Author Archives: Gavin Holman

As an unofficial temporary archivist for brass band material (i.e. until a National Brass Band Archive is re-established), I was approached by Gordon Stanley to safeguard some photos of his grandfather’s band that he no longer had room for. We … Continue reading →

Eynesbury & St Neots Brass Band had three incarnations. The first was certainly active in 1862 and lasted until around 1870. A successor band was formed in 1875, with its first public concert on Monday 17th April 1876 at the … Continue reading →

A couple of years ago, I produced a list of female brass soloists of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Since then I have gradually been adding to it, and occasionally delving deeper into the lives of these remarkable people. … Continue reading →

Ernest T.Wilson (ed. Gavin Holman) A brass band existed in Widdington in the 1880’s, however this disbanded some time before 1900. This note refers to the successor band founded around 1909. A few years before the First World War, the … Continue reading →

Justin Jones (ed. Gavin Holman) The band was originally formed in 1888. Known as the Curtis & Harvey brass band. Practices were held at the School House in Dinas Terrace, Pontneddfechan. In 1893, the band later transferred to Glynneath. Band … Continue reading →

by Ted Taylor (ed. Gavin Holman) Cast our minds back to the days before television when people would look towards providing their own forms of entertainment. None can be more interesting than the formation of the Bratley Brass Band. When Bruce … Continue reading →

Report from the Musical Times, March 1920 The Catholic Mission of Yule Island, Papua (a Mission once supported by France and Belgium, but now exceedingly impoverished), is anxious to introduce brass band playing among the cannibals of the main range, … Continue reading →

Newspaper report: Bradford’s Winning Band – Teamwork Tells – Conductor’s tribute to Leeds Contest Promoters [1936?] A brass band composed of 25 Bradford men, following such occupations as motor drivers, textile workers, tinners and warehousemen, led by a conductor who … Continue reading →

On the afternoon of Saturday 1 September 1894, a parade and mass meeting was held in support of the men on strike at Messrs. Freshwater and Co.’s boot factory, Lower Dagnall Street, St Albans. Headed by the St. Albans City … Continue reading →

A huge crowd at the Raith contest – 19th August 1905 – Raith Park, Kirkcaldy. Attracted 17 bands, test piece Tam O’Shanter (Harry Round), adjudicator W.M. Short, won by Polton Mills Band. The Glastonbury Band Contest – 1st September 1906, … Continue reading →