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L.A.V. (Chorley) Band, 3rd

See: 3rd L.A.V. (Chorley) Band

L.M.S. Band (Stockport)

Active in 1930s - 1950s

L.M.S. Manchester Band

Active in 1895

L.N.E.R. (Gorton) Works Band

Active in the 1930s and 1940s. Pre-war the Geff Benson was musical director of the band, which was based in Cornwall Street, Openshaw. Also possibly known as LNER (Manchester District) Silver Prize Band - under which name they were a prizewinner at the Leicester contest on 5th March 1938, and also winning a deportment prize at a contest in Salford in May 1930. (See also, possibly, Gorton & Openshaw Prize Silver Band). Competed in the Junior Shield in 1962, conducted by J. Hall

L.N.E.R. (Manchester District) Silver Prize Band

See: L.N.E.R. (Gorton) Works Band

L.N.E.R. Works Silver Band (Shildon)

See: Shildon British Railways Band

Lady Boswell's Brass Band (Auchinleck)

Active in 1879, when it took part in a procession in August to inaugurate the Kilmarnock Burns Monument and Kay Park, accompanying the Free Gardeners lodge.

Lady Windsor Colliery Band (Glamorgan)

Active in 1948 and 1959

Lakenheath Brass Band (Suffolk)

Active in 1935. Mr Coleman was bandmaster at one time. He had 14 brothers and 4 sisters some of whom also played in the band. George Elsegood was another conductor of the Lakenheath Band. George was a brass band legend in the area.

Lamberhurst Village Band (Kent)

Active in 1884 with Walter Bayley as bandmaster

Lambert Brothers Brass Band (Walsall)

Active in 1864

Lambeth Borough Band

Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s

Lambeth Borough Silver Band

See: Lambeth Borough Band

Lambley Robin Hood Brass Band

Active in 1875

Lambton Saxhorn Band (Co. Durham)

Active in 1866

Lamington Brass Band (Scotland)

Active in 1857

Lanark Rifle Volunteers Band, 1st

See: 1st Lanark Rifle Volunteers Band

Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Loco Works Band (Horwich)

Active in 1905

Lancashire Battalion Home Guard Band, 32nd

See: 32nd Lancashire Battalion Home Guard Band

Lancashire Brass Band

Active in 1979

Lancashire Constabulary Band

Formed in 1964 and still active in the 1980s, they rehearsed at Hutton, Preston.

Lancashire Fusiliers Association Brass Band

Active in 1975, but folded before 1997, when six drummers from the band formed the core of a new Fusiliers' Association [Lancashire] Band and Corps of Drums - which is active today.

Lancashire Home Guard Band, 48th

See: 48th Lancashire Home Guard Band

Lancashire Rifle Volunteers (Bacup) Band, 4th

See: Bacup Old Band

Lancaster Borough Band

Active in 1864. In 1912 Robert Redhead was foreman & bandmaster, of 55 Willow Lane. Played at Garstang in May 1885

Lancaster Brass Band

See: Lancaster Borough Band

Lancaster Town Band (Blaina)

See: Blaina Band

Lancing Band (Sussex)

Active in 1919

Landrake Band (Cornwall)

To the West of Saltash, Landrake Band were busy from 1876. In 1907 they were led by Edgar Panter and in 1928 by Lewis Goard. It does appear that they were still active in 1939 as there is a report of them performing at a local sports day. During WW2 they got a band together in 1943 for a local carnival, then a few engagements in 1944 and by 1945 they do seem to be back in business under the direction of A Davey. Then they rapidly went through new titles (eg Landrake Band: Landrake Working Men's Band and Landrake Brass Band) and all in 1945!. Soon after this they disbanded. I can find no record of any Cornish contests attended. A sideline is that in 1952 their instruments were raided by a group of schoolboy "musicians" for a local event. One of these "players" commented that the only tune they knew was "Jingle Bells" so for the next two hours they pretended to play and hummed,loudly, this one song over and over again. For this they won the "Tableaux Hunorous" prize, so I suppose that it could be argued that the band did win a competition at least once. Their practice room was in the old Liberal Club.

Laneshawbridge Brass Band

Active in 1876

Langcliffe Brass Band

At the turn of the century Langcliffe, Giggleswick and Settle had brass bands, here it was a group of men largely from the Chapel community. Bob West played the cornet, his brother Fred the euphonium and Alf Farrer came down from Stainforth when they were short of players, likewise Tom Marsden, were members. Jimmie Fox beat the drum, which when not in use was hung up on a nail in the school. The rest of the instruments were kept in the loft above the stables at the Hall (along with the bier). The Band always played round the Big Tree on Christmas morning, went home for dinner and then out again to go round the big houses, so Langcliffe families did not see much of their menfolk on Christmas Day. In the end enthusiasm waned and some men left to join Giggleswick band although Alf Hocking tried to keep Langcliffe going by recruiting youngsters. Dick Middleton was one of these but on the second time he turned up it was announced that the band was 'disbanded'. This would be about 1938 as they played for the Jubilee and Coronation celebrations.

Langdale Band

Active from before 1900 until around 1960. It probably ceased for some years during WW2, but it was revived around the time of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth.

Langham Labour League Band (Essex)

Active in 1871 and 1876

Langholm Brass Band

Active in 1880s

Langholm Temperance Band

Disbanded around 1927. The instruments were sold to the Annan Town Band for £105

Langley Mill Brass Band (Notts)

Active in 1887

Langley Park Band (County Durham)

Known to be in existence in 1921 when they received their 1st full set of CISWO instruments. Folded in 2004.

Langley Park Colliery Band

See: Langley Park Band

Langley Ploughmaker's Band (Warwickshire)

The works band of the W.J. Hillson, Swan Foundry iron works in Langley/Claverdon. Formed around the 1860s

Langsett Road Primitive Methodist Brass Band (Sheffield)

Active in 1891

Langtoft Brass Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1859

Langton Matravers

A band existed in the village in the second half of the Nineteenth Century. The instruments were bought by Mrs Frances Serrell, a rather eccentric but philanthropic widow who lived in Durnford Manor House, situated in the very centre of the village. In the village museum there is a photo of her Band-Master in his uniform and the names of several known Members. They also possess the Band-Master's silver Cornet, which was a gift from Mrs Serrell, an E flat Clarinet and two brass instruments used in the band, though they are now in a rather sorry state. They are of the Tenor Horn/Tuba variety. The Band folded when Mrs Serrell died in 1889

Langwathby Band (Cumbria)

Langwith Colliery Institute Silver Band

Competed in a brass band contest at Overseal, Leicestershire in July 1921, under conductor A.S. Grant (drawn 1 of 11 bands, they were placed 3rd)

Langwith Miners Welfare Band

Active in 1964 (conducted by G.H. Thorpe). Competed in the Grand Shield in 1962.

