperance Band: Formed in 1890 and still active in 1920
Darlington Volunteer Band: Active in 1904
Darnall Club and Institute Band: See: Darnall Silver Band
Darnall Silver Band (Sheffield): Active in the 1930s and 1940s
Darnall W.M.C. Silver Band: See: Darnall Silver Band
Dartford Borough British Legion Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Dartford Borough Silver Band (Kent)
Dartford Volunteer Silver Band: Active in 1905
Dartmouth Borough Band (Devon): Active in 1947. When it folded the equipment was passed on to the Kingsbridge Band. Some of the historic pieces, including a drum, were returned to Dartmouth Museum.
Dartmouth Town Band: See: Dartmouth Borough Band
Darton Main Colliery Band: Active in 1918
Darton Subscription Band
Darvel Brass Band: See: Darvel Burgh Band
Darvel Burgh Band (Scotland): Formed in 1846 as Darvel Brass Band, adopted "Borough" in 1901. In 1879 it took part in a procession in August to inaugurate the Kilmarnock Burns Monument and Kay Park, accompanying the Kilmarnock wood-workers. Still active in 1933
Darwen Borough Brass Band: Active in 1962
Darwen Rifle Corps Band: Active in 1867
Darwen Temperance Band: Active in 1872
Daubhill Temperance Band (Bolton): Formed in 1924, the band packed up when most of the lads joined the forces in 1939. Three of the bandsmen, Billy Holt, Walter Price and Ralph McCarthy were killed in Japanese POW camps. It competed in the Senior Cup contest in 1937. From the Coventry Evening Telegraph, of March, 1954: "The brass band associations of the Evans family began many years ago in Bolton, where John Evans and his two brothers, all keen bandsmen, decided to form a brass band of their own. Under the title Daubhill Temperance Band, the Evans brothers gathered together a group of brass instrument players, several of them relatives. As time passed, the membership of the band became more and more predominantly Evans, until eventually all its 24 players had either been born in, or married into, the family. Then, in 1936, John Evans' oldest son decided to move south from Lancashire to try his hand at a job in Coventry. He settled there with his family. Gradually, on his recommendation, other members of the family followed, until Bolton's Daubhill Temperance Band had to be abandoned due to lack of (Evans) membership. The pioneer of the family, who first came to Coventry, was killed during the war, but three of his brothers are still active players with Coventry Silver Band"
One tale of this band is while carrying out an engagement in Rufford, the band was marching down a narrow country lane when a car came up behind the band and could not pass. After a while Mr J Evans signalled to the band to move to the side of the road, unfortunately the driver mistook this as a signal to pass and ended up with the drummer seated on the bonnet of his car! Mr Evans noted with a smile that the drummer never broke his beat!
Davenham Brass Band (Cheshire): Active in the 1890s
Daventry and District Silver Band: Formed in the late 1940s by the amalgamation of Daventry Town Band, Long Buckby Town Band and Long Buckby Temperance Band
Daventry Town Band: Active until the late 1940s when it merged with Long Buckby Town Band and Long Buckby Temperance Band to form Daventry and District Silver Band
Davey Paxman Standard Ironworks Band: Formed in 1884 under the patronage of the works owner, James Paxman. The first bandmaster was Mr McQuade. Following the wane of the Paxman empire in 1908 the band folded.
David Brown Tractors Band: Active in 1941
Davidstow Temperance Brass Band (North Cornwall): This band carried out engagements over a period of at least four years - 1872-76. Davidstow is a few miles north of Camelford.
Davis Derby Brass Band: See: Derby Railway Works Band
Dawdon BandSee: Dawdon Lodge Silver Band
Dawdon Lodge Silver Band (Seaham): Formed in the early 1900s. Rename Dawdon Band by 1931 - active in the 1950s and 1960s. Acquired a new set of instruments in 1962 at a cost of Ł2,500.
Dawley Band: Active in the early 1900s. An old tradition in Dawley was a pig would be placed on a wall in the town to watch the old Dawley band marching by! Also known as Dawley Town Silver Prize Band. Probably folded in WW2.
Dawley Band (Telford): Formed some time after the 1970s and was still active in the 1990s
Dawley New Town Band: Formed around 1961, with many players coming from the defunct Hadley Sankeys Castle Band. It later became Telford Band. Ceased in the early 1970s? after rising to 2nd section in the Nationals and section A in the Birmingham and District Association. The Band was formed under the baton of Ted Baldwin who eventually stood down to be replaced by a Denis Emery around 1969/70.
Dawley Town Silver Prize Band: See: Dawley Band
Daylesford & District Band (Australia): Formed in 1862. Also known as Daylesford Amateur Band, Daylesford Borough Band. Folded in 1951
Daylesford Amateur Band: See: Daylesford & District Band
Daylesford Borough Band: See: Daylesford & District Band
Deaf Hill Colliery Miners' Welfare BandSee: Deaf Hill Colliery Band
Deaf Hill Colliery Band (County Durham): Formed in the early 1900s and still active in 1947
Dean Bank Band (County Durham): Formed in the early 1900s, and was still active in 1915, but probably did not survive the First World War.
Dean and Chapter Colliery Band (County Durham): Formed prior to 1907, after the Dean and Chapter Colliery opened in 1904, and was still active in 1947
Dedham Band: Formed in 1899 and still active in 1906
Deighton Band: Active in the 1860s
Delabole Temperance Band (North Cornwall): This band, formed in 1864, became a very popular and successful group, changing its title in 1919 to Delabole Ex-Servicemen's Band and then to Delabole British Legion Band, this probably in 1921 on the formation of the British Legion . 1930 and they changed once again, this time to Delabole Silver Band. They were eventually disbanded c1953. Their known conductors were Mr Horne: J David Smith: WH Hawke: Mr Ough: B Parsons: John Males: Jim Avy: WB Williams and Leslie Prout who served them from 1933 until their demise in 1953. From 1928, under WB Williams, they began sporadic contesting, and whilst not achieving any notable results, the feeling today is that this was a very happy band.
Denaby Brass Band (Doncaster)
Denbigh Borough Band
Denby Dale Brass Band: Active in the 1930s to 1960s
Denby United Silver Prize Band (Yorkshire): Formed 1922
Denholme Brass Band (Yorkshire)
Dennison's Borough Band: See: St Hilda Colliery Band
Dennison's Family Band: See: St Hilda Colliery Band
Denshaw Brass Band
Dent Band (Yorkshire): Active around 1900
Denton Original Band: The Earl of Wilton persuaded Thomas Baxendale to introduce the cotton trade into Denton, and as an inducement gave the land on which Mr Baxendale built in 1862 the Alpha Mill - so called because it was the first cotton mill in Denton. His generosity to the town, particularly to the United Methodist Church, was great. He formed a brass band at his works, which was known for a time as Baxendale's Band, but afterwards became the Denton Original Band. He built 47 houses opposite his mill, which he named Alpha Terrace. The Denton Original Band began its existence in 1859, its promoters recieving the generous support of some of the hat manufacturers and local gentry. The first headquarters were at Baxendale's, at the top of Taylor Lane, but after a short time they were removed to a room behind the Bowling Green Inn. The band has a wonderful record, the crowning triumph coming in London in 1900 when the Denton Band won the thousand guinea cup which was open to Great Britain and the Colonies. There were great rejoicings in Denton when the result of the Crystal Palace contest became known. The magnificent cup was kept at Denton Town Hall and security of 1,000 pounds had to be given for its custody. After this the band ranked with the highest class bands in the country and was in great demand in all parts. During the twentieth century the band maintained its reputation as one of the leading bands of the Manchester district. Following a fire in the Denton band room the band folded (according to a relative of a band member the band room may have been bombed in the second world war). Some items of the band are still in existence. The mace is still held by a former member - it is in the form of a solid silver bowler hat at the end of the mace to signify that the band was the hatters band (Denton being a hat making town). Later known as Crown Point Brass.
Deptford Borough Band
Derby Borough Police Brass Band: Formed 1936
Derby Sax Tuba Prize Band: Active in 1889 and around 1900
Derby Railway Iron Works Band: Active in 1864 when they led the company workers on a procession to the station, and thence to Buxton for a day's excursion.
Derby Railway Works Band: Active in 1964. Changed sponsor and became Davis Derby Brass Band in or around 1985, then amalgamated with Neville Brass to form Derwent Brass in 1992.
Deri Brass Band (Near Bargoed): Active around the 1890s
Derham's Brass Band (Bristol): Active in 1864, when they took part in the processions celebrating the official opening of the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
Derwent Works Brass Band (Workington): Active in 1892 when it took part in a concert with Workington Vocal Union Voice Choir. Band of the Tinplate Works in Workington, it won a prize at a contest in the Crystal Palace in the 1890s, in the presence of Queen Victoria - one of the players, apparently, was not impressed with the Queen and said she looked like "any old washerwoman". The prize included a silver plate presentation cup on a black wooden base, and the conductor at the time was John Grayburn.
Dendraeth Brass Band (Wales): The band was refused the right to bear the title "Royal" in 1923
Deveral Brass Band (Penwith, Cornwall): There was a brass band existing in Deveral accepting engagements from 1897 to 1911. They did no contesting.
Devoran Brass Band (Carrick, Cornwall): Devoran Brass Band was active from c1866 to 1888. In 1887 they played during a church service celebrating Queen Victoria's Jubilee, a type of engagement that was not usually trusted to a Cornish brass band of that time. The reason could well be because they were, at that time, most certainly one of the leading bands in the county, taking 1st place in the few contests they entered.
Devizes Town Band (Wiltshire): Active in 1911, when Henry Snook was bandmaster. The last brass band in Devizes folded in the early 1980, to be superseded by a concert band in the late 1990s.
Dewsbury Band: Formed in 1850 and contested keenly over the next 20 years to 1870, entering some 107 contests winning 98 prizes value £1779 10s. 10d. Then, due to lack of good instruments it ceased contesting until 1887.
Dewsbury Old Band: Active between 1866 and 1891
Dewsbury Rifle Corps Band: Active in 1861
Diamond Street Brass Band (Cardiff): Active in 1909
Dick Kerr Brass Band: See: Electric Tramway and Tramway Carriage Brass Band
Dick Kerr English Electrical Works Band: See: Electric Tramway and Tramway Carriage Brass Band
Dickinson's Silver Band (Hertfordshire): See: John Dickinson (Apsley) Band
Didcot and Northbourne Silver Band: Formed in the early 1920s, probably disbanded around WW2. The area around the Didcot railway station in Station Road was truly the social - and commercial - centre of Didcot and Northbourne in the early twenties. This is where everybody met. The Red Triangle club and the area around it were known colloquially as the Wangle. Many activities were staged there, and it was open several days of the week; and run by a committee, composed mainly of railwaymen and their wives. In January 1925, a report issued by the Committee stated that it was... a hall let to all kinds of organisations; home to the Didcot Band….. The club was soon renamed the Didcot and Northbourne Social Club. In the early days as it was closely linked to the GWR, its twice-weekly dances were often to the music of the Swindon GWR Concert Band; they also gave concerts. The costs of hiring this and other bands, especially from Oxford, led eventually to the setting up of the Didcot and Northbourne Silver Band; Bandmasters were A.R. Faraday and Harold Bellamy.
Didcot and Northbourne United Band: See: Didcot and Northbourne Silver Band
Didsbury Brass Band: Took part in the Coronation Festivities held at Didsbury on June 22nd, 1911.
Diggle Band: Original band folded in 1927. (new band formed in 1996)
Dingle Band (Liverpool): Active in 1938
Dipton Colliery Band (Newcastle)
Disley Band (Cheshire): Active in 1850
Ditton Priors Brass Band: Active in 1894
Dixon Green Band (Bolton): Active in the 1860s. Also known as Will Owen's Band, named after the conductor and founder who lived at the King's Arms on Plodder Lane, Farnworth. They had a series of falling outs over the division of the proceeds from their engagements and eventually several of the principal players including William Owen left and joined Barnes' Band.
Dobson & Barlow Ltd. Band (Bolton): Active in 1930s and 1940s. The sponsoring firm were cotton machinery manufacturers. Competed in the First Annual Brass Band Contest organised by Wigan Borough Prize Band in 1943 (conducted by J.W. Hughes). They won 2nd prize at Walkden Prize Contest in 1931, they were also entered for a contest in Wigan in 1945 but were unplaced. Dobson and Barlow ceased trading in 1963. The band had disbanded previous to this date.
