Monthly Archives: October 2023

Here is a photo of a unknown brass band. During the 19th century various friendly and fraternal organisations arose, often as savings and mutual benefit societies, but also to foster links with both workers and professional men. The most famous … Continue reading →

The Salford Iron Works Brass Band in 1876. This was active from 1873 through to the late 1900s, and was supported by Messrs. Mather and Platt’s Ironworks in Salford. The conductor, standing behind the bass drum, is probably John Lord, … Continue reading →

There are so many anonymous photographs of brass bands, most without any features to help identification. Here is one such British band – but there is a clue on the drum. It states “United Brass Band”, and above that is … Continue reading →

Penallta Colliery Prize Band. This was active in the 1920’s and early 1930’s. The band, or a successor, was also active in 1991 when the Pennallta mine closed. In the 60s and 70s Graddfa Secondary school band was formed and … Continue reading →

I suspect most of us here have played many Disney tunes or selections of melodies from the films over the years. Here is perhaps the earliest introduction to bands of the musical delights of the Disney brand. From the Musical … Continue reading →

Another photo showing a piece of lost history. There was a time when solo, duet, quartet and slow-melody competitions were common, particularly in the winter months, and occasionally attached to full band contests. Over the years these have dwindled and … Continue reading →

Another new book on the history of brass bands, written by Roger Deeks – “Brass Bands & Processions in the Forest of Dean – a study of the relationship between Nonconformism, Friendly Societies, Politics and Brass Bands in the Forest … Continue reading →

Westwood Colliery Band (County Durham), 1934. The band was active from the 1910’s to the 1930’s. It submitted plans for a new band room at High Westwood in 1932.

Morley Juvenile Excelsior Brass Band was formed by Jim Isaacs in 1910. G.E. Baines was the patron of this group of youngsters. They performed many times in Dartmouth Park and gave concerts in many other towns in the West Riding. … Continue reading →

Flackwell Heath Silver Band was founded in 1906, with bandmaster Mr Gomm. Their conductor was W.J. Burnham through the 1920’s and William Henry Stanley in the early 1930’s. It disbanded some time before WW2. Two other bands graced the village … Continue reading →