Lanner Silver Band

Formed in the 1890s and disbanded in 1902. A sucessor band was formed in 1965

Lansil Works Band (Lancaster)

Laporte Industries Band

Disbanded in 1993?

Largo Silver Band (Fife)

Active in 1933

Larkhall Brass Band (Lanarkshire)

Active in 1888 and 1900

Larkhall Silver Band

See: Larkhall Brass Band

Larne Town Silver Band

Folded before 1962, when its instruments were obtained by the 1st Larne Old Boys' Association Silver Band

Lassodie Public Band (Fife)

Active in 1928, conducted by W.A. Allison

Launton Brass Band (Bicester)

Active in 1861

Laura Brass Band (South Australia)

Active in 1907

Laurieston Brass Band

Active in the early 1900s

Lavender Hill Temperance Band

Competed in the 1901 contest at the Crystal Palace on July 10th. H. T. Embury was one of the players. Competed in the 4th Section National Finals in 1902.

Laverton Temperance Band (Gloucestershire)

Active in 1909, when it gave a concert at Laverton Village Hall, conducted by Mr Round, for the Farm and Garden Produce show.

Layer de la Haye Band

Active around 1910. For more details, see Grandad Played The Cornet: A History of Brass Bands in North East Essex, by David Cawdell.

Layer de la Haye Methodist Church Band

Active in the early 1900s

Layerthorpe Mission Band (York)

Active between 1891 and 1897

Lazey United Temperance Brass Band (Isle of Man)

Active in 1894 - conductor D. Senogles

Lazonby Temperance Brass Band (Cumbria)

Active in the 1890s/1900s

Lea Mills Prize Band

Competed in the British Open and other contests from 1893 to 1910

Leadbeater and Scott's Band (Sheffield)

Active in 1891

Leadgate Colliery Band

See: Leadgate Workmen's Band

Leadgate Mission Brass Band (County Durham)

A Wesleyan Mission band, Active in the 1870s, 1891, and also from 1903 to 1934

Leadgate Saxhorn Band (County Durham)

Active in 1886 when it led a procession during the strike at the South Medomsley Colliery, still active in 1891

Leadgate Workmen's Band (County Durham)

Formed in the 1900s and still active in 1931

Leadhills Silver Band

Active in the early 1900s

League of the Cross Band (Newport)

Active in 1888, conducted by W. Pullen

Leamington Mechanics Band

Active in 1887.

Leamington Priors Town Band

Accounts of the band, from 1897-1900, are held at Warwickshire County Record Office

Leasingbourne Colliery Band

Formed in the 1900s and was disbanded when the workers were transferred to the Dean and Chapter Colliery.

Leasingthorne Colliery Prize Band (Coundon)

Formed in the 1900s and still active in 1937

Leasington Colliery Band (County Durham)

Formed in the 1900s and still active in 1914

Leatherhead Silver Band

Lechlade Town Band

Active in 1910

Lee Moor and Stanley Silver Prize Band

Active in 1913

Lee Mount Band (Halifax)

Active in 1901. In 1905 rehearsed at Old Lane, Halifax.

Lee Mount Subscription Brass Band

See: Lee Mount Band

Lee Mount Prize Band

See: Lee Mount Band

Leeds (Smiths) Band

Active in the 1850s

Leeds Central Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1899

Leeds City Band (1)

Active in late 1950s and early 1960s. Probably a continuation of the Leeds City Royal Artillery Association Band.

Leeds City Band (2)

Active in the 1970s. Amalgamated with Horsforth Brass Band to form Horsforth Leeds City Band in the 1980s

Leeds City Brass Band

Active in the late 1890s, when it was conducted by Squire Firth. A report from 1898 states: "Squire Firth was born at the well-known musical place of Queensbury, near Bradford on June 12th, 1865. His father, Mr. Greenwood Firth (b. 1832), is one of the oldest bandsmen at the present day, and played Trombone with the famous Black Dyke Band for 23 years, and is playing at the present time. Whilst very young our subject was put to learn music under the talented Cornet Soloist and teacher, the late G. F. Birkinshaw, and at the age of 15 started playing Solo Cornet with the Great Horton Brass band. He made very rapid progress as a Cornet player, and began solo Cornet contesting, winning several money prizes, and also a Besson Cornet at Thurlstone, near Penistone, against most of the noted Cornet players. He was engaged to play Solo Cornet with the Earby Brass Band, for which he played two years, after which he had an engagement with the Lindley Brass Band. He followed his position as Solo Cornet player for twelve months, and afterwards, was re-engaged as solo cornet player and bandmaster for two years. He next took charge of Skipton Brass Band as bandmaster, and it was during his stay with the band that Mr. Firth began to make a name for himself, taking the band in 1895 to the Champion Contest at the Agricultural Hall, London, and scoring fifth prize. In 1896 they attended Nelson and Carlisle contests, and secured third and fourth prizes respectively, and also numerous other prizes.
Towards the end of 1896 the Leeds City Brass Band, from amongst 13 applicants, engaged Mr. Firth, and the marvellous success that has been attained by this band under Mr. Firth's direction speaks splendidly for his abilities as a teacher.
Mr. Firth is also very clever with the pen and scores all his selections. He has several more bands under his care, and will, without doubt, bring them to the front, if they will only be guided by him. Mr. Firth, being formerly in the hotel business (he was landlord of the Wheatsheaf Inn in Skipton), has now given it up, owing to the demands made upon his services for teaching, and also his solo cornet work.
His eldest son, Edwin Firth, was solo cornetist with Foden's Band, and killed in France in WW I while serving with the London Artists' Rifles."

Leeds City Commercial Club Band

Active in late 1960s and early 1970s. Probably a continuation of the Leeds City Band

Leeds City Royal Artillery Association Band

Formed 1949

Leeds Clarion Band

Active in 1899

Leeds Corporation Band (Yorkshire)

Leeds Engineers' Band

Active in 1882

Leeds Excelsior Temperance Band (Yorkshire)

Leeds Forge Band

Instituted 1882 by the head of the Leeds Forge Company, Samuel Fox one-time Mayor of Harrogate. Members were originally all workmen in the Leeds Forge Company's Works. The practices took place in the Forge every Sunday from 10.30 to 12.30, with several others held during the week. The players were equipped with two sets of instruments, two sets of uniforms and full rehearsal accommodations. Fox was very ambitious and offered gold medals and further funding if they could beat Besses o' th' Barn Band. They began contesting in 1886 and made a very successful start with high placings in the British Open. Following changes in management at the Forge the band was disbanded in 1892 with all instruments and equipment recalled.