Dodworth Auxilliary Fire Service Band: Active in the 1940s
Dodworth Prize Brass Band (Yorkshire): Records of the band, from 1887-1942, are held by Barnsley Archive and Local Studies Department
Dodworth's Band: Active in 1860s
Dolgelly Brass Band: Active in 1928
Don Valley Working Men's Brass Band (Oughtibridge): Active in 1927
Doncaster Borough Band: Formed in 1893, under the baton of David Cameron. Had folded by 1907
Doncaster Druids Band
Doncaster Excelsior Silver Band: Formed in December 1909, the bandmaster, Mr Fox, emigrated to New Zealand in 1911
Doncaster Loco Band: Formed in June 1852 with Ł50 spent on instruments. Celebrated an anniversary supper on 28 June 1853 with 66 persons present. On 5 June 1854 it accompanied the children of the Doncaster Plant Works school to Askern Spa on the occasion of the laying of the Plant School foundation stone. It did not survive much beyond this and did not have a regular bandmaster or musical director.
Doncaster NUR Band: Active around 1928 until at least 1931, the National Union of Railwaymen's band played in Elmfield Park, Doncaster on 16 August 1931 under the baton of JW Ellis.
Doncaster Plant Works Band: See: Great Northern Railway Plant Works Band
Doncaster Railway Foundry Band: Took part in the first South Yorkshire Brass Band Contest, at Doncaster, on 29th August 1859
Doncaster Temperance Band: Formed around 1898. Renamed Doncaster Temperance Prize Band shortly afterwards. Wound up in the courts as of 21st April 1902
Doncaster Temperance Prize Band: See: Doncaster Temperance Band
Donnington Wood Silver Prize Band (Telford, Shropshire): The band had ceased playing by 1961 and passed their instruments and library to Trench Secondary Modern School. The school had a Brass band for about 2 years but started to incorporate clarinets and a saxophone by 1963. The band carried out a number of public concerts and garden fetes outside of the school remit. The school band conductor was Derrick Ball.
Dore Brass Band (near Sheffield): Active in the first half of the 20th century.
Dorking Town Band: Active between at least 1882 and 1956. In the Dorking Town Museum archives documents mention the band at an entertainment in 1882, open air concerts at the Rotunda, South Street and at Milton Heath, appearance in Dorking Town Day in 1956. The band played weekly in the bandstand in Dorking in the early part of the 20th century. There are also the "Recollections of Dorking Town Band pre 1939" by Jim Aslett, who joined the band in 1933 aged 18.
Dorman, Long & Co. Works Band (Redcar): Formed as Dorman's Works Band in the early 1900s, and still active in 1950
Dorman's Works Band: See: Dorman, Long & Co. Works Band
Dormansland Brass Band (Surrey): Active in the 1950s
Douglas Colliery Band (Scotland): Active in 1933
Doura Brass Band: Active in 1872, when they participated in the celebrations for the opening of the new Orange Hall in Irvine.
Dovercourt Corporation Band: Active in 1912
Dowlais Brass Band (Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil): Active in 1948
Downend Brass Band (Bristol): Active in 1864, when they took part in the processions celebrating the official opening of the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
Dr Bell's School Band (Leith, Edinburgh): Founded in 1926.
Drax Brass Band (Yorkshire): Records of the band, from 1927-1951, are held by York University: Borthwick Institute of Historical Research
Dreudraeth Brass Band (Merionethshire)
Drift Band (Penwith, Cornwall): Reference to only one engagement can be found, and that was in 1895 playing at the Wesleyan Sunday school tea treat in St Buryan.
Drighlington & Adwalton Comic Prize Band: Active in 1911, when it brought up the rear of the procession at the Co-op Children's Gala in Drighlington, a special treat for all the children, aged 4 to 15, of the Drighlington & District Co-operative Society.
Dronfield Temperance Brass Band: Wound up in the late 1940s, known as Dronfield Temperance Brass & Reed Band in the early 1900s
Dudley Colliery Band (Northumberland): Formed in 1890. Changed its name to Hartley Main Colliery Band before 1939, but reverted to Dudley Colliery Band in 1947
Dudley Colliery Excelsior Brass Band
Dudley Colliery Workmen's Prize BandSee: Dudley Colliery Band
Dudley District Band: Active in 1977
Dudley Excelsior Port Band: See: Revo Works Band
Dudley Port Prize Band: See: Revo Works Band
Dudley Temperance Band: Active in 1898
Dudley Workmen's Silver Model Prize BandSee: Dudley Colliery Band
Dulais Valley Silver Band: Competed in the 1964 West of England Regional Championships (4th Section), conducted by Stanley Dodd
Dulverton Brass Band: See: Dulverton Silver Band
Dulverton Silver Band (Somerset): In existence in 1870 as Dulverton Subscription Band, then Dulverton Brass Band. Silver Band title adopted in 1929
Dulverton Subscription Band: See: Dulverton Silver Band
Dumbarton Burgh Band
Dumfries Volunteers Band: Active in 1866
Dumfriestown Band
Dunblane Town Band: Active in 1909
Dundee R.N.V.R. Band
Dundee Trades Band: Practised in Dudhope Barracks
Dunham Woodhouses Band (Cheshire): Active in 1949
Dunlop Works Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Dunnikier Colliery Band
Dunscar Works Band (Bolton): They attended a contest in Bromley Cross arranged by the Eagley Band in 1888. The contest took the form of a quickstep from Eagley Bridge to the Spread Eagle Pub were the band secured a first prize of Ł1. Later in the day the bands played a Waltz and Polka, but unfortunately the band could not repeat its success of the morning.
Dunstable Borough Brass Band: Formed as the Dunstable Rifle Volunteer Band around 1860. The first bandmaster was Henry Farrer. It became the Dunstable Borough Band around 1864. In 1898 the bandmaster was George Franklin of Church Street. 1914, the bandmaster was Frederick Franklin, of 4 Princes Street. 1937, the conductor was F. Duncombe. The band did not survive WW2.
Dunstable Excelsior Prize Band (Bedfordshire): Founded in 1865 as the Dunstable Temperance Band. In 1885 it amalgamated for a brief period with the Houghton Regis Band, to form the Dunstable Promenade Band. The bands split thereafter to go their separate ways again, the Temperance Band renaming itself as the Excelsior Band. In 1903/1914 - W. Dolman was the bandmaster, of Icknield Street. It folded around 1963.
Dunstable Promenade Band: See: Dunstable Excelsior Prize Band
Dunstable Temperance Band: See: Dunstable Excelsior Prize Band
Dunston Wesleyan Band: Active in 1907
Durham City Band: Active from 1899 to the 1930s
Durham Shakespeare Prize Band: Founded 1910. The band enlisted en mass in 1939 as the Band of the 11th Durham Light Infantry. All the instruments and nine bandsmen were left behind in the Dunkirk evacuation and two lost their lives. The band was reformed in England and went on to play across Europe during the War. It resumed its civilian status on demobilisation. As Durham Shakespeare Temperance Band it competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. Probably folded in the late 1940s
Durham Shakespeare Temperance Band: See: Durham Shakespeare Prize Band
Durham Street Mission Band (Middlesbrough): Formed in the 1900s and still active in 1931.
Durley Band: Active in the 1920s. Used to play in the "Little Yard" by the Sawmill on Sundays and were a reasonably large group in the 1920s, even if a number of the musicians, like bandmaster Edgar Adams from Bishop's Waltham, came from outside the parish.
Dyffryn Silver Band (Merionethshire): Active in 1948
Dykehead Silver Band (Scotland)

E
E. R. Youth Band (Yorkshire): See: Hessle Youth Band
Ealing Borough Silver Band (Middlesex): Active in 1914 - Thomas J. Allen, secretary of 4 Alexandria Road
Ealing Central Band (London): Active in 1945. The band was founded as a junior band to teach youngsters and gradually expanded, it was transfered to the next Borough of Southall as the Southall Brass Band because of lack of support from the Ealing Council. Dan Burgess was the conductor.
Earl Shilton Silver Band (Leicestershire): Henry Cook was bandmaster c. 1947
Earls Colne Band (Essex): From their formation in 1880, the Earls Colne Band provided musical accompaniment for many local events, their final performance was in 1953.
Earls Barton Old Silver Band (Northamptonshire): Active in 1914 - Charles Stewart, secretary. Still active in 1933
Earls House Industrial School Band (Witton Gilbert): Active between 1905 and 1914
Earlestown Viaduct Band: Active in the 1900s and 1930s
Easington Public Band (County Durham): Formed in 1915 as Easington Colliery Youth Band, became the National Fire Service Band during World War 2 and thereafter Easington Public Band. Merged with Easington Colliery Band in 1956.
Easington Colliery Youth Band: See: Easington Public Band
East Benhar Instrumental Brass Band: Active in 1886
East Bristol Temperance Band: Active in 1933, when it took part in a festival of brass bands at the Colston Hall, Bristol.
East Clwyd Youth Brass Band: Active in the 1970s. It was formed in the county of the then Clwyd and the players were all pupils of various schools in the county. They usually practised at Ysgol Mold Alun, Maes Garmon and Buckley Elfed. In the summer of 1976 they toured in Germany and Holland, playing at several venues, including the forces theatre in Rheindarlen, Germany. The conductor at that time was Graham Jones, who went on to conduct various well known bands in North Wales.
East Compton Band (Gloucestershire)
East Dean Band (Sussex): In 1877 the opening of a temperance hotel and hall in the town was disturbed by the playing of a band employed by a local publican.
East End Brass Band (Sunderland): A number of men from the East End of Sunderland had the idea of forming a brass band and this was achieved in 1887. Many of the East End Prize Band were paying members but did not play instruments, they did, however, play football. The officials knew that by keeping the men together their interest in the band would be maintained. Therefore, they helped them form a football club: East End Black Watch. The title Black Watch did not have a local connection, a committee man thought "the name would encourage the players to succeed as had the famous Highland regiment." On April 19th, 1893 a game was played on the Town Moor between Black Watch and the East End Brass Band, with the referee in Chinese costume. A collection was taken during the match for the benefit of the band.
East Grinstead Band: Active in the 1870s
East Grinstead Town Band: Active in from 1900s to 1930s, at least
East Grinstead Volunteer & Town Band: Active in the 1890s
East Ham Silver Band: Active in the 1940s, previously known as Grangewood Silver Band in the 1930s
East Howle Colliery Band (Co. Durham): Active in 1888
East Hull Prize Silver Band: Concert for the Victoria Hospital for Sick Children (Working Men's Committee) at East Park, Hull, Sunday 20th August 19xx [probably 1905 or 1911] from 3pm to 5pm. The programme was Mephistopheles (S. Douglas), Crown of Merit (C.W. Bennet), La Traviata (W. Rimmer), Excelsior, A Casket of Gems (H. Round), The Lost Chord (Sullivan), We Never Will Bow Down (Handel), Maidstone (J. Ord Hume). The Conductor was Mr W. Milsom.
East Kew Citizens' Band (Australia): Founded in 1936, amalgamated with the Kew City Band to form the present-day Kew Band
East Kilbride Silver Band
East Lancs Paper Group Band: See: Radcliffe Borough Band
East Linton Brass Band (East Lothian): Active in the early 1900s. A. P. Walker was Bass Drummer in the band (as noted in his obituary in 1935)
East Mendip Silver Band (Coleford, Somerset)
East Peckham British Legion Band: Took part in the Royal Tunbridge Wells & District Band Federation 27th Annual Band Festival (4th Section), 14th May 1955, gaining 2nd place and £5
East Riding Youth Band (Yorkshire): See: Hessle Youth Band
Eastbourne Brass Ensemble: During the early 1970's, the was a split away from the established Eastbourne Silver Band and a rival was set up under the name of the Eastbourne Brass Ensemble. This man responsible for the formation of the band was Harry Pearce. It was a non-contesting band. They folded prior to 1979.
East Winch Britannia Brass Band (Norfolk): Active in 1910
Eastbourne Brass Ensemble: During the early 1970's, the was a split away from the previously established Eastbourne Silver Band and a rival was set up under the name of the Eastbourne Brass Ensemble. This man responsible for the formation of the band was Harry Pearce. It was a non-contesting band. They had folded by 1979.
Easter Compton Band (Gloucestershire)
Easterton Prize Silver Band (Wiltshire)
Eastington Brass Band (Gloucestershire): Active in 1895 and 1898 when they played at Painswick Flower Show
Eastwood Ambulance Band: From the Awsworth Parish Magazine, August 1903: "Revd Higgins talks about the Annual United Sunday School Treat. This year it was a great success, being blessed with fine weather. There was a short service in the afternoon at the Board School and Mr Bonner's field was used in the evening for games and recreation. It was enlivened by the Eastwood Ambulance Band which "discoursed sweet music" during the proceedings."
