Author Archives: Gavin Holman

The Scunthorpe Borough Boys’ Juvenile Band was formed in May 1944 following a meeting between William Richards and Mr. D.J.K. Quibell, M.P., where it was agreed to establish a junior band in the town. Instruments were provided by the generosity … Continue reading →

About nine years ago I was contacted by Heather Campbell, who wanted some information about her Grandfather, A.E. Ashcroft, who had been the Musical Director of the Hammersmith Borough Band. After my recent piece on Home Guard brass bands, I … Continue reading →

This was founded in 1900 following the failure of the Sandbach Volunteer Band to return to Elworth as part of the celebrations for the Relief of Mafeking in May 1900. A grand parade was organised, led by one of Foden’s … Continue reading →

This image of the “Rothwell Band” is undated and comes from a Christmas greetings card sent from Tom and Bet to “Aunt and Uncle”. The photograph itself only measures 1″ x 1½”, and had to be enlarged considerably, showing the … Continue reading →

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain was founded in 1952, following two earlier massed children’s concerts arranged in 1947 and 1950, both of which were conducted by Denis Wright who went on to become the first Music Advisor … Continue reading →

During the Second World War various civil defence forces were established, in particular the Home Guard. Many of these had brass bands associated with them, with members partially or entirely from local bands. This paper below gives details of more … Continue reading →

Some years ago, I received the Attendance Book for the Hambledon Brass Band, which covers the period from the beginning of 1920 through to September 1925. A mark is made against each member’s name for each rehearsal together with the … Continue reading →

An article in Scientific American in 1896 concluded that the playing of brass instruments induced more baldness in players than other instruments – i.e. stringed or wind. This paper below, looks, a little sideways, at this and subsequent results/reports. https://www.academia.edu/43263429/Brass_Instruments_and_Baldness_-_some_results_and_observations_from_a_124_year_old_study

An update has been made to my collection of brass band poems. Now totalling 99 odes on various brass banding topics from the players to contests, of various lengths and styles, by bandsmen themselves or fans of the band, from … Continue reading →

Where’s the brass band you ask? Well it is actually within the roped enclosure in the foreground, playing suitable martial music to accompany the biennial Gibsthwaite Athletics, Sports, Horticultural and Industrial Show in September 1905, where the highlight of the … Continue reading →