Leeds Joppa Band (Yorkshire)

Active in the 1850s. Conductor in 1856 was Charles Wilby

Leeds Joppa Operatic Band

See: Leeds Joppa Band

Leeds Milburn Band (Yorkshire)

Leeds Model Band

See: Yorkshire Evening Post Band

Leeds Police Band (Yorkshire)

Founded in 1899

Leeds Postmen Band (Yorkshire)

Founded in 1889

Leeds Railway Foundry Band

Flourished in the 1850s

Leeds Socialist Band (Yorkshire)

Founded in 1896

Leeds Temperance Band

Flourished in the 1840/50s and undertook a four-week season of concert in Scarborough in 1847 for ?60. Repeated the season in 1848/9 also. Played at Boroughbridge in 1906

Leeds Tramways Band (Yorkshire)

Founded in 1911

Leek British Legion Band

Active in the 1930s to 1950s

Leek Harmonic Brass Band

Formed in 1867 and held Friday evening concerts in the market place during the summer. May have also been called Leek Promenade Band in 1873.

Leek Promenade Band

See Leek Harmonic Brass Band

Leek Temperance Band (Staffordshire)

Active in 1896/1904, W. Hough bandmaster & secretary. In 1912 Stephen Godwin was bandmaster and Henry Head secretary.

Leek Volunteer Band (Staffordshire)

Active in the 1880s. They gave open air concerts to large audiences in Leek Market Place on Monday evenings in the summer, as well as leading local processions.

Lees and Glodwick Band (Oldham)

See: Glodwick Band

Lees Brass Band (Oldham)

Founded in 1840

Leicester Borough Workmen's Band

See: Borough of Leicester Working Men's Club and Institute Brass Band

Leicester Club and Institute Band

See: City of Leicester Band

Leicester Corporation Gasworks Band

Active in 1891-1896, conductor was C.V. Palmer. From the Ayleston Road gasworks in the town.

Leicester Highfield Brass Band

Wound up in the courts as of 10th February 1902

Leicester Imperial Band

Active in the early 1900s and 1920s. Also known as Leicester Imperial Prize Brass Band. Competed in a brass band contest at Overseal, Leicestershire in July 1921, under conductor S. S. H. Iliffe (drawn 3 of 11 bands, they were placed 4th). Still active in 1964, when conducted by A. Anderson. Secretary in 1908 was Lawrence Edgar Clarke.

Leicester Imperial Prize Brass Band

See: Leicester Imperial Band

Leicester Ivanhoe Band

Competed in a brass band contest at Overseal, Leicestershire in July 1921, under conductor C. A. Anderson (drawn 5 of 11 bands, they were not placed)

Leicester Midland Railway Workmen's Band

Active in 1899.

Leicester Special Constabulary Band

Leicestershire Co-operative (SMW) Band

Formed in 1971 as a colliery band. Merged with Charnwood Brass in 1999 to form Leicestershire Co-op Snibston Charnwood Brass.

Leicestershire Co-operative (South Midlands Welfare) Band

See: Leicestershire Co-operative (SMW) Band

Leicestershire Volunteers Band

Active in 1879 when it was directed by J Smith

Leigh (Lanes) Band

Active in 1930

Leigh Bedford Band

See: Bedford (Leigh) Band

Leigh Borough Band

See: Lowton Silver Band

Leigh British Legion Band

See: Leigh Silver Band

Leigh Silver Band

Formed in 1920, it disbanded in December 2001. Formerly known as Leigh British Legion Band. Competed in the First Annual Brass Band Contest organised by Wigan Borough Prize Band in 1943 (conducted by H. Foxwell).

Leighton Buzzard Band (Bedfordshire)

Leighton Buzzard Temperance Band

Leighton Ironworks Band (Uttoxeter)

Active in 1910. The band was supported by Samuel Bamford, the owner of the Leighton Ironworks (which was established in 1871 in addition to the Bamford Ironmongery business founded in 1845). The band was later known as the Bamford Military Band

Leiston Works Brass Band

Active in 1862 - associated with the Richard Garrett & Sons engineering works, which made steam tractors and cast and machined metal products.

Leith Silver Band

Active in the 1950s and 1960s

Lelant Brass Band (Cornwall)

Hayle is the nearest larger town to Lelant, and in 1905 they decided to form a band under James Maddern. He stayed until 1911 when the leadership was handed over to John Tanner. EC Wills took over in 1914 and promtly left in 1915 to go to Redruth Band. The band closed down during WW1 but reorganised when that bit of unpleasantness was over. About 1931 F Gregory took over and stayed until 1942 when strange things began to happen. In 1942 they were reorganised under the new title Lelant United Services Band, still under F Gregory who, because of this second disagreement with Germany, was now in the National Fire Service (NFS). This lasted until 1943 when the Home Guard (Dad's Army) was formed and Lelant's instruments were loaned to the 14th Battalion Home Guard (St Ives) Band, now under the baton of Bandmaster Coombe. The Lelant Band - civilian - reapperas in 1945. Their contesting was confined to 1911 - 1914, their best result being achieved at a St Dennis contest in 1913 when they entered the second section playing "Village Bride" and winning £5 for their 2nd placing. After WW2, with the exception of victory parades, nothing more can be found. At one time the band kept their instruments in the Primitive Methodist Chapel "beneath the gallery that was then in place by the entrance".

Lelant Downs Brass Band (Cornwall)

In the St Ives/Hayle area, the Lelant Downs Brass Band sounds like one of these makeshift bands for a one-off gig. In 1888 they played for the Ludgvan Wesley Sunday School Festival and the press report leaves one in no doubt the there could not have been any learners performing.

Lemington Glass Works Prize Band (Newcastle-upon-Tyne)

Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s

Lench's Excelsior Works Band

Active in 1924

Lennox Mill Brass Band (Lennoxtown)

Active in 1884

Lenton Alliance Brass Band

Active in 1877

Lenton Band (Nottingham)

Active in 1909

Lerryn Band (Cornwall)

There is news of a Lerryn Band playing at the Peace Celebrations of 1919. This could be a band formed just for that event as I have no further information on them.

Lerwick Brass Band (Shetland)

Active between the 1890s and 1920s

Leslie and District Brass Band (Fife)

Formed in 1913. They acquired new instruments which were held in trust by the council. In 1928 was conducted by Charles M. Terris

Leslie Brass Band (Fife)

Active in the 1880s/1890s. Folded in 1897 and their instruments were put into the town council's care.