Eaton Farnworth Brass Band: Formed in 1990 by the merger of Eaton (Truck Components) Band and Farnworth Old Band. Merged with Walkden Band in 2004 to form Eaton Farnworth & Walkden Band
Eaton Ford Primitive Methodist Brass Band (St Neots, Bedfordshire): Active in the 1890s
Eaton Transmission Gear Group Band: See: Kearsley St Stephens Band
Eaton (Truck Components) Band: See: Kearsley St Stephens Band
Eaton Works Band: See: Kearsley St Stephens Band
Ebchester Band: Active in 1907
Ebenezer Chapel BandSee: William Davis Construction Group Band
Ebor Brass Band (York): York, 1980s-?
Ebor Excelsior Silver Prize Band (York): Formed 1883 as Chaucer Street Mission Band, later names were York and District Mission Band, York Excelsior Band. Merged, in 1952, with York City Brass Band to form the current York Railway Institute Band.
Ecclesfield Silver Band: From Sheffield, they were one of the oldest bands in the country. They folded around 1985.
Ecclesfield Silver Prize Band: See: Ecclesfield Silver Band
Eccleston Band: Active at least as early as 1906, but folded after the Second World War. A successor band was formed in 1969
Eccleston Prize Band: See Eccleston Band
Echo Ryhope Colliery Band: See: Ryhope Colliery Band
Eckington United Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Edge Hill (British Railways) Band (Liverpool): Formed in 1885 as the Edge Hill Steam Sheds Band.
Mike Hughes reports: "I conducted the band from 1970 until 1975. We gained 4th in the Championship Section in 1972 and won the area contest for WD & HO Wills in 1971. For many years the principal cornet player was Ken Tinsley who was cornet chapion of Great Britain I think 3 times and solo champion once. The band quartet was champion of Great Britain in 1963 and came 2nd in 1971, 3rd 1972 and 4th 1973. Bill Yates conducted the band for many years and conducted them at the Albert Hall in 1961 & 1963 after gaining third place in the Area contest at the Free Trade Hall Manchester".
Malcolm Looby reports: "I joined Edge Hill (BR) Band in 1976. The band rehearsed in one of the sheds in the sidings at Edge Hill, Liverpool on the corner of Combermere Street and Picton Road two nights a week and more (much more) often when approaching the date of a contest. It was a championship section band at the time and the band room had a few framed certificates on the wall - a big one I recall was from having played in the Championship Finals in 1966 I think, and another was a solo cornet certificate from the soloists competition at or around the same time. When I joined, the band had strong links with a couple of other 'local' bands (Camel Lairds which had folded a few years before and Fodens) with several ex-players of these bands coming to play with Edge Hill, and probably because of these connections we also had a couple of 'guest' conductors coming to rehearse the band occasionally - James Scott and Rex Mortimer. The conductor throughout my time with Edge Hill (BR) Band was Bob Dean. He had played with both Camel Lairds and Fodens. The band played in quite a number of championship contests - best placing was 8th a couple of times in the Areas at Preston Guild Hall. We didn't play in enough though, and it has to be said that we weren't quite good enough to stay in the top section - so the inevitable happened and we were relegated to the second section probably about 1980. We did OK in the second section, winning the last ever 2nd section contest at the Kings Hall, Belle View, and the same contest a year later (or a year before!) at Bolton Town Hall before it burnt down. We qualified for the Pontins finals in North Wales I recall also. With the break up of British Rail the band lost the little sponsorship it had and had to begin paying for rehearsal rooms. We had moved out of the sidings into what was a 'mothballed' hotel attached to Lime Street Station, and when that was made into a hotel again we went to rehearse in schools, the band then withered away."
Stephen Roughley reports: "I played in the band from around about 1988-1992, eventually becoming principle cornet player with the band. By this time, it was no longer a contest band, but was still conducted by Bob Dean, with Roy Eaves (I think ex-Fodens) on euphonium or trombone. Many of the players at this stage were also from the Liverpool Schools Senior Brass Band. The band was meeting for rehearsals in Rail House, an office block to the side of Lime Street Station, in Liverpool. I think the band folded a few years later, and possibly was merged into the St Margarets school band, which Bob also ran."
Edge Hill Steam Sheds Band: See: Edge Hill (British Railways) Band
Edgeley Band: Active in the 1930s and 1950
Edinburgh Trades Band: Active in 1928, conducted by Alex Rae
Edlington N.U.R. Band (Doncaster)
Edmonton Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Edmonton Borough Band: Active in 1939
Edmonton Silver Prize Band: Active in 1928
Edmonton Temperance Silver Band: Active in 1923
Edmonton Town Brass Band (Middlesex): Active in 1894/1896 - G Rochester bandmaster, Golden Fleece Pub, Lower Fore Street
Effingham Gas Works Band (Surrey): Active in the early 1900s
Egerton Street Mission Band (Manchester): Active in 1950
Egerton Street Wesleyan Temperance Band (Bolton): Active in 1924. The chapel was situated on the junction of Egerton Street and Lorne Street and was consecrated in 1872. It is assumed that the band had ceased to exist prior to 1934. The Chapel was demolished in 1956
Egglestone Brass Band (County Durham): Active in 1914 - Alfred Allinson, secretary
Egham & Englefield Green Public Prize Brass Band: Originally Egham Temperance Band until 1906, it amalgamated with Egham Town Band in 1919.
Egham Temperance Band: See: Egham & Englefield Green Public Prize Brass Band
Egham Town Band: Merged with Egham and Englefield Public Band in 1919
Eglinton Iron Works Band (Glasgow?): Active in 1874
Eldon Colliery Band (Shildon): Formed in the 1900s. Active in 1932, conducted by T. Collinson.
Electric Tramway and Tramway Carriage Brass Band: Formed before 1900, later known as Dick Kerr English Electrical Works Band in the 1920s and then later still, Blackburn's Steel Work's Band in the 1930s. Some press cuttings about the band:
Preston Guardian - 13th April 1901. "There was a Gala at Penwortham on Easter Monday. The Electric Tramway and Tramway Carriage Brass Band arranged the gathering. The band, some 27 strong, arranged in brand-new uniforms discoursed selections and dance music with considerable skill".
Preston Herald - 3rd September 1902, "Preston Guild Processions. In the Trades Procession there were: - Electric Railway and Tramway Carriage Works Band. The Catholic Guild procession contained: Electric Car Works Band (Preston). The Church of England Schools had: Electric Car Works (Preston) Brass Band."
Lancashire Daily Post - 31st December 1917 "1,500 children were entertained at the Public Hall on Saturday 29th to coffee, buns and fruit tart. 3,000 nearly swamped the Dick Kerr Band and watched pictures provided by Frank Foster of the Marathon. The event was organised by the Preston Borough Police for the poor children's fund."
Lancashire Daily Post - 5th May 1919. "Dick Kerr's Band. Yesterday DKB gave two performances at PNE ground. Bad weather kept the crowds away but the poor crowd enjoyed playing that has rarely, if ever, been excelled by a local band. Further concert on Whit Sunday."
Lancashire Daily Post - 3rd July 1926: "Sat 17th at Rob Green Farm, Fishwick, Preston Conservative Gala (Preston parks are not available for political events.) programme included The Dick, Kerr Prize Band playing for dancing."
Preston Guardian - 1st December 1934. "Preston Band's Quartet Success. A Quartet from Blackburn Steel Works Band (Ex Dick Kerr's) won the Rushworth and Draper's Shield at Liverpool on Saturday. T. Berry, Solo Cornet, A. Whitehead, Second Cornet, L. Beck, Solo Horn and J. Dixon, Euphonium".
Elemore Colliery Band (Easington Lane): Formed in the 1900s and still active in 1909
Elland C.E.F.A Youth Band: Active in the 1950s/60s
Ellesmere Church Band (Cheshire): Amalgamated with Ellesmere Public Prize Band in 1946 to form Ellesmere Port and District Band
Ellesmere Port Public Prize Band (Cheshire): Active in 1902 - W. Johnson secretary. Amalgamated with Ellesmere Church Band in 1946 to form Ellesmere Port and District Band
Ellesmere Public Prize Band (Cheshire): See: Ellesmere Port Public Prize Band
Ellington Colliery Band (Lynemouth): Active in 1914, but probably folded during the Great War. A successor band was formed in Lynemouth in 1925.
Ellington Silver Band (Ramsgate, Kent)
Elliott's Metal Co. (I.C.I.) Band: Founded in 1896 as Elliott's Smelting Works Band. The band quickly established itself playing at local fetes and marches, raising money for both itself and worthy causes. One such example was a march for the destitute and unemployed people of Kidwelly, which raised about Ł8, a considerable amount of money at the turn of the century. The lifeblood for most bands is on the competing stage and this was as important in the 1920's as it is today. In those days the band had to make it's own way to contest venues by train. It was fortunate that the band's rehearsal room was in the Neptune buildings adjacent to the station. A distinct highlight was representing Wales at the Crystal Palace in London in the 1930s. Just before the outbreak of the Second World War the bands' fortunes took a turn for the worse and they disbanded.
Elliott's Smelting Works Band: See: Elliott's Metal Co. (I.C.I.) Band
Ellmore's Can and Basket Works Brass Band: See: Syston Silver Band
Elmstead Market Band (Essex): Active in 1910
Elmstead Market Wesleyan Methodist Band (Essex)
Elsecar Band: Active in the 1930s
Elsecar Main Colliery Band: Active in the 1950s/60s
Elsecar Prize Band: Active in 1946
Elsecar Subscription Band: See: Elsecar Band
Elswick Hopper Brass Band (Barton-on-Humber): Active in 1893 and the early 1900s. Richard Weston, a member of Kettering Rifles Band, moved to Barton and joined the Elswick Hopper Brass Band playing Tuba. He worked for Elswick Hopper cycle manufacturer at Barton-on-Humber as a labourer in tube and sheet-metal working and brazing. In 1880 Fred Hopper had established a cycle repair business in a former blacksmith's shop in Brigg Road, Barton-upon-Humber. He went on from repairing cycles to manufacturing them. The business flourished and by 1905 it employed over 400 people. As the business grew it moved to larger premises on Marsh Lane. F. Hopper and Co. also had a large three storied building built on the corner of Holydyke and Brigg Road for offices. The wrapping and packing was done on Brigg Road ready for export. Early pictures of the office had the words "The Butterfly Cycle Company" emblazoned on the wall. The company had started exporting to places such as Australia, Japan, India and South Africa by 1912. Around 1913 the company acquired the Elswick Cycle company and the company became Elswick Hopper Cycle and Motor Company. In 1936 Elswick Hopper was quoted on the London Stock Exchange.
Elswick Works BandSee: Elswick Hopper Brass Band<
Elworth Silver Band (Cheshire): Edwin Foden was one of the founders of this band in the later part of the 19th century, but the band was dissolved in 1902 after it demanded a fee of Ł4 for taking part in the local celebrations for the Coronation of King Edward VII. Following this, Edwin Foden reconstituted a band in its place, with new instruments, taking the name of his motor works - Fodens. The rest is history....
Emlyn Colliery Brass Band (Penygroes): Active in the 1930s
Emma Colliery Band (Ryton): Formed in the 1890s and was active through to 1938.
Emsworth Primitive Methodist Brass Band: Active in 1910.
Enfield Central Band (London): Formed 1861
Enfield Town Silver Prize Band: Active in the 1920/30s. Merged with the North Middlesex Silver Band after WW2 and was renamed the Enfield Co-op Band in 1977.
English Congregational Church Brass Band (Caerphilly): Active in 1908
Enniscaven Brass Band (Restormel, Cornwall): Next door to St Dennis, they were formed sometime before 1933 and continued up to, and after World War 2. They did no contesting. Their only conductor appears to have been a James Best, an ex baritone/trombone player from the St Dennis Band.
Epping Forest Military Band: Active in 1892.
Epping Town Band: Founded in 1894 by R.E. Rutland, an engine driver for the Great Eastern Railway. Many original bandsmen were railway workers based at Stratford and the first bandmaster was Tom Smith, another railway worker, whose two sons both played in the band. The first secretary and treasurer was Charlie Hills whose son Sydney still lives in Epping and is a well known local historian. The bandsmen each paid an entry fee of one shilling and subscriptions of threepence a week towards purchase of music. Monies earned by the band were either divided among the bandsmen or put towards uniform purchase. Engagements were many and varied at this time and included playing at the local cycling and athletic club sports meetings, football matches and on the stage of the old town hall when it was used for roller skating. One of the most memorable engagements was an ice carnival on the lake at Coopersale House in February 1895 when the lake was illuminated by small fairy lamps and Chinese lanterns. Hundreds of skaters were entertained by the lady of the House, Miss Archer-Houblon and the carnival was enlivened by the band's music and a firework display. Other celebrations included frequent concerts in the market place and the two days of celebrations for Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee in June 1897. The Epping Band folded in the the early 1920s.
Thanks to the current Epping Forest Band for this information.
Epworth Temperance Band: Active in 1845
Ercol Furniture Company Band (High Wycombe): Active in the 1970s
Erimus Works Band (Middlesbrough): Formed in 1898 and still active in 1913.
Erith British Legion Band (Kent)
Erith Town Band: Active in the 1920s
Eston Miners' Old Brass Band (Middlesbrough): Active in 1900, when it took part in the ceremony to lay the foundation stones of the Normanby Methodist Church on Saturday June 30th. Still active in 1920.
Etherley Silver Band (Bishop Auckland): Active between 1903 and 1913
Euxton Town Band
Evenwood Colliery Band (County Durham): Active between 1899 and 1937. Merged with the Hunwick Colliery Band at some point.
Everards Brewery Band (Leicester): Formerly Bond Street Working Mens Club Band, later became City of Leicester Band, ultimately to fold in 1996
Evesham Brass Band: Active in 1885 when it took part in a church parade on 4/4/1885
Evesham Wesleyan Mission Band: Active in 1906
Exeter Silver Band
Eynesbury and St. Neots Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Eynsford Brass Band: Drum of the band still exists and is held by the Farningham and Eynsford Local History Society
Eythorne Band: Active in the early 1900s

F
Fairbairns Band: Active in 1855
Fairfield (Govan) Band: Instituted 1877
Fairford Band (Gloucestershire)
Fairwarp Brass Band: See: Fairwarp Silver Band
Fairwarp Silver Band (Sussex): The band had its beginnings in the Ashdown Forest Temperance Band, founded by Frank T Ridley, who started a garage business in Nutley. It was based in the specially built bandroom in Old Forge Lane, Horney Common. The band was supported by Count Munster, owner of Maresfield Park estate from 1898 to 1914. The band split in 1911 when the Nutley members started their own band. After the War the band was started up again by mainly Fairwarp members, backed by Ventura P Misa, the then owner of Oldlands estate, and by the subsequent owner, Sir Bernard Eckstein. Eckstein established a trust, which enabled the band to purchase new uniforms and silver instruments. Previously called the Fairwarp Brass Band, the band seems to have been commonly known as Fairwarp Silver Band from this time. Many of the players were employed on the Oldlands estate. Records of the band, from 1905-1982, are held at the East Sussex Record Office
Faldingworth Brass Band (Lincolnshire): Active between 1908 and 1915
Falkirk Burgh Band: Active in 1892
Falkirk Public Band: Active in 1933
Falkirk Trades Band: Active in the early 1900s
Falmouth Town Band: Active in 1912 - headquarters at Rystie & Barber, 3 Waterloo Place. West of England Champions in 1938. Folded in the 1970s?
Falmouth Town Silver Band: Formed 1919
Farnley Ironworks Band: Active in 1866
Farndale Brass Band: Active in 1859 when it took part in the Lofthouse Grand Village Band Contest in November that year. It was conducted by Mr Potter, had 11 performers, and played Lucrezia Borgia by Donizetti and the test piece, Grand Parade March by Jones.
Farndale Silver Band: See: Farndale Brass Band
Farningham Brass Band
Farningham Home For Little Boys Band: Band run at an orphanage in Farningham
Farnworth and Kearsley Silver Prize Band
Farnworth Amateur Band: Active in 1883 when they competed in the 1883 Belle Vue contest, coming third.
Farnworth New Brass Band: Active in the 1910s and 1920s
Farnworth Old Band (Lancashire): Formed in 1848 by Thomas Barnes, a mill owner, and was still active into the 1930s
Farnworth Old (Barnes') Band: See: Farnworth Old Band
Farnworth Old Band: Formed in 1848 by Thomas Barnes, a mill owner, originally known as Band of the Farnworth Cotton Mills, later as Barnes' Band, Tapps Rifles' Band (c.1860), Farnworth Old (Barnes') Band, Farnworth Old Band, West Lancs Home Guard Band (during WW2), and Farnworth Old Band (to 1990) when it merged with Eaton (Truck Components) Band to form Eaton Farnworth Brass Band. For a full history of the band see: Walker, Matthew - The History of Farnworth & Walkden Brass Band - 2004
Farnworth Temperance Band: Active in 1894 when, under the Conductorship of Mr J Crossley, on September 1st, they "discoursed the following programme before a highly appreciative assemblage of the Public: March - The Battle and the Breeze (Wadson); Lancers - Merry and Wise (Harris); Fantasia - Pride of Ireland (Round); Valse - Valley of Ferns (Round); Anthem - Jerusalem my glorious Home (Mason)."
Featherstone Silver Band: Active in the 1930s/40s
Featherstone Subscription Band: See: Featherstone Silver Band
Fechney School Band (Perth): The Fechney Industrial School for Boys had a brass band in the late 1800s
Felindre Band
Felling Chemical Works Band: Active in the 1870s
Felling Colliery Band: Active between 1904 and 1920
Felling Town Silver Band: Merged with Heworth Colliery Band at some point
Felling Temperance Band: Active in 1898
Felton Brass Band: Active in 1887, when it organised a duet contest.
Feock Brass Band (Carrick, Cornwall): Not a long history, they were known to be functional from 1882 to 1914. In the 1887 period they were conducted by John Chegwyn. After World War 1 they found that they were unable to continue, so they sold their instruments to Bleak House Band.
Fergushill Brass Band (Ayrshire): Active in 1879, when it took part in a procession in August to inaugurate the Kilmarnock Burns Monument and Kay Park, accompanying the Oddfellows Lodge, who had gorgeous banners illustrative of the objects of the Order, and the fantastic robes and head gear of the officials attracted no little notice. One member of the Fergushill Band was John Murphy. He was unmarried and lived with his father at 152 Five Roads. He was employed by Greig's, a building company, and died in 1916, aged 41, in France.
Ferndale (Prize) Brass Band (South Wales): In existence in 1898 when conducted by a Mr Powell. Their bandroom code of conduct included "You must be gentlemanly, civil and courteous". Still playing in 1948.
Ferndale and Blaenllechau Workmen's Band (South Wales): Records held in the University of Wales (Swansea) include: Minutes 1923-1927; agreement 1927; note of payments to band members
Ferndown Brass Band (Wimborne): Was active in 1903
Ferntree Gully Band (Australia): Folded prior to 1962 when its instruments and some ex-members formed the Croydon Brass Band with others from Lillydale Band
Ferodo Works Band (Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire): Formed in 1951 at the behest of the management of the local Ferodo factory in Chapel-en-le-Firth. The founding members included the conductor Frank Moss (also conductor of the Chapel-en-le-Firth Band), Jack Allcock, Sam Allcock, Charlie Brindley, Bernard Bygrave, Solomon Clayton, Bill Fletcher, Alf Garlic, Jimmy Gregson, Harold Hill, Ted Holland, Jack Holmes, Jim Hulley, Alan Jackson, Jimmy Mycock, Jack Osborne, Walter Pearson, Norman Ringham and Alf Sellars. George Hespe, formerly of Sheffield Transport Band, became musical director in 1953 and led the band to victory at the British Open in 1955. The band folded in 1958 following the withdrawal of support from Ferodo.
Ferry Hill and Dean Bank Band: Active between 1907 and 1935
Ferry Hill Temperance Band: Active between 1907 and 1911
Festiniog Silver Band: Active in 1928 and 1933
Ffynnongroyw Band
Filey Brass Band: Active in 1905, when the leader was Ellis Wood, of 8 Victoria Avenue
Finchdean Band ( Hampshire): Active in 1911
Finchley Brass Band: Active in 1891
Finedon Old Prize Band: Played as part of the celebrations for the visit to Northampton of His Majesty King George V and Her Majesty Queen Mary on Tuesday the 23rd September 1913 - at Victoria Park and Bath Street Recreation Ground
Finedon Temperance Band: Active in 1908
Fingringhoe Brass Band: Active in the early 1900s
Finstock Brass Band (Oxfordshire): Played at Cornbury Park on 7 April 1888
Firbeck Colliery (Ambulance) Band (Rotherham)
Firs Lane Band (Manchester): Competed in a contest in Leigh in 1884
Fishponds Argyle Band (Bristol): Active in 1933, when it took part in a festival of brass bands at the Colston Hall, Bristol.
Flackwell Heath Silver Band: Active in 1925
Flamborough United Brass Band: Founded around the 1890s (perhaps when the old Artillery Band ceased to function), and it was certainly in existence in 1908, a time when Flamborough still had to rely on itself for most things including amusement and recreation. The new band was to have a life, with interruptions, of half a century or more and early members included Matthew Major, Mark Major senior and junior, Tanton Fell, Harold Marshall Jack Cowling (who with Matt. Bailey was among the first conductors), and G. Waud, not to mention Tom Woodhouse senior, an obvious choice for the bass drum being, I understand, built on even more massive lines than his famous son. Like its predecessor the band practised in the old Drill Hall (now Smith's Coal Depot), and it soon began to make itself useful in village concerts, socials, processions etc. It had its ups and downs of course even from the beginning, finance being always a problem for it had no wealthy patrons and so had to make its own way. Instruments and uniforms were a heavy charge on the funds and the minute books record a long succession of dances, concerts, and jumble sales held to raise money. More than once major items had to be bought on the instalment plan, and it must have been a happy moment when, at the Annual General Meeting in 1939, the treasurer, Mr. H. C. Marshall was able to report a balance in hand of over Ł10. Unfortunately he was obliged to announce his resignation at the same time owing to the nature of his work which would take him away from the village in the near future. A sad blow this, as Mr. Marshall had served the band well both as treasurer and player over a number of years. It was the custom, as another way of raising funds, for the band to tour the village at Christmas time, and the records refer to the purchase of music suitable for this purpose. Later it was decided to install electric light in the practice room, "provided that the owner of the building, Mr. Smith, had no objection and that payment could be made at the rate of 8d. per unit, all the members agreeing to contribute a penny per week to meet the cost.
Fleet Prize Band: Active in the 1900s
Fleets Colliery Band
Fleggburgh Brass (Norfolk): Formed in 1991, renamed Norfolk Broads Brass in 1996. By 2001 it had amalgamated with its sister organisation, the Norfolk Broads Wind Band, to form the current Norfolk Broads Concert Band.
Fletching Village Brass Band (Sussex): Formed c.1886
Fletton Victoria Prize Band: See: Old Fletton Victoria Prize Band
Flint British Legion Band: Active in 1948
Flint Town Silver Band: Active in the 1960s/70s
Flixton Brass Band: See: Flixton Volunteer Band
Flixton Volunteer Band: Formed in 1877, later known as Flixton Brass Band, disbanded in 1933. Successor band formed in 1967.
Flockton United Brass Band (Wakefield): Originally formed as a brass and reed band in 1838 and known as Flockton United. Reeds were dropped around 1878 and the band became brass only. It celebrated its centenary in 1938 but disbanded soon afterwards.
Flockton United Prize Band: See: Flockton United Brass Band
Fochriw Brass Band (near Merthyr Tydfil): [Source: Ifor Coggan] - The first mention of Fochriw Brass Band was in Merthyr Express newspaper cuttings of 1887 when it was advised that, on 20 August 1887, the Fochriw Brass Band led the Fochriw Church Sunday School procession and played very well considering that they had only been practicing for 12 months. Therefore it may be assumed that it was formed in 1886. As a child in the 1950's I can recall the band coming around the streets of Fochriw on a Christmas Day and being told that after its disbandment, the instruments were kept under the New Hall stage. The newspaper reports are from 1887 to 1904 and it would appear that many honours such as 1sts and 2nds and gold and silver places were won by the band at eisteddfodau across the length and breadth of Wales.
July 1893 - South Wales and Monmouthshire Brass Band Association, 3rd Annual Contest, Penydarren Park, Merthyr Tydfil - 2nd prize in second of two sections.
1894 - Caerphilly - Chief prize
1894 - Bridgend Eisteddfod (16 bands competing) - 2nd prize and Silver Medal
1895 - Welshpool Eisteddfod - 2nd prize in the selection section
1896 - Merthyr Tydfil - 1st in the selection section, shared 1st in the march. Report: "During last 2 months band had won 7 prizes - 6 firsts"
26 August 1899 - Machen - 1st in marching section, 3rd in selection section
30 August 1902 - At the Dowlais Miner's Federation Demonstration, led by Keir Hardie MP, the Fochriw Band led the procession. The Demonstration was about the struggle over the sliding scale and 8 hour day for miners.