Leslie Silver Band

See: Leslie Town Band

Leslie Town Band (Fife)

Active in 1933

Lesmahagow and District Public Miners' Welfare Band

Started in 1927 as an offshoot of the Independent Order of Good Templars Band and was known simply as the Public Band, but the need for a regular source of funds brought association with the Miners' Welfare club. Due to dwindling public support and the lack of players of the right calibre, it was found necessary to wind up the band at the start of WW2. During its brief history, the Public band had reached the Premier grade and had achieved nation-wide recognition following its successes on the contest field and radio broadcasts on the BBC. When the band disposed of their instruments they donated the proceeds of the sale of their instruments to the Nursing Association to buy the district nurse's first car. The band trophies, which dated from the contests held in the village in the twenties, saw the light of day once more when the Lesmahagow Highland Games were inaugurated in the late nineteen fifties. The 'Nethanvale Cup' is awarded to the best Lanarkshire pipe band in Grade Three and the 'St. Machute' trophy to the band second in Grade Three. The Vale of Nethan Pipe Band, which came into being in 1953 as an off-shoot of the Boys' Brigade band, quickly rose to prominence under the firm leadership of Pipe Major Archie Templeton and drum-tutor Jim Macintyre but later fell into obscurity with comparable rapidity. However, on the third Saturday of June each year, the Highland Games remains a popular date in the pipe band contest and sporting calendars as a reminder of the golden age of bands in Lesmahagow Parish.

Lesmahagow Independent Order of Good Templars Band

See: Lesmahagow I.O.G.T. Brass Band

Lesmahagow I.O.G.T. Brass Band

Active in 1907

Lesmahagow Public Band

See: Lesmahagow and District Public Miners' Welfare Band

Letchworth Town Band

Active in 1938

Leven Town Band (Fife)

Active in 1918-1971

Leven Valley Brass Band (Cumbria)

Levenshulme Brass Band

Active in 1888

Leverton Brass Band (Lincolnshire)

Active in the 1920s

Lewes Temperance Mission Brass Band

Active in the 1890s

Lewes Town and Volunteer Cinque Ports Band

See: Lewes Town Band

Lewes Town Band (Sussex)

Formed around 1840 as the Lewes Town and Volunteer Cinque Ports Band. The band played at regular local functions throughout the 20th century including concerts at the Town Hall, civic events, church parades and Armistice Day, local band contests and at the annual Lewes Bonfire ceremonies with one of the bonfire societies. In the 1950s the band provided two men to play state trumpets as heralds at the Sussex Assizes. Past conductors include Mr Emmler and Mr Gates (19th century), A K Tappin (1904-1948), F Austin and F Lockwood (variously, 1948-1950), Squadron Leader T D Atkinson (c1950- ). Records of the band, from 1914-1950, are held at the East Sussex Record Office

Lewington Glass Works Band (Newcastle)

Formed in the 1900s and still active in 1947, probably folded in the 1950s

Lewington Yamaha Band

Active in the 1980s

Lewis Merthyr Workmen's Institute Band

Active in 1951

Lewisham Brass Band

Lewisham Silver Band

Active some time between 1918 and 1939

Leyburn Band (North Yorkshire)

Formed in 1841, folded in 1994. A new band, Leyburn Centenary Band, was formed in the town in 2003

Leyburn Saxhorn Band

See: Leyburn Band

Leyland Brass Band

Active in 1855 to

Leyland British Legion Band (Leyland, Lancashire)

Leyland Parish Church Band (Leyland, Lancashire)

Leyland Subscription Band

Formed in 1881. In 1893 it gained second place in a contest in Skelmersdale

Leysian Methodist Mission Brass Band (London)

Founded in the 1890s. Active between 1903 and 1924 - (minutes exist in the London Metropolitan Archives)

Leysian Mission Band

See: Leysian Methodist Mission Brass Band

Leyton Borough Silver Band (London)

Active before WW2. Also known as Leyton Silver Band. Still active in the 1960s.

Leyton Christchurch Brass Band

Active before WW2

Leyton Silver Band (London)

See: Leyton Borough Silver Band

Leytonstone Excelsior Band

Active in the 1900s

Lichfield City Band

Formed in 1910 and survived until 1937. A new Lichfield City Band was formed in 1985

Lichfield Volunteer Band

Active in 1905

Liddesdale Temperance Band (Scotland)

Active in 1964, conducted by D Johnson

Lifton Brass Band

Active in 1936

Lightcliffe Band (Yorkshire)

Lighthouse Brass Band

See: Lighthouse Silver Band

Lighthouse Silver Band (Walthamstow, East London)

Disbanded in the 1950s

Lightwater Brass Band (Surrey)

Photographs, a jacket worn by one of the bandsmen and part of a tea service issued with the band's name on it are held in the Surrey Heath Museum.

Lilleshall Collieries Prize Band

See: Lilleshall Colliery Brass Band

Lilleshall Colliery Brass Band

Originally St George's Temperance Band and renamed following the colliery sponsorship in 1907, when the company bought the band many new instruments and a set of new uniforms. Name changed to Oakengates Band? in 1962 when the council helped financially. The band folded in the 1970s. For further information see Web Link

Lillydale Band (Australia)

Folded prior to 1962 when its instruments and some ex-members formed the Croydon Brass Band with others from Ferntree Gully Band

Linacre Wesleyan Mission Silver Band (Litherland)

Active in early 1900s

Lincoln City Band

Active in 1919, A. Cox was bandmaster (of 24 Pond Street)

Lincoln Excelsior Brass Band

Active in 1887, and 1897 when John Elvin was secretary

Lincoln Iron and Steel Works Band

Active in 1890s to 1920s. Won 2nd prize and the Daily Telegraph Cup, in the Crystal Palace Championships in 1920.

Lincoln Ironworks Band

See: Lincoln Iron and Steel Works Band

Lincoln Malleable Ironworks Silver Band

See: Lincoln Iron and Steel Works Band

Lindenow Band (Victoria, Australia)

Lingdale Ironstone Miners' Band

See: Lingdale Silver Band

Lingdale Silver Band

Formed in 1851 as Lingdale Ironstone Miners' Band. Later known as Lingdale Silver Band, Lingdale Silver (ICI Chemical Products) Band (from 1986). Merged with Yarm & District Band in 1998 to form Lockwood Band

Linkinhorne Parish Band (Cornwall)

The village of Linkinhorne can be found between Callington and Launceston. They, the villagers, formed a band in 1887/88 and by 1890 they were fully kitted out with uniforms - all eleven (plus bass and side drums) of them. By 1910 their uniform had changed completely and very smart they look too. By now they had 15 players. In 1907 J Doney took over the leadership of the band and probably stayed with them until the end which appears to be about 1921.

Linlithgow Town Band

Report of it disbanding in 1899. Another report of it (or a successor band) being active in 1903

Linton Colliery Band (Morpeth)

Active around 1904

Lisburn Silver Band (Northern Ireland)

Formed in the early 1920s and merged with Lurganure Silver Band in 1993 to form Garvey Silver Band

Lisburn Temperance Band

See: Lisburn Temperance Silver Band

Lisburn Temperance Silver Band

Active in the 1950s/60s

Liskeard Borough Band

Formed in the 1890s under Mr C Penny.

Liskeard Temperance Band

Formed in 1901 - it continued until about 1914 when war broke out. Some of the members, together with a few of an old Volunteer Band, decided to carry on for the duration under Mr T Edmonds. Assumed to have folded during or shortly after the War. A successor band, Liskeard Silver Band, was formed in 1920.