25 April 1903 - Abergavenny and East Monmouthshire Competition (9 bands competing) - 3rd in first section, 4th in second section
3 October 1903 - Report on year's performance to date. Prizes at: Cardiff, Abergavenny (2), Senghenydd, Rhymney, Pentre, Mountain Ash, New Tredegar (2), Merthyr Vale, Pontlottyn and Caerphilly. Although a class C band, they had taken prizes in all A, B and C classes.
Mr David Phillips of Pontlottyn was the bandmaster in November 1887; Mr Dawson conducted the band at Machen on 26 August 1899; In March 1903 the conductor was Mr William Powell when the band was practicing for the forthcoming Abergavenny and Senghenydd contests.
From the Merthyr Express, 26 March 1904, Presentation: Through the departure of Mr. David Jones for Rhymney, the Fochriw Brass Band has lost a most capable secretary. About two years ago, the Band was on the point of being disbanded. Then Mr. Jones was prevailed upon to undertake the duties of secretary, and so ably did he discharge his work that band was again, in a very short time, on a sound basis. Indeed, more contests were attended during the season, than in many other similar periods of the band's existence, and the numerous prizes captured have placed the band once more in an honourable position. A few weeks ago, a presentation committee was formed with Mr. Charles Payne as chairman, Mr. Daniel Jenkins as treasurer, and Mr. J. Pugh as secretary. On Friday evening last, a smoker was held, at which Mr. Jones was made the recipient of a handsome marble clock supplied by Messrs. Mappin and Webb. It bore the following inscription: "Presented to Mr. David Jones by the committee and members of the Fochriw Brass Band for services rendered as secretary, March 18th, 1904." The chair was taken by Mr. J. H. Jones, M.E., the genial president of the band. After a rousing song by Mr. Charles Payne, Councillor Thomas, in the course of an able speech, attributed the success of the past season largely to the interest taken in his work by the secretary. Two capital songs having been rendered by Messrs. W. S. Williams and T. Davies, the chairman, in a witty speech, made the presentation. Mr Jones suitably responded. Mr. W. J. Powell, the popular conductor, then spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr. Jones' services, and he was followed by Councillor Jones. A splendid programme of songs was now contributed to by Messrs. T. Shankland, J. Payne, J. Edwards, D. Jones, and W. S. Williams, whilst stirring speeches were delivered by Messrs. H. Evans, Brook House, and T. Roberts. Among the former officials of the band present were Messrs. James Evans, Howell Thomas and Jacob Jones. After the usual votes of thanks, a very enjoyable evening was brought to a close by the singing of "He's a jolly good fellow."
In August 1920 the conductor was Mr Hanney, and in June 1921 Mr Albert Mantle. The band briefly disbanded between 1928 and 1931, when it was reformed by Albert Mantle as Fochriw Silver Band. New silver instruments were purchased in 1932, followed by new uniforms in 1934 - A concert was held at the New Hall on Sunday evening under the auspices of the Fochriw Silver Band. The bandsmen appeared in their new uniforms. The chairman was Mr. Willie Adams Jones. The Band, under their conductor Mr. Albert Mantle, played the following selections: "The Typhoon," "Dawn of Spring," "Country Life," "Echoes of Spring," "Royal Artillery," "Eventide." The band was assisted by Mrs. Marjory Humphreys, Pontlottyn, soprano; Mr. James John Lewis, Fochriw, tenor; Miss Megan Jones, Pontlottyn, elocutionist; accompanist, Mr. Thomas Walters. . After surviving through WW2, band had disbanded once again by 1951, and although they briefly reformed for the Festival of Britain celebrations, they seem to have finally disbanded shortly after 1953.
See the Fochriw History website.
See also the following pictures, courtesty of Ifor Coggan and "Fochriw in Pictures Vols 1 & 2" by Peter Price:: phot3744.jpg, phot3745.jpg and phot3746.jpg
Fochriw Silver Band: See: Fochriw Brass Band
Foleshill Excelsior Brass Band (Coventry): Active in 1912, rehearsed at Lockhurst Lane Assembly Rooms - J.P. Cantrill, bandmaster.
Folkestone Silver Band
Footscray City Band (Melbourne, Australia): Merged with the Kingsville-Yarraville Citizens Band in 1961 to form the current Footscray-Yarraville City Band.
Footscray Municipal Band (Melbourne, Australia): Founded around 1902, later known as the Footscray Municipal Military Band.
Footscray Municipal Military Band. (Melbourne, Australia): See Footscray Municipal Band.
Footscray Temperance Band (Melbourne, Australia): See Belgravia Brass Band
Fordham Band (Cambridgeshire): Active between 1886 and 1896
Fords Band (Dagenham, Essex)
Forest Lane Band (Cornwall)
Forest Vale Ironworks Band (Cinderford): Formed before 1869 (see below)
Forest Vale Wire Works Band (Gloucestershire): Formed in the 1880s (see above)
Formby Brass Band: Active between the 1920s and 1950s. A successor band was formed in 1978
Foundry Brass Band (Penwith, Cornwall): Engagements for this band can be found in 1885/86. Their first engagement, in 1885, was given an encouraging report in the local press, then in 1886 they played at a regatta in Falmouth, and that seems to be that!
Four Lanes Brass Band (Kerrier, Cornwall): It was in 1888 that Four Lanes Brass Band entered their first contest, under Mr A Bartle. Most of their subsequent contesting was carried out under William F Floyd, their standard being that required of a Section 3 band. The results ranged from 1st to 4th but they were forced to disband in 1924/25. From 1910 to 1913 they managed to organise and run band contests that were reasonably successful.
Fowey Brass & Reed Band (Restormel, Cornwall): This band was formed in 1905 and continued in fits and starts until 1919. They did change to an all brass combination. No contesting. The first conductor was a Mr J Cleaves. A band was formed in 1919 to celebrate the peace, but nothing came of it.
Fowhope Brass Band (Herefordshire): Active around 1895
Foxhole Brass Band (Restormel, Cornwall): Formed about 1896 and kept this title until 1909 when they adopted the name Foxhole Temperance Band. This carried on through to 1920 when they made the slight, but no doubt important change brought about by a slight feeling of hypocrisy, to Foxhole Silver Band. They started contesting in 1908 and whilst never rising above 2nd section, their results were quite impressive. From 1926 it appears that the only Cornish contest they entered was that at Bugle, and their best achievement was in 1934 when they took 2nd in Class B. John Morcom was their first conductor in 1896. He handed over (and stayed on as a player) to William H Juleff, who himself left in 1906 to take over the St Dennis Band. At this point there was a slight hiccup and the band ceased operations until John Morcom helped reform the band in 1908. He stayed in control until 1929 when the duties went to Albert John Morcom who carried on to the band's demise in the early 50's. Instruments and music were loaned to the Cornwall Education Authority then, in 1971, were returned to Foxhole as they now intended to form a new band. Harold Trethewey was the man attempting this resuscitation, but it was only short lived, and the final bell was sounded in 1973.
Foxhole Silver Band: See: Foxhole Brass Band
Foxhole Temperance Band: See: Foxhole Brass Band
Fraddon Coronation Band (Restormel, Cornwall): Formed in 1910, this band kept its title until 1920 when it became the Fraddon Temperance Band. Its last recorded public appearance was in 1922. During its short lifetime it contested frequently, eleven appearances taking place from 1920 to 1922. The first conductor was A Bullock who was also involved with the Indian Queens Band. Then came William H Juleff who was also principal cornet of the St Dennis Band, and upon his moving on, the next, and last, was W Weedall.
Fraddon Temperance Band: See: Fraddon Coronation Band
Framwellgate Moor Colliery Band (County Durham): Active in the early 1900s
Fulbourn Hospital Band: Active in the 1880s
Fowey Town Band: Active in 1893 - "plays twice a week during the summer months on the esplanade"
Foxhill Bank Band: Active in the 1850s/60s
Friary Brewery Band: See: Friary Silver Band
Friary Silver Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. Was the works band of the Friary, Holroyd & Healy's Brewery, from Guildford. If was formed and financed back in 1922 by Friary's then head brewer, J.W. Huxley. He had noticed that there were employees who were lovers of music and with an ability to play. He therefore secured for them a set of second-hand instruments. Realising the popularity of the band and its potential, the directors then bought for the players a new set of silver instruments and new uniforms, and the services of a qualified bandmaster were secured. It soon established itself as a band of quality performances. Along with other works brass bands from up and down the country, the Friary Silver Band featured in regular monthly broadcasts by the BBC. The brewery owners no doubt saw this as some very useful national and, what's more, free advertising! During the summer months the band played regularly in Guildford's Castle Grounds while also providing the music there for Armistice Day services. It could also be seen and heard playing at garden parties at large houses in the area, generally to invited guests in the afternoon and then in the evening local people were invited to come and dance on the lawns. The band also played in London parks. Its best competition result came in 1936 at the National Finals held at the Royal Albert Hall, when it was placed third behind the Black Dyke and Foden bands. The musicians' uniform was navy blue with red and gold trim. For aumber of years the bandmaster was David Aspinall, but in the late 1930s he was "poached" by Ransome & Miles Ball Bearings Ltd, to become bandmaster of their band. It's said that when he left he took some of the Friary Silver Band's best musicians with him. The Second World War was not far off, and when it came the band members went their separate ways and the band disbanded.
Friskney Brass Band (Lincolnshire)
Frittenden Band (Kent): Active in the 1860s
Frosterley Band (County Durham): Formed in 1898 and still active in 1933
Fuller Mission Band (Kettering)
Fulwell Band (Barkingside, Essex)
Fulwood Brass Band (Sheffield)
Furniture Industries (Ercols) Works Band (Buckinghamshire)
Fylde Ex-Servicemens' Liason Band: Formed in Blackpool around 1946, the first conductor was Henry Irving Mellor. They won several trophies, including one in a contest in Harrogate (c. 1948). H.I.Mellor composed a piece called " The Bandsman" . They played regularly at Blackpool football ground in its good days. H.I.Mellor died in 1948, but the band continued after his death.

G
G.K.B. Steel Works Home Guard Band: Active in 1942
G.U.S. Band: See G.U.S. Footwear Band
G.U.S. (Footwear) Band: Earlier name of the current Travelsphere Holidays Band
G.W.R. & Paddington Borough Silver Prize Band: Active in 1910
Gainsborough Britannia Works Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. c.1950 the Band of Britannia Works, Gainsborough, became the new Lincolnshire champions in the annual brass band contest at Cleethorpes, beating Brigg Town Silver Band, runners-up for the last two years to the Grimsby Band, by four points. Grimsby was unplaced. Other bands taking part were from Cleethorpes, Horncastle, Kirton and Lincoln. It became the Spillers (Gainsborough) Band in the mid-1970s, and won the National Championships (Second section) in 1974.
Gainsborough Rifles Band: Active in the 1880s
Galashiels Band: Formed around 1846 as a brass and reed band. Its first contest as a brass band was in 1888
Galston Burgh Band: Started as a reed band in 1872, promoted by the Gauchalland Coal Company, but within a few years had converted to brass as the Galston Burgh Band. In 1990, it amalgamated with Newmilns Burgh Band and Loudoun Band.
Garboldisham Boys Brass Band (Norfolk): Active in 1945-6
Garlinge Silver Band (Kent): Successor to Garlinge Wesleyan Band and predecessor of Margate Silver Band
Garlinge Wesleyan Band (Kent): Formed in the mid 19th century. Precessor to Garlinge Silver Band and Margate Silver Band
Garndiffaith & District Brass Band (Pontypool): Active in the early part of the 20th century. Conducted at one time by James Samuel Griffin Flower, and his son Bert also played in the band. Still Active in 1934
Gartsherrie Silver Band (Coatbridge): Active in the 1950s, was sponsored by Gartsherrie Ironworks, Coatbridge. Still active in 1964, conducted by J Wardlaw.
Garw Valley Silver Band: Competed in the 1964 West of England Regional Championships (4th Section), conducted by W.T. Parker
Gatebeck Brass Band (Cumbria): Active in 1865
Gateshead Borough Band: Formed in the 1890s and still active in 1938
Gateshead British Legion Band: Active in 1938
Gateshead L.N.E.R. Band: Active in 1932
Gateshead St Paul's Band: Active between 1898 and 1913
Gatley Prize Band: Active in 1911 and 1925
Gawber Band (Barnsley): Active in the 1940s and 1950s
Gawber Britannia Brass Band: Active in 1928
Gawber Temperance Band
Gawthorpe Mills Band: Active in 1951
Germoe Brass Band (Kerrier, Cornwall): Evidence of this band can be found in 1860 playing in Crowlas, then in 1875 in Camborne. So far nothing else can be found about them.