Lismore Brass Band (Australia)

Active in 1909

Lister Silver Band (Dursley, Gloucestershire)

See: Listers Social Club Band

Listers Social Club Band (Dursley, Gloucestershire)

The engineering company, R.A.Lister & Co Ltd., had its own military band and also brass band at one time. The latter was also known as the Lister Silver Band, which was active during the 1960s

Litherland Prize Band (Liverpool)

Active in 1926, but folded, probably after WW2. It reformed sometime in the 1960's under W.E. (Billy) Pugh and played in the area until it ceased to exist in the late 1970's. Although never a large band, it had a youth section, again led by Billy Pugh. A number of the people who started there are still active these days. [thanks to Ian Lanceley]

Little Bowden Brass Band (Leicestershire)

Active in 1884 - possibly related to the Syminton's soup powder factory in Little Bowden. May be the same band as "Symington's Brass Band"

Little Gaddesden Brass Band (Berkhampstead)

Active in 1903

Little Ilford Tabernacle Brass Band

Active in the early 1900s, when the conductor was Harry Jones.

Little Lever Temperance Band

Formed in 1896 by the Church of England Temperance Society. All the bandsmen paid a subscription of 2 pence per week to be a member. Within a few years they had become successful on the contest scene and were able to add Prize to their name. The band initially rehearsed at St Matthew's Church, but later moved to their own bandroom in Back Lever Street. It was commented in 1935 that the band was in low waters financially but the bandsmen made up for this in their enthusiasm. At this time it was customary to divide the engagement fee half and half between the band and the bandsmen, most bands did this as a source of beer money for the men. It disbanded in the 1940's.

Little London Band (Leeds)

Active in 1887

Littleborough Reach Brass Band

Active in 1909

Littleborough Temperance Band

Littledean Brass Band

Active in 1843. A band organized by temperance supporters played at a horticultural show in the village school in 1865

Littlehampton Sacred Brass Band

Formed in the 1880s as a drum and fife band by George Sainsbury who moved to Littlehampton from Fawley in Hampshire. By 1895 it had converted to a full brass band. Eventually, Sainsbury left England and went to live in Canada where he set up the Weston Boys Brass Band. Some time before 1925 the band was renamed Littlehampton Town Band and later converted to a concert band lineup with woodwind instruments, eventually disbanding in 1952.

Littlehampton Town Band

See: Littlehampton Sacred Brass Band

Littleport Town Band

Active in 1925 when it took part in a procession, with the Cambridge Albion Band, collecting for Addenbrooks Hospital.

Liverpool Amateur Band

Active in the 1860s

Liverpool Brass Band

Liverpool Corporation Passenger Tramways Band

Active in 1934 to 1937

Liverpool Corporation Passenger Transport Band

Active in 1958 to 1962

Liverpool North End Brass Band

Active in the early 1900s

Liverpool Orphanage Band

Active in 1932

Liverpool Postal Band

Active in 1898

Liverpool Reformatory School Brass Band

Active in the late 1800s. The Liverpool Juvenile Reformatory Farm School, Mill Lane (now Winwick Road), Newton-in-Makerfield, was operational between 1850 and 1900. Abel Jones, who lived in Earlestown from 1861 until his death in 1886, was the band's conductor. As an aside, it is interesting to note that a certain delinquent, sent to such a school at the age of 12, would never have otherwise had the opportunity to learn to play an instrument, became world famous. This school was the New Orleans Home for Colored Waifs - he was Louis Armstrong.

Liverpool Socialist Brass Band

Liverpool Victoria Brass Band

Active in the 1890s

Liverpool West Derby Band

Active in 1967

Liversedge Band (Yorkshire)

Founded in 1889

Livingston Brass Band

Merged with Broxburn Public Brass Band in 2004 to form Broxburn & Livingston Brass Band

Lizard Band (Cornwall)

"THE RIVAL BANDSMEN OF MENEAGE. Or He Who Collars a Man and Gets Knocked Down is Served Rightly." This was the heading in the "Cornishman" newspaper of 1888 when reporting an assault case heard at the West Kerrier petty sessions. Roughly what happened was that there was a festival held in St Keverne and the Porthalla Band were engaged to provide the music. St Keverne Band had usually played at this event, but not this time, although several of their members turned up for a day out.. The Lizard Band had had the nerve to bring their instruments but were not allowed to perform. During an interval, whilst Porthalla Band were having their tea, Richard Jose, John Tiddy and Mr Chiddock, all Lizard Band members, were laughing together and jeering at bandsmen of the other two bands. William Scobie, of St Keverne Band, remonstrated with them, upon which Jose grabbed Scobie by the collar. Scobie floored him with a punch to the side of the head rendering him unconcious for several minutes. End of fracas. The court dismissed the case and each party had to pay their own costs, estimated at being not less than £3. The Good Old Days!! Apart from that, Lizard band seems to have been active only in the early 1880's.

Llan Ffestiniog Band

Founded around 1864. Between 1883 and 1895 won prize money to the value of nearly £ 300 in competitions in Porthmadog, Barmouth, Dolgellau, Llanrwst, Llanfairfechan, Corwen, Rhyl, Bala and Caernarfon.

Llanberis Band

Founded in 1886 by a Mr Ayres, an Englishman who had made his home in Portdinorwic. The instruments of the defunct Llanrug band were still in storage in Cinch Ddu, but through Mr Ayres' efforts they were transferred to Llanberis. This band was controlled from the Vaynol Estate who owned the instruments, and it was not until 1894 that Llanberis managed to get instruments of their own and function independently. These were second-hand instruments which were bought for £30 but it was soon realised that the band could never make progress with instruments in such poor condition. A few years later Dr Mills Roberts came to take charge of the Quarry Hospital. He was a keen musician and it was mainly through his enthusiasm that a Volunteers' Band was formed in the village in 1902. A young bandsman of exceptional talent, Thomas Williams (Twin Bach) was chosen as bandmaster. Several others gave many years of devoted service to the Llanberis hand; notably Owen Evans (Now Ilan) the postman; a line bass player who used to 'boom-boom' his way on his daily rounds, walking in strict march time and climbing with his bundle of letters to the scattered smallholdings of Gwaun Cwm Brwynog on the slopes of Snowdon.

Llanddulas Silver Band

Active in the 1940/50/60s. The band played at Gwrych Castle on Sunday's in the summer. As Terry Jones recalls: "The band was very much a family affair, my Taid Dafydd Jones was the band master, my father Glynne Jones played trombone, Uncle Stanley played cornet and cousins Elwyn Roberts and Merfyn Hughes also played."

Llandilo Band

Active in 1907

Llandinerwic Ebenezer

Active in 1878

Llandovery Brass Band

Active in 1886

Llandrindod Wells Temperance Band

Active in 1890s. Disbanded around 1950.

Llanerch-y-medd Brass Band

Active in the 1880s/1890s, it was conducted by William Thomas (b.1820) for fifty years!

Llanfairfechan Band

Active in 1878

Llangefni Silver Band

Active in 1933

Llanhilleth Brass Band

Active in 1900, when it was conducted by Frederick James Hayes

Llanrug Royal Brass Band

Disbanded around 1886. A report in 1888 records the formation of a successor band: "The Llanrug Royal Brass Band has been well known in North Wales for many years, and during that time they were successful gladiators on the field of contest, and won for themselves a far-famed name and many a worthy victory at band contests held in different parts of England and Wales. But, to our sorrow, this band was disbanded about two years ago, and since then the melodious strains of the old and highly respected company who gladdened many a heart in this romantic neighbourhood have disappeared. But the quarrymen of this musical locality could not rest on their oars; and, to remedy the loss, a meeting was convened, and a committee formed as follows: Rev. T. Jones, rector (chairman); Mr J. Williams, Buarth (treasurer); Rev. D. Collwyn Morgan, curate (secretary); and Mr R. J. Pritchard (bandmaster). Negotiations were entered into with the noted firm of Messrs Besson, London, for the purchase of an entirely new set of instruments. A number of musical enthusiasts offered themselves, and were formed into a band, under the old name, and under the conductorship of a member of the old band and a noted cornet player. The efforts of the bandmaster have given perfect satisfaction to the members of the band and committee, and are highly appreciated in the parish. He has won already a victory, and deserves the praise of all for the .very high state of efficiency of his band, The old band was one of the finest in North Wales, and we entertain such hopes of the new company and able conductor that we expect to record more victories and better laurels for them than the old band ever won. A grand concert was given lately in aid of the band fund, the Rev. T, Johns, rector, took the chair. There was a crowded audience, and a handsome surplus was left, At Llangefni on Easter Monday the band carried away the prize and the silver medal with great credit to themselves. They were highly complimented by the adjudicator on their almost perfect rendering of the "Hallelujah Chorus" the test piece. Last. Thursday the band was invited to play at Portdinorwic on the occasion of Mr Assheton Smith's wedding. The pieces played were rendered in good style and taste, and were highly appreciated and loudly applauded by the hundreds of people present"

Llansaint Silver Band

Competed in the 1964 West of England Regional Championships (4th Section), conducted by E. Charlton

Llansaint Temperance Silver Band

Active in 1908

Llansilin Band

Folded around 1960

Llanstephan Brass Band (S Wales)

Active in 1895

Llantrisant Town Band

Formed in the 1920s with players from Beddau, Cross Inn and Tynant. It rehearsed in the Cross Keys, before moving to the former jail house below the Town Hall. The bandmaster was John M. Thomas of Tynant. The euphonium player, Daniel Williams (Dan the Band), became conductor in the 1930s and they performed in the demonstration marches of 1934. It perished during World War II and the last performance was at the Armistice Parade in Beddau.

Llanwarne Brass Band

Active in 1876, with Mr. Benjamin Court as bandmaster

Llay Colliery Welfare Band (Wrexham)

Active in 1933. Disbanded in 1967 - with instruments and equipment going to the Point of Ayr Band.

Llay Institute Band (Wrexham)

See: Colliery Welfare Band

Lloyd and Foster's Axle and Tyre Band (West Bromwich)

Active in 1866

Llwycoed Silver ay Colliery Welfare Band (Wrexham)

Active in 1933. Disbanded in 1967 - with instruments and equipment going to the Point of Ayr Band

Loanhead Ex-Service and Burgh Band (Loanhead)

Formed after 1918 and disbanded at the start of the Second World War

Lob Mill Brass Band

See: Lobb Mill Band

Lobb Mill Band (Hebden Bridge)

Active in 1876

Lochhead and Victoria Band (Scotland)

Lochore Colliery Band (Scotland)

Lockeridge Prize Band (Wiltshire)

Amalgated with the Overton Mission Band in 1934 to form Kennet Vale Silver Band

Lockerley and District Silver Prize Band (Hampshire)

Originally a temperance organisation formed by Isaac Pritchard, organist at Lockerley Hole Baptist chapel in about 1880

Lockwood Band

Active from the 1940s to the early 1990s. Also known as Lockwood (Jos Lumb and Son) Band, early 1980s, and Lockwood F. Drake Fibres Band, late 1980s

Loddon Town Band

Founded in 1907 - it met in a small band room near the Fox and Hounds pub in Loddon. It folded in the 1950s and gave the instruments to the then new Loddon Secondary Modern School. A successor band was formed in the 1960s.

Lofthouse and Middlesmoor Band

Active in 1919

Lofthouse Colliery Band

Active in the 1950s. Folded in the 1970s.

Lofthouse Saxhorn Band

Active in 1859 when it took part in the Lofthouse Grand Village Band Contest in November that year. It was conducted by J Walker, had 10 performers, and played Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah. and the test piece, Grand Parade March by Jones.

Loftus and Skinningrove Brass Band

Active in 1881

Loftus Brass Band

Active in 1876 to 1900

Loftus County Modern School Band

Active in the 1960s

Loftus Iron Works Band (Stockton)

Founded in the 1900s and still active in 1913

Loftus Mines Brass Band

See: Loftus Brass Band

London & North Western Carriage Works Band (Crewe)

See: London & North Western Railway Crewe Works Band

London & North Western Railway Band

London & North Western Railway Crewe Works Band

Active in the 1910s and 1920s.

London & North Western Steam Shed Band

Active in 1879

London & South Western Railway Band

Active in the 1900s

London Great Central and Metropolitan Band

London North Western Garston Docks Prize Brass Band

London Victoria Amateurs Band

Active in 1861

London Works Brass Band (Smethwick)

Active in 1867

London, Brighton and South Coast Railway Signalmen's Brass Band

Active in 1891 when it regularly played in Battersea Park.

London, Midland and Scottish Band

See: L.M.S. Band

London, Midland and Scottish Railway Band

See: L.M.S. Band

Long Buckby Home Guard Band

Formed in 1939 by the merger of Long Buckby Temperance Silver Prize Band and Long Buckby Town Band. After the war, it merged with the Daventry Town Band to form Daventry and District Silver Band.

Long Buckby Temperance Silver 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 Far Cotton. It merged with Long Buckby Town Band at the start of WW2 to form the Long Buckby Home Guard Band.

Long Buckby Town Band

Active WW2 when it merged with Long Buckby Temperance Band to form the Long Buckby Home Guard Band.

Long Buckley Town Band (Northamptonshire)

Active in 1900

Long Downs Brass Band (Cornwall)

Long Downs is situated about 5 miles North West of Falmouth and in 1881 a band of that name played at a Weslyan Sunday school procession and tea treat in Porkellis. At present no more is known about this group either before or after this event.