Gibson's Malton Amateur Brass Band: Founded in 1877 by John Gibson, of the Malton Rifle Volunteers, lasted until 1884
Giggleswick Brass Band: The band amalgamated with the Settle Brass Band in 1952 to form the Giggleswick & Settle Band. In 1902 the band led the procession for the annual Band of Hope Festival in Long Preston - "The band played lively march music as the gatherers paraded through the village singing about the virtues of temperance." In some reminiscences of Christmas in the Dales there appears the following report - "...Brass bands toured the farms, with the bandsmen growing increasingly unsteady on their legs as they imbibed proffered drinks. The Giggleswick band travelled by train to Clapham station, from where they trudged through snow on a tour of villages and farms. By now, sozzled, they could not hold their instruments, let alone play. Instead, the bandsmen burst into song. Another time, bandsmen sipped hot punch at the Flying Horse Shoe, just across the road from Clapham railway station. Some punch remained when they departed for the one-and-a-half mile walk to the village, so they poured it into a trombone and supped on t'road."
Gillingham Boys’ Brass Band (Kent): Active in 1913 - Henry Allen, bandmaster
Glamorgan Artillery Band: Active in the 1890s
Glapwell Colliery Band (Chesterfield): Active in the 1930s. The colliery closed in 1974.
Glasgow Blind Asylum Band: See: Royal Asylum for the Blind Brass Band
Glasgow Corporation Gas Department Band: See: Glasgow Gas Department Band
Glasgow Corporation Transport Car Works Band: See: Glasgow Corporation Transport Silver Band
Glasgow Corporation Transport Silver Band: Formed in 1938 as Glasgow Corporation Transport Car Works Band
Glasgow Gas Department Band: Active in 1928, conducted by John Peckham, and 1933 when it took first place at a contest at Wishaw.
Glasgow Loco Works Band: Won first place in a contest held 1 December 1917 at Waverley Market, Edinburgh, in aid of Harry Lauder's Fund for Scottish Sailors and Soldiers.
Glazebury Band (Manchester): Competed in a contest in Leigh in 1884. Still active in the 1930s. Performed a concert in Stanley Park, Blackpool in 1932 as Glazebury Prize Band.
Glazebury Prize Band: See: Glazebury Band
Glemsford Brass Band (Suffolk): Active in 1894. A report in the Bury Free Press: August 4th 1894, Letters to the Editor - Sir, I have been looking at the bill concerning the Horticultural Show at Glemsford and am surprised to find Haverhill band has been engaged instead of preference to our own band , etc etc. As the matter stands now the money will be given to "foreigners" who neither know or care whether the men are starving or not. Glemsford band is comprised of hard working men, just now most of the men have been working short time and the money which is their lawful right would come as a great boon to them, etc etc. Yours truly, Pro Bono Publico.
Then later in the year: November 24th 1894 - On Friday evening a public tea organized by the Glemsford Band took place at the Plough Inn, Glemsford when about 61 people responded to invitations, after full justice was done to "good things" a "free and easy" meeting took place. 1st item on the programme was an overture entitled "the sleep of Dianna" given by the Band in a pleasing style, Mr Lawrence gave a song "muddled and mixed", Mr Leggett gave "after the fall", G.Crick gave "simple little pimple", David Ward of Foxearth gave the "educated bloke" "Bush Ranger in Ausrtralia" by C. Twinn, a duet by Middleditch and Twinn "old miller", C.Sore "mona, Miss M. Twinn "a soldier minstrel", E. Sore gave "swinging to and fro", the chairman "strolling in the sands" and "mother kissed me", Mr E. Game, "the club house", Mr W. Farrance "e dunno where ee are", Mr Eli Watkinson "when Jone's ale was new", Mr Sore gave "success to the football club". The band played the National Anthem and all dispersed home.
On 19th December 1901, in a letter to her friend Minnie, Emma Savage wrote: The Glemsford band came the other night 10.30 we were all in bed we did not get up - they were so spiteful they banged on the knocker four times Nell barked but we refused to turn out of bed..
Glengarnock Iron Works Band (Glasgow?): Active in 1882.
Glenrhondda Colliery Band (South Wales)
Glenrhondda Silver Band: Active in 1917 and 1955
Glodwick Band (Lancashire): Formed in 1873, dwindled somewhat in the early 1900s, but arose again in 1935 as the Glodwick Prize Band. During this time they became known as the Shamrock Band for a while, following an incident at a St Patrick's Day celebration at the Free Trade Hall together with the Besses o' th' Barn Band, they mistook the shamrock laid on the tables as decoration for water cress and proceeded to eat it, much to everyone's amusement. The Glodwick Band Club was raided by the police in 1949, presumably for drinking after hours, and the band had to sell the instruments to pay the fine. Through a house to house collection and other public subscriptions the band managed to buy back the instruments from Thomas Reynolds & Sons (Manchester) and in recognition changed their name to the Glodwick Public Prize Brass Band in 1950. The band was renamed again in 1955 to become the Lees and Glodwick Band. It amalgamated with the Cobden Chadwick Band (formerly Zion Methodists Band from Lees in Oldham) to form Oldham Brass 97, in 1997.
Glodwick Prize Band (Oldham): See: Glodwick Band
Glodwick Public Prize Brass Band (Oldham): See: Glodwick Band
Glossop Volunteers Band: Active in the 1880s
Glynn Vivian Miner's Mission Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Godolphin Teetotal Band (Penwith, Cornwall): Records of engagements in the local press can only be found for Helston and Penzance in 1855. It is doubtful that much else was carried out.
Golberdon Band (Caradon, Cornwall): Golberdon - a village North West of Callington boasted a band that is known to have existed from c1860 to c1879. A quote from the Cornish Times of 1862 reads:- "The enlivening strains of the Golberdon Band quite counteracted the weeping humour of the skies." What can one say after that?
Golcar Band: Active in the 1870s
Golcar Subscription Band: Active in 1939
Goldthorpe (Ceramia) Band: See: Yorkshire Main Colliery Band
Goldthorpe Wesley Hall Silver Band: Active in 1933
Gomersal Mills Band (Bradford): Formed 1942
Goodshaw Prize Band: Formed May 1867
Goodwick Brass Band (Wales): Formed in the early 1900s, disbanded around the start of World War 2. From memories of Dai Miles - "Once upon a time, at the turn of the 20th century, in a small community in West Wales called Goodwick, there was a brass band. This group of stalwarts, many of whom had come to the area from Neyland when the Harbour was built, was in the charge of Mr Lake, the headmaster of the local school. Mr Lake and his brother worked in Emlyn Colliery in Ammanford and he played solo cornet in the Colliery Band. He first came here to work in Puncheston School and then became headmaster of the newly built Goodwick School and either took over, or formed the Band. Practices were held in a corrugated zinc hut at the old laundry cottages (long since gone) in Dyffryn . There was no electricity then and the hut was lit by oil lamps on the walls. If the practice was really good the flames would shoot up high and the euphoniums could easily put all the lamps out! Sometimes they used battery lamps but they cost 4s. 6d. each and 4d. for the batteries so there wasn't too much practice in winter! Mr Lake was a hard taskmaster and he would continually admonish them - "you play like a circus band"! The instruments were old, needed new corks, and "clicked" as they were played. "You're banging your instruments against your buttons again!" - a reference to their uniform, which was the G.W.R. jacket and a white paper band put round the hat. In 1914, when War broke out, the Band held a meeting and decided that those of the right age should join up as a Band. They did this and from Kinwell Park in North Wales they were transferred to France, back from the Front Line, where they were used as escorts. One particular day, it seems, they were having a quiet smoke between duties, when an open car came along with an officer and his driver. "Put your instruments in the car and come with me" the officer said. He gave them each a rifle and marched them away. They were scattered then to different regiments. At home the members left behind continued the practices and the Band re-formed after the War. Dai Miles, an old Band member, the source of all these tales, joined the Band in the 1920's and bought his cornet in a pawn shop in Bute Street, Cardiff for Ł1. Billy Jeff and Jack Evans did the repair work on the instruments. Vincent Johns was President of the Band. At Christmastime the Bandsmen would love to play outside his house. They would have beer brought out to them whilst Mr Lake would be invited in for a swig of something stronger. Vincent Johns would give Ł1 or Ł2 for the Band and would then ask them to play "one more piece and give it some drum"! The Band played everywhere. There were lots of sports and carnivals and there were ox roasts in the football field. One year at the ox roasting, they were raising money for St. Mary's Church Hall, which was being built then and they were paid Ł24.0.0. Then they played at Lower Town Carnival and Sports and were paid Ł24.0.0 for that as well! There used to be Carnival and Sports at the top of Stop and Call Hill. The Band would form by the Cunard (the fish & chip shop now) and would march up the hill, and then, despite exhausted lungs, would play for a while at the top. John Clement Bowen played the big drum for a bit. But he wasn't very tall and couldn't see over the top too well. One day they were leading the Carnival up Cambria Square to play there for a while, but John Clement Bowen went down Main Street instead, beating the drum as he went and someone had to run after him and haul him back. Their favourite march was the "Washington Greys" and they knew "The Chieftain" so well they could nearly play it without music! In fact, that was the piece they played the last time they ever marched in Goodwick - and also the piece the present Band played the first time they marched through Goodwick. They were great on dance music. They played waltzes, foxtrots, you name it, for the dances in the drill hall and the dances held on the green by the tennis courts on the Parrog on summer evenings. In 1935 they were practising day and night to get ready for the National Eisteddfod that was coming to Fishguard in 1936. They were to lead the Bards and Druids and Danny Jones, a cornet player, was to play the long trumpet. The snag was, he had to ride a horse whilst playing the trumpet. Llewellyn, the Grocer's horse - of a fearsome reputation - was elected to be the trusty steed! Danny Jones, clad in a green suit and boots and blowing the long trumpet, could not ride a horse and so was very frightened, Lewis Rennish who was leading the horse, in spite of a wide vocabulary and a big stick, could not control the poor terrified creature. "
Goole Brass Band
Goole Borough Band: Goole Times - Friday, September 7, 1951: "With its traditions reaching almost 70 years into the past, Goole Borough Band, facing an uncertain future, is making a determined effort to recapture its past glories and to add more successes to its championship achievements which began in 1903 and ended in 1920 with a list of 45 prizes, 34 medals and four challenge cups." The band was "revived" in 1898, according to a note in the Goole Times of 7th October 1898. It disbanded sometime in the late 1970s early 1980s.
Gordon Institute Band (Liverpool): Active in 1887
Gordon Memorial Home (for Boys) Brass Band (Nottingham): Active from 1898 through 1915
Gorebridge and Arniston Band (Midlothian): Actrive in 1928, conducted by John Faulds
Goring Brass Band: Formed before WW1. As a Division 1 Band, its standard was very high. After the war, the Band re-started in 1925 and played on until 1939, but as war was imminent it proved impossible to carry on.
Gorse Hill Prize Band
Gorseinon Brass Band (Swansea): Active in 1948
Gorton & Openshaw Prize Silver band: Bill Booth (senior) was solo horn player until his death in 1946. His son, Bill Booth, took over the solo horn until his untimely death in 1948.
Gorton Silver Band: Folded in the 1990s? and the remainder merged with the Reddish Prize Band
Gossages Soap Works Band (Widnes)
Govan Burgh Band: Active in 1933
Govan Colliery Band (Glasgow): Active in 1875
Graffham Brass Band (Sussex): Active in 1907
Grampound Band (Restormel, Cornwall): Known to have accepted engagements from 1875 to 1935 they changed their title after WW1 to Grampound British Legion Band. It does not appear to have attended any contests. The only conductors names discovered are Charles Mannell in 1899 and Percy Hill in 1935.
Grandborough Brass Band
Grangepans Brass Band (Bo'ness): Folded by the early 1870s, the instruments being sold to the new Armadale Brass Band established in 1873
Grangewood Silver Band: Active in the 1930s, became known as East Ham Silver Band in the 1940s
Grantham Town Band: Active in 1947
Grassmarket Band: See: City of Edinburgh Band
Gravel Lane Methodist Band: Founded in the 1930's by William Bowen M.B.E (The honour was received for his work with poor people.) The band competed at the Crystal Palace in the 1930's and in 1956 won the regional contest and travelled to London to compete in the National Finals. They also won several local contests including Buxton and Belle Vue. The band broke up in 1971.