Long Eaton Temperance Prize Band

Active in 1892

Long Gully Miner's Band (Australia)

Formed in 1864. Merged with Hallas City Band in 1889 to form Marong Municipal (Hopetoun) Brass Band

Long Itchington Excelsior Band

Active in the early 1900s

Long Itchington Silver Band

Active in 1905

Long Lea Band

Longannet Colliery Band (Cowdenbeath)

See: Cowdenbeath Brass Band

Longbridge-Deverill Band (Wiltshire)

Active in 1940s

Longford Hall Mission Brass Band (Manchester)

Active in 1894

Longford Star Band (Warwickshire)

Competed in a brass band contest at Bedworth in 1888

Longridge Prize Band

Active in 1911

Longsight Steam Sheds Band

Active in 1869/70

Longton Borough Band

Active in 1874.

Longton Brass Band (Preston)

Active in 1872

Longton Prize Band (Stoke-on-Trent)

Active in 1888

Longton Saxhorn Band (near Stoke-on-Trent)

Active in 1851

Longton Town Band

See: Co-operative Society Prize Band (Burslem & District)

Longton Victoria Brass Band (Stoke-on-Trent)

Active in 1888

Longtown Brass Band (Cumberland)

Active in 1910 when Jas. Bell was secretary. In 1914 the secretary was William Bell

Longwith Band

Competed at the Crystal Palace in 1920

Looe Town Bands (Cornwall)

Looe does have a history of "on/off" bands, starting with the Volunteer Artillery Band (1865-1907). Even this unit, on sxeveral occasions, had no band. Even so, from 1907 to 1912, there does appear to be two bands in town, the Artillery and a town band, probably because most players played in both bands. Certainly the town band, in 1907, were efficient enough to play such items as the overture "Tancredi". A photo of the band of this period shows 24 players, among whome were five clarinets and one flute/piccolo. An impressive size for a Cornish band of this period. The town band was led by AR Mitchell. After 1912 nothing can be found of an active band, though there are several attempts to reform between the wars - all to no avail.

Lord Lawson School Brass Band

One of the most successful school brass bands, active in the 1970s. It unfortunately folded once it's conductor Mr Bruce Wigham left, in 1986.

Loscoe Miners Welfare Silver Band (Derbyshire)

Active in the 1950s and 1960s

Lostock Industrial School Band (Bolton)

For a time one of the teachers at the Industrial School took to teaching the boys music and formed a band. The band was short lived around the 1900's.

Lostock Junction Brass Band (Bolton)

Active in 1902, when they headed a procession through Chew Moor.

Loudon Brass Band (Cardiff)

Active in 1910

Loudoun Band

Originally consisted of players from Loudoun Academy Band but became a separate organisation in 1974. In 1990, it amalgamated with Newmilns Burgh Band and Galston Burgh Band

Loughborough Borough Prize Band

Active in 1897. Competed in the Junior Shield in 1962, conducted by C.B. Fisher.

Loughborough Brass Band

Active in 1847, 1858

Loughborough Town Silver Band

Loughor Excelsior Brass Band

Formed in 1873. Disbanded 1918. The Loughor Excelsior Brass Band was formed under the baton of William Dennis in 1873. Very little is known of those early years, but the band would have featured prominently in the entertainment of the villagers and at ceremonial functions, funerals, outdoor marches and concerts. A balance sheet for 31st December, 1902 mentions that new silver plated instruments had been bought for ?318 from Messrs. Boosey & Co. Military Band Instrument Manufacturers, Regent Street, London. The officers were obliged to pay the amount in full within three years. In the summer of 1903 under the baton of Mr. Bleddyn Dennis, the band earned itself the title of a Silver Band Prize. Competing at Llanelly, the Loughor players emerged as winners of the prestigious Challenge Shield of the West Wales Association. Each summer at the Loughor Regatta, the Silver Band was always present to provide suitable music of an entertaining nature. With the outbreak of the Ward in Europe in 1914, Mr. Bleddyn Dennis joined the Swansea Police Band, to become its conductor, but left in 1912 for New Zealand. The trenches of France denied the village of its young men, who joined the Welsh Regiments as infantry men. Thus after 1918 enthusiasm waned and the organisation folded. The drum and sticks were preserved until 1938 when they were given to the Salvation Army Band in Gorseinon. (Source: The History of Loughor)

Loughton Excelsior Brass Band (Essex)

Active in 1892, to at least 1905. They would perform at the drinking fountain at the corner of High Road and Station Road, Loughton.

Louth Mission Band (Lincolnshire)

Low Moor Brass Band (Bradford)

Active in 1849 to 1860

Low Moor Ironworks Band (Bradford)

Active in 1857

Low Moor L.M.S. Band

Active in 1933

Lowca Brass Band

See: Lowca Colliery Band

Lowca Colliery Band (Whitehaven, Cumberland)

Active in the 1890s

Lower Annandale Band (Annan)

Active from 1830s to 1850s at least

Lower Ince Temperance Band

Active in 1965

Lowerhouse Mills Band (Burnley)

Active in the 1920s/30s

Lowerplace Band

Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s.

Lowestoft Brass Band

Active in 1855

Lowestoft Railway Silver Band (Suffolk)

Active in 1910. Bandmaster or Band Chairman was John Bultitude.

Lowton Silver Band

Formed in 1865. Their practices were in the Jolly Carter Inn at Lowton. When the Railway Inn was built at Robin Hood, the band moved into new headquarters behind it and practised there for over 50 years. During this time the name was changed to Leigh Borough Band. New headquarters were bought in 1956 and the name was changed back to Lowton Silver Band. The band broke up in 1965 due to a lack of players, but a trust was set up in the hope of it being reformed. Tom Burke was a member of Leigh Borough Band and in 1904 was promoted to 1st cornet player. He won a silver medal for his cornet playing.

Loyal St George Brass Band

See: St George's Brass Band (Bristol)

Luddenden and Luddenden Foot Subscription Band (Yorkshire)

Founded in 1891

Luddenden Old Band

See: Oats Royd Mills Brass Band

Ludgvan Band (Cornwall)

Back in 1850 the local Wesleyan Sunday school procession was headed by "the well known Ludgvan Band of Musicians". At this very early date, especially for Cornwall, I would hazaard a guess that this was not a brass band but it very soon became one. It seems to have carried on until 1889, then twenty years later a Ludgvan Brass Band, under R T Williams re-energed, but for how long is not clear. Certainly in 1921 the band existed under the baton of Mr R Taylor, the band sporting 15 players. What happened after that is another Cornish mystery.

Ludlow Town Brass Band (Shropshire)

Active in 1910 and the 1920s

Lumbfoot Band (nr Haworth)

Active in the late 1850s, when members of the Ponden Band joined it. At that time the Lumbfoot Band consisted of fifteen or sixteen young men, most of whom worked in the mill, and Messrs. Butterfield Brothers let them have the dining room to play in.