Gravenhurst Village Band (Bedfordshire): Active around 1895
Grays Temperance Band (Essex): Active in 1928. Originally called Grays Temperance Silver Prize Band, was in existence during the 1960s.
Grays Temperance Silver Prize Band: See: Grays Temperance Band
Grayshott Brass Band (Hampshire): George Bernard Shaw was one of the founders of the Grayshott Brass Band in 1899 which, the Grayshott Magazine remarked, "could be a decided acquisition." The band continued for some years and regularly performed at the local flower shows, garden parties, Band of Mercy shows and similar events. In a list of the initial subscribers, of whom there were 40 subscribing a total of Ł40. 17. 6., Shaw appears as giving Ł10. Whether this Band ever scaled musical heights may be doubted, since, when four years later land was given for the purpose of building a Village Hall, the donor inserted, perhaps in order to protect owners of adjacent property, a restrictive covenant prohibiting any 'band practice' on the land. In 1904 the band were permitted to play at the new recreation ground at the junction of Headley and Crossways Roads, if they so wished, not more than two evenings in any week. (Thanks to Jo Smith for this information)
Greasbrough Brass Band (Sheffield): Active around 1930
Great Bentley Band (Essex): Active in the 1930s. Bandmaster in 1934/36 was James Naylor and 1937/8 was JW Smith.
Great Bentley Homeguard Band (Essex): Active during WW2
Great Brickhill Band (Bedfordshire): Active in the early 1900s
Great Bridge Temperance Band (West Bromwich): Active in 1866
Great Central and Metropolitan Band (London): When Gladstone Park opened in 1901, brass bands were enjoying a period of great popularity. The group chosen to play at the park was the Great Central and Metropolitan Railwaymen's Band; a joining together of musicians from one-time rival bands. Initially the Local Government Board in Whitehall would not permit the band to be paid, so for some years the musicians were allowed to charge the public for chairs and programmes. Later the rules were changed and the band got a seasonal fee of Ł35 for the Sunday recitals, which was increased to a Ł50 when Thursday (early closing) performances were added by 1909. They retained their right to sell programs and charge for chairs. So popular were the concerts that the Council offered little resistance to the band's suggestion that a proper bandstand should be provided. On 28th February 1905 Robson was instructed to prepare a plan and estimates for a covered bandstand, and the next month his costing of Ł176 was agreed. The resulting rustic thatched structure, which was placed a little to the east of the baths, had all the hallmarks of a Robson special. In 1912 it was insured for Ł325 against fire. As early as 1910 the Council was considering providing electric lighting to the bandstand but it was not until 1945 that it was agreed that this should go ahead at a cost of Ł149. Many special events were supported. In 1911 the band gave a special recital to honour the coronation of George V (for which they were paid Ł15), a 'massed band concert' was permitted on Sunday 4th June from 3pm to 5pm, and in 1915 they organised dances on one Thursday evening per month during the season. The joint band entered many competitions, such as the annual Crystal Palace contests from 1904 onwards, eventually becoming the 'Great Central and Metropolitan Railwaymen's (Silver) Prize Band'. At the 1923 competition they won second prize. The band were to be regular performers at Gladstone Park until 1920 when they refused the Council’s offer of Ł50 for Sunday concerts for the season and requested Ł6 6s per performance. The Council did not agree and engaged the National Union of Railwaymen (Neasden No.1 Branch) Orphan Fund Band in their place. In 1924 the Great Central & Metropolitan Silver Prize band were approached again but stated they were not prepared to do Sunday evening performances as they had a contract with London County Council (possibly for appearing in Queen’s Park). Perhaps they had become too grand. By 1928 the birds had taken most of the thatch off the bandstand. The Council’s Outdoor Committee recommended that it be tiled, as re-thatching costs would be prohibitive. (Source: A Distant View of Gladstone Park and Dollis Hill House, 2002, by Juliette Soester & Cliff Wadsworth. Thanks to Cliff Wadsworth)
Great Central and Metropolitan Railwaymen's (Silver) Prize Band: See: Great Central and Metropolitan Band
Great Clifton Prize Band (Workington?)
Great Easton Coronation Brass Band (Leicestershire): Active in 1908/1916 - W.F. Haddon bandmaster & secretary.
Great Holland Brass Band: Active in the early 1900s. Renamed Kirkby Cross & Great Holland Brass Band a little later. For more details, see Grandad Played The Cornet: A History of Brass Bands in North East Essex, by David Cawdell.
Great Horkesley Band: Active in the late 1800s, but did not reform after the Great War.
Great Horton Band (Bradford): Formed in 1877 and, over the next 10 years, attended 40 contests winning 30 prizes, value £300. Conducted by G.F. Birkenshaw at the Barnoldswick Contest in 1886
Great Northern Loco Band (Doncaster): Reported playing tunes around Doncaster at Christmas time in 1852 in a "very neat uniform". See: Doncaster Loco Band
Great Northern Railway Plant Works Band: Also known as the Doncaster Plant Works Band. Formed in 1856 and conducted by George Birkinshaw (father of the famous Black Dyke cornet player and celebrated by William Rimmer's march Viva Birkinshaw!). Its original composition was two sopranos, six cornopeans, two tenor horns, one baritone, three trombones, two ophicleides, one Eb bass bombardon, and percussion. The band won many prizes between 1859 and 1861 and played many arrangements and compositions of marches and waltzes by Birkinshaw. Including 3rd prize at Lincoln on 6 June 1859, and 1st prize, gaining £15, at Peterborough on 5 September 1859 (where the bandsmen had to "defend themselves physically against disappointed rivals afterwards!), and 2nd prize at the contest at the Botanical Gardens in Sheffield in 1860. Renamed Doncaster Volunteer Band in 1859. Birkinshaw introduced his own brass band compositions in concerts given out of doors in the town: Festive Polka, Rouse Polka, the galop Spring Flowers, Pas Redouble, at least one march, a cornet trio and an arrangement for three cornets of "Lift Thine Eyes" from Elijah. In one 1859 Doncaster concert Birkinshaw conducted Jullien's Mary Ann Polka and French Quadrille. Birkinshaw left the band in 1865, but it continued successfully under the batons of J Redfern, S Wilson and Mr Salmon, until it disbanded when the Volunteers were absorbed into the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Regiment in 1908.
Great Western Colliery Band (Hopkinstown): Active in 1920
Great Western Railway (Swindon) Band: See:
Great Western Railway (Swindon) Band: The Musical Times in 1847 stated "In the large workshops of the Great Western Railway, at Swindon, a number of these men have combined to make a most excellent orchestra, seconded by the liberality and encouragement which seems to pervade the Company's arrangement at this village, for the benefit, improvement and amusement of their workmen." It was still active in 1893, but had folded by the early 1900s when a later Swindon band arose, also to be associated with the railway.
Green's Dye Works Band (Leeds): Active in 1872
Greenbank Band (Liskeard): Formed in 1886
Greenbank Band (Caradon, Cornwall): Formed around 1885, Greenbank Band carried on until c1900 when they disbanded to help form the Liskeard Borough Band. The only known conductor was John Mitchell.
Greenhalgh's Band: Active in 1872
Greenhow Hill Victoria Band: Formed in the 1860s. Used to play in the Greenhow Chapel. When the Chapel got an organ, they could not play, which caused a great deal of trouble. The band was thought to be very good and was much sought after on festive occasions in the area. There were 17 in the band: Joe Mackwell (1st Cornet), John Green (2nd Cornet), Ann Green (Bass), Thomas Blackah (Bass Instrument), Richard Blackah (A horn going right round his body), Jossie Blackah (Bass Instrument), Maw Simpson (Single Bass), Will Green (Big Drum), Thomas Wilkinson Marshall (Little Drum), R Mackwell (A round instrument), Duncan Mackwell (1st Fiddle), Jackie Green (Double Bass), ? (Trombone), 4 others (String Instruments). Nathaniel Grainge ('Natty wey t'stick') was also in the band according to another source. (Source: Greenhow Family History)
Greenock Thistle Brass Band: See: 1st Renfrew and Dumbarton Artillery Volunteers Band
Greensplat Band (Restormel, Cornwall): Formed in 1913, the circumstances of WW1 interfered somewhat, and the band experienced problems with repayments on the instrument loan and so had to cease activities. Immediately after that little European disagreement was resolved they restarted their band life, which carried on until about 1935. Situated just outside the village of Bugle, for Greensplat bandsmen, contesting was an important activity from 1919 until 1930. R Hancock led the band from its inception to 1920. It is not known, at present, who was resident conductor from this point on but they did continue to contest, once under EJ Williams (sen) three times under a J Bassett (perhaps by coincidence, there was a J Bassett horn player who had finished playing with Foxhole Band - was this the same man?), and a couple of times by a G Attwood but in 1926 Charles H Baker became professional adviser to them, continuing for the next four years, after which Len Manhire took over until their demise.
Greenway Moor Band: Active in the 1930s to 1960s
Greenway Moor Prize Band: See: Greenway Moor Band
Gresford Colliery Silver Band (Wrexham): Active in 1933
Gresham Brass Band (Surrey): Active in the early 1900s, based in Old Woking, at the printing works of Unwin Brothers. They are known to have played at events in Send village and it is likely that some of the players lived in Send in houses built by the company. There seem to have been about 18 players. There is an archive of Unwin Brothers at the Surrey History Centre in Woking which may have some further information.
Gresham Press Brass Band: See: Gresham Brass Band
Griff Colliery Band (Nuneaton): Active in the 1930s
Grimsby Brass Band (Lincolnshire): Originally formed with pupils of the old Harold Street school together with more experienced musicians.
Grindleton Brass Band: Active before WW1, but found itself short of players between the wars and amalgamated with Slaidburn Band, retaining the Slaidburn name. Slaidburn's instruments were used, but Grindleton provided the majority of players.
Groves Mission Band (York): Active since at least 1889, it disbanded in 1903 and members joined the new Rowntrees Cocoa Works Band
Grundisburgh Brass Band: Active around 1900
Guisborough Brass Band: Active in 1859 when it took part in the Lofthouse Grand Village Band Contest in November that year. It was conducted by Mr Bannister, had 12 performers, and played Il Trovatore by Verdi. and the test piece, Grand Parade March by Jones.
Guisborough Priory Prize Silver Band: Formed in 1902 and still active in 1920
Guisborough Volunteer Band: Active in 1900
Guiseley Band: Active in the 1940s to 1960s
Gunnerslake British Legion Band: See: Gunnerslake Temperance Band
Gunnerslake Silver Band: See: Gunnerslake Temperance Band
Gunnerslake Temperance Band (North Cornwall): Formed about 1898, they quietly carried on with the usual engagements of the time, and after World War 1 became Gunnerslake British Legion Band, and later the Gunnerslake Silver Band. They were a non-contesting outfit. All that can be discovered regards conductors was that in 1937 Mr C Trewin finished and Mr W Westlake took over. It must have been soon after this that they folded up as I can find no more references to them after 1937. Also in the town of Gunnerslake was a Salvation Army Corps, complete with a band that carried out "outside" engagements at least in 1930.
Gunton Hall Silver Band
Gwaenydd Silver Band: Active in 1887
Gwennap Band: Truro City Band had disbanded in 1969 so was it a coincidence that the Gwennap Band, who were only five miles from Truro, started up at that same time, albeir under a different conductor? This was Rex Little who stayed with them until 1975 when they became the basis for a new Truro band. Rex Little stayed with this new band for about thirteen years.
Gwernaffield Brass Band: Active in 1899 and sporadically through the first half of the 20th century. A permanent successor band was formed in 1971 (Gwernaffield Silver Band)

H
H. Stevenson's Works Silver Band: See: Hugh Stevenson & Sons Band
Habershon Silver Band: Active in the 1960s/70s
Haddenham Silver Band: Active in 1905 and the 1970s
Hadleigh Town Band (Suffolk): Active in 1958
Haggerston Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Haigh Band (Barnsley)
Haigh Band (Lancashire): Formed in 1843, one of the first to use all brass instruments.
Haigh (Aspull) Band (Lancashire): Competed in the First Annual Brass Band Contest organised by Wigan Borough Prize Band in 1943 (conducted by J. Mather).
Haigh Prize Band: See: Haigh Band
Hailsham Brass Band: See: Hailsham Town Band
Hailsham Town Band: Founded in 1901 and in 1948 amalgamated with the British Legion (Hailsham Branch) Band. Records of the band, from 1901-48, are held at the East Sussex Record Office. 1905/1911/1915 the secretary was George G. Guy
Hale End Xylonite Works Band (Hackney, London): Active in the 1920s
Halifax and District Brass Band: Records of the band, from 1951-61, are held at the West Yorkshire Archive Service, Calderdale
Halifax Band of Hope Brass Band: See: Halifax Victoria Band
Halifax Brass Band: Active in the 1860s. Won the British Open in 1860 and 1861, conducted by J. Dewhurst and competed again in 1864.
Halifax Citadel Band: Active in 1918
Halifax Home Guard Band: Competed in the 1944 British Open contest.
Halifax Main Brass Band
Halifax Rink Brass Band
Halifax Temperance Band
Halifax Victoria Band: Originally the Halifax Band of Hope Brass Band
Hallelujah Crusaders Band (Kent): Active in 1922
Hallelujah Mission Band (Motherwell)
Halliwell Band (Bolton): See: Halliwell Prize Brass Band
Halliwell Prize Brass Band (Bolton): Formed in 1859, they originally took the name Jubilee Band, owing to their membership being from St Peter's Jubilee Sunday School. Some time before 1870 the band severed its ties with St Peter's and took the name Halliwell Band, in 1873 they played at the opening of the Town Hall.Halliwell Band disbanded during the First World War as 22 members signed up! Two were killed and three gained the DCM. A record that they were very proud of Sir Knowles Edge JP was a great supporter of the band in the early part of the last century. Evening News, July 21, 1904 - The attendance at the weekly band performance in Queen's Park, Bolton, on Wednesday evening did not reach its usual dimensions. The Halliwell Prize Brass Band occupied the kiosk and the programme was gone through with great credit to themselves. A melancholy interest was attached to the performance owing to the death of Bandmaster Range, late musical director of the concerts, and out of respect to the deceased's memory the band played the Dead March.
Jack Wilson, who lived in Bolton from 1936 to 1951, said, "My Dad was conductor of Halliwell Prize Band, and worked until the war at Crossleys, who I believe made ropes and cables. Old man Crossley was chairman of the band, and when the war started most of the players were called up, and Dad went on munitions. The band never really recovered."
[The following material is courtesy of Halliwell Local History Society]
The band played at church and chapel walking days, Field Days, Garden Parties, Rose Queens and for Christmas Carols. In Bolton there were the Trinity Sunday Walks of the Roman Catholics, the May Day parade of carthorses from the brewers and carriers, and that feast of entertainment the Royal Infirmary Carnival where jazz bands vied with brass bands. The leader in the 1930s was possibly a portly gentleman called Gregory, who lived in Olga Street, and the band met at the Peel Arms on Halliwell Road - whether to practice or drink is not known! At the time it disbanded in the early 1950s it practiced in St Paul's School. Another earlier member of the band was George Kay. He lived at 6 Saturn Street, attended Harvey Street Chapel and worked at Dobson & Barlow. He had three children, one son and two daughters. In February 1917 he enlisted in the North Staffordshire Regiment, sadly he was killed in May 1918, aged 40. The band at some point became the Halliwell Prize Brass Band [before 1904], what prize it won is not known but apparently it was jokingly said to be third prize when there were only three competitors. On Christmas morning they would start playing Hail Smiling Morn at the Ainsworth Arms and travel down Halliwell Road calling at other pubs en route. How far they got before they could no longer play is not recorded. The band latterly was sponsored by Henry Crossley (Packings) Ltd., and it would seem that when the band finished in the early 1950s the uniforms, instruments and music were stored by them, and then sold.
Halls Oxford Concert Brass: See: Oxford Concert Brass
Hall's Ropery Band (Barton, Cumbria): Active in the mid 1880's. Very little is known about this ensemble other it was founded by the Ropery company
Halstead Town Band (Essex): Active in 1902 - Richard Francis bandmaster, C.H. Gibbs secretary. 1914 - H.A. Adams bandmaster, H. Laurence secretary.
Halstead's Brass Band (Preston): Active in 1882. Mr Halstead was landlord of the Britannia Inn, Friargate,Preston. The band won first prize in a contest at Barrow on August 7th 1882, winning a handsome silver cup and Ł7. At various recent competitions if had gained: Ten first prizes, five second prizes, two third prizes, and one fourth prize, amounting to over Ł300 in money; also seven side drums, three gold and one silver medal, one drum-major's staff, and a silver cup.
Haltwhistle Old Silver Band (Northumberland): Formed in 1898. Disbanded August 2004. In its heyday, Haltwhistle Old Silver Band acted like the proud standard bearer for the town. It stood for musical accomplishment and, perhaps more importantly, community spirit. Some men devoted the whole of their adult lives to the band, meeting for rehearsals three times a week and frequently spending a fourth performing at events throughout the region. They were joined by their brothers and followed by their sons. Meanwhile, their wives concentrated on organising fundraising events to help cover the band's costs. So it is with heavy hearts that the last three members of the band have decided to call it a day. It has existed in name only for many years now, kept going by a hand-full of members who could not imagine life without their regular music sessions. Now the writing is truly on the wall, though, because they have decided to put the old Band Room up for sale. Situated at the bottom of Comb Hill, the building has been home to the band since it sounded its first notes in the mid 1800s. Which is why the last three members * Jonty Bell, Tom Fletcher and Dryden Smith * are determined that the money realised by the sale will provide a lasting legacy in Haltwhistle. They will use it to set up a trust fund, which will be used to foster the musical ambitions of local people. They have requested that Haltwhistle Town Council runs the trust fund, which was unanimously agreed to by councillors during their latest meeting. Along with his fellow councillors, chairman Coun. Alan Sharp paid warm tribute to Jonty for the role he has played in Haltwhistle Old Silver Band for almost 80 years. Jonty was also well known across the district for his leading role in the Singing Waiters over 25 years. "I would just like to thank you on behalf of the town for all the hard work you have put in over the years," said Coun. Sharp. "You were a stalwart of the band. "You have done so much for the town, and I can safely say you are held in high regard for your devotion and commitment. "People have succeeded in bands and singing because of your hard work. "I think the trust will be a good thing for the future of Haltwhistle and for children who are interested in music." Coun. Graham Ridley added: "In the past, the band has done a great deal to bring on youngsters. "A lot of them got their first introduction to music through the band. "If the trust carries on that good work, it will be a good thing for the town. We will all be grateful to you for that." Jonty was just five years old when he was first introduced to band life. "I used to go along with my father * he was the conductor at the time," he said. "The band room was a wreck then. There was flooring in just half the room. "While the band was playing in that half of the room, I used to sit in the other half making pot-pies in the dirt. "I joined the band properly when I was eight years old." Jonty is now 84. His father, who was also called Jonathan, played the euphonium. Jonty played the E-flat bass, while his elder brother, George, played the cornet. It has been Tom Fletcher who has kept the band going in recent years, says Jonty. Known for his skill on the trombone, Tom stepped into the breach when the band needed a conductor. The remaining member of their stalwart group, Dryden, played the double-B bass. "At one time, every village had a band, such as Haydon Bridge and Bardon Mill," said Jonty. "The 1950s and 1960s were the heyday for us. "We qualified twice for the national finals of a competition run by the Daily Herald, and we travelled down to London. "We travelled all over the country during those days, and family and friends used to come with us. "We had a terrific social life. It was grand. "In the end, though, the interest in bands just fizzled out," The Band Room will be closed at the end of August (2004)
Haltwhistle Rifles Band (Northumberland): Active in 1902 and 1947
Haltwhistle Volunteers Band (Northumberland): Active in 1904
Ham and Petersham Brass Band (Surrey): Active in 1902
Hambleton Brass Band: Active in the 1980s
Hambrook Silver Prize Band (Gloucestershire): Active in the early 1900s, also in 1944 when it took part in an open-air service on Frenchay Common. Disbanded before 1974 when some ex-members joined the new Thornbury Band.
Hamilton Place Colliery Band (Bothwell)
Hammersmith Borough Band (London): Formed 1927
Hampstead Prize Silver Band: Active around 1910
Hamstead Colliery Band (Birmingham): Active in 1894
Hamsteels Colliery Band (1) (County Durham): Formed in the 1890s and still active in 1938.
Hamsteels Colliery Band (2) (between Langley Park and Cornsay, Durham): Formed in 1950, rehearsed in the Drill Hall in Quebec, which had a special room known as the "band room" for the practices. It was, according to one account, still active after the pit closed in 1958. But it probably folded not long after that.
Hamsterley Colliery Band (near Newcastle): Formed in 1898. A newpaper report also has it active in 1896
Hamworthy Engineering Works Band: Active in 1970 when they won the Badman Challenge Cup at a Southern Amateur Bands Association contest.
Handcross Band (Sussex)
Hanging Heaton Band: Active in the 1980s
Hanley Excelsior Band: Active in 1890 and the 1930s
Hanley Town Band: Active in 1889
Hanslope Band (Buckinghamshire)
Hanwell Band: Formed in 1891. Later known as Hanwell Town Prize Band, Hanwell Silver Band, Roneo Alcatel Band (mid 1980s), and Roneo Vickers Band. It folded around 2001. Some of the players joined Capital Concert Brass, of West London
Hanwell Silver Band: See: Hanwell Band
Hanwell Town Prize Band: See: Hanwell Band
Harborough Amateur Band: See: Harborough Band
Harborough Artizans Band: See: Harborough Band
Harborough Band: Formed in October 1862. In the Harborough News of 5 Sep 1863 there is a report of the Harborough Amateur Band beating the Cricket Club (at cricket!). A later Harborough band, still active, was formed in 1897 after this one disbanded sometime in the late 1880s/ early 1890s. Also known as Harborough Artizans Band during this period
Harborough Volunteers Band: Active in 1880 - the Volunteers in Market Harborough were formed in April 1880. Probably created from the Harborough Amateur Artizans Band
Harden Mill Band: Active in 1855
Hardwick Colliery Silver Prize Band: Active in 1928. Hardwick Colliery became Holmewood Colliery after nationalisation.
Harland & Wolff Liverpool Band: Active in 1924
Harlech Band: Formed in 1845 and disbanded sometime around WW1.
Harlech Band: Formed in 1925 and disbanded sometime later. Successor band formed in 1985
Harlesden Band: Active in 1937
Harlow Band (1) (Essex): There was a brass band in the village of Harlow, (now Harlow Old Town), in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Contemporary photographs show the members in full uniforms: high collars lots of buttons and complete with flat caps. The band did not survive the Great War.
Harlow Band (2) (Essex): Around 1959-1960, an ex-army musician, Harry Crossley, had the idea of starting a brass band in Harlow. He invited other ex-army musicians with whom he had contacts to form the nucleus of the band (together with local musicians). They in turn were attracted to the prospect of employment at the factories being built in the New Town. Harlow Council provided a grant for a set of silver and blue concert music folders (which are now in the possession of the current Harlow Brass Band). The band began well and for some while performed in and around Harlow. However, it didn't become fully established, probably because of a shortage of new young players to provide continuity and disbanded in the early 1960s
Harpur Hill Silver Prize Band (Buxton): Formed before 1900, it finally folded in the early 1960's. Its conductor at that time was Roy Orritt, who took over the baton from his father, Harry Orritt,. Harry was a noteworthy soprano player, before taking up the baton and he returned to the cornet ranks when he handed over to his son. The soprano player by then was Jimmy Bossley. Some players played with more than one band. e.g. Tom Pickford who was the best double bass player in the Peak District and who played with Harpur Hill, his village of domicile and also Dove Holes for many years. He also played with the Harpur Hill Piggery Band. Similarly, Jimmy Bossley also played with the Piggery Band. They were provided with free practice room facilities, as was also Peak Dale Band, by the principal employer in the district, I.C.I. (Lime Division). The grave footstone of Harry Orritt d. 18 March 1955, aged 63, reads: "In memory of Harry Orritt who gave faithful service to Harpur Hill Band for many years. Remembered by past and present officials, player and members"
Harpur Hill Piggery Band (Derbyshire): Was formed in the village of Harpur Hill in 1946, first marching in the Victory parades. It was a "comic" brass band, numbering at its greatest up to 40 musicians, most of whom seemed to have been very talented bandsman from top-section bands, like Fairy's, Ferodo, Cresswell Colliery etc. having retired from full time banding. It was led by Ike Dunn and folded soon after his death in 1951. They played for dancing, gave concerts and marched in a miscellany of parades in Derbyshire, Cheshire & Staffordshire.
Harpurhey and Moston Public Subscription Band: See: Harpurhey and Moston Silver Prize Band
Harpurhey and Moston Silver Prize Band (Manchester): Founded as the Harpurhey and Moston Public Subscription Band sometime before 1900. The Bevan name became associated with the Band when Reece Bevan joined in 1905 as a eup