Lumley (6th Pit) Colliery Band

See Lumley Colliery Band

Lumley Bethel Band

c. 1970

Lumley Colliery Band (County Durham)

Formed in the 1890s. Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. Won the Cassell's Shield at the Crystal Palace in 1928. Still active in 1964, but folded later in the 1960s.

Lumley Colliery Silver Prize Band

See Lumley Colliery Band

Lumley Temperance Band (County Durham)

Active in 1899

Lumley Town Band (County Durham)

Active in 1928

Lurganure Silver Band (Northern Ireland)

Lurganure Silver Band originated from Hull's Hill Accordian Band which met at Hull's Hill Mission Hall, Moira Road, Lisburn, in 1935. In 1951 the members felt that a change was needed and the decision was taken to change from accordian to silver. Around the early 1950's, at Christmas, the Band visited numerous homes in the locality to entertain them by playing carols. In so doing, money was raised which went to-wards presents for the children at Lissue Children's Hospital, Ballinderry Road, Lisburn. This was an event which started at Bradbury's Corner and continued, by foot, to Cockhill Corner. It took place for a number of years until road and traffic conditions endangered the safety of members. It vis well known that the band had an exclusively male membership, but in 1978 ladies were finally admitted after much discussion and deliberation among their male counterparts. It merged with Lisburn Silver Band in 1993 to form Garvey Silver Band

Luton Alliance Brass Band

Active in 1879, when they advertised for a Solo Cornet player, annual salary £20.

Luton Public Band

Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s

Luton Wesleyan Central Mission Brass Band

Lycett Mission Band

Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s

Lydbrook Excelsior Band

Earlier known as Lydbrook Morgan's Band in the 1880s, renamed as the Excelsior Band in 1900. Merged with other bands in 1923 to form Lydbrook Silver Band

Lydbrook Morgan's Band

See: Lydbrook Excelsior Band

Lydbrook Tin Plate Works Band

Active in 1882.

Lydford Town Band

Active in 1895

Lydiard Millicent Band (Wilts)

Active in 1913

Lyme Regis Town Band

Disbanded in the early 1950s. (new band formed in 1981)

Lyminge Silver Band

Active in the 1930s. The band stored its instruments in the hall of the Methodist Church, which was completely destroyed by a direct hit in World War II, and all instruments lost, which must have been a bitter financial blow.

Lymington Borough Band

See: Lymington Town Prize Band

Lymington Borough Military Band

See: Lymington Town Prize Band

Lymington Brass Band

Active in 1840 through to 1871

Lymington Temperance Band

See: Lymington Town Prize Band

Lymington Town and Temperance Band

See: Lymington Town Prize Band

Lymington Town and Volunteer Band

See: Lymington Town Prize Band

Lymington Town Band

See: Lymington Town Prize Band

Lymington Town Prize Band (Hampshire)

Founded in 1883 as Lymington Town and Volunteer Band. In 1885 it became A Company 4th Voluntary Battalion Hampshire Regiment Brass Band. Later known as Lymington Town Band, then Lymington Town Prize Band. Still active in 1911 when Arthur Percival Cooper Hewitt was the secretary. Still active in 1938.

Lymm Public Band

Active in 1932

Lyneham Band

Active in 1911

Lynemouth Colliery Band

Amalgamated with Newbiggin Colliery Band at some point.

Lynn Original Brass Band

Formed in 1854, disbanded in 1866

Lynn Working Men's Saxhorn Band (Kings Lynn)

Active between 1854 and 1866. Josiah H Reddie was a founder member.

Lysaght's Orb Works Brass Band (Newport)

Formed under Bandmaster Jack Marsh when the men returned from the Great War, and the first parade was at the reunion at Somerton Park in 1919. Mr. A. Leyshon (late of New Tredegar and Cwm Prize Bands), who has a lifetime experience of first-class contesting was placed in charge in 1924, since when the band has been known as "The Newport Popular Band" and are regularly engaged for the important events in Monmouthshire and adjoining counties. Their repertoire consists of the works of all the great masters and they can be guaranteed to give a programme suitable to any occasion. Mr. Fred Pugh and Mr. Brad. Shergold are the only members who were members at the time of its formation. Mr. Owen Davies has been the Hon. Secretary for the past seven years. As reward for perseverance and success, Mr. W. R. Lysaght has presented them with a very comprehensive Coronation gift of new instruments and uniforms. (Report by Owen Davies, Band Secretary, 1937)

Lysaght's Steel Works Brass Band (Scunthorpe)

See: Normanby Park Steelworks Brass Band

Lytham British Legion Band

Active in 1936

Lytham Volunteer Band 2nd East Lancs Regiment

Active in 1897

---

M

M. S. & L. Railway Brass Band

See: Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway Brass Band

M.T.T. Band (Hackney, South Australia)

Active in 1925

Mabe Brass Band (Cornwall)

(sometimes known as Mabe Burnt House Band) were a band typical of their time. Found three or four miles North West of Falmouth, we know they were formed just before 1882 by a Mr Rapson (jun), later disbanded then reformed in 1911 ready for the Coronation. Who conducted them at this stage is not known but after WW1, in 1919, J Thomas was appointed to conduct. In 1931-32 they had H Jenkins who handed over to W H A Starke, who was relieved in 1933 by C A Dawes who gave the job back to W H A Starke in 1934, who in turn handed it all back to C A Dawes in 1936. In 1938 he gave the baton to the bands' 1919 conductor Mr J Thomas. They carried out regular contesting in the 30's, the best result being taken at Falmouth in 1936, playing the 4th section test "The Spirit of Youth." A 1933 photo shows a band with a healthy 21 players.

Macclesfield Town Band

Active 1915 to 1968

Machynlleth Town Band

Active in 1927

Madeley Brass Band (Shropshire)

Active in 1860

Madeley Silver Band (Shropshire)

Madeley Town Band

The Band led the Broseley Friendly Society Parade, in aid of the Hospitals in 1906. From the Wellington Journal and Shrewsbury News, 25th September 1909: "Broseley Hospital Sunday - After the church service the Madeley Town Band gave a selection of music on the Memorial Green, as well as the Jackfield Band." The old Three Horseshoes pub in Madeley Market Square was the largest pub in Madeley, and was the headquarters of the Madeley Band. In 1911 the Madely Town Prize Brass Band was refused the right to bear the title "Royal"

Madron British Legion Band (Cornwall)

This band, a mile or two from Penzance, occupied the scene from about 1930 to 1939. Contesting seems to have happened only in 1933 under their then conductor, Mr A P Richards, during which, at Redruth Contest, they came first for Deportment.

Maerdy Silver Band

Active in 1930s

Maesteg Band

Active in 1911 and 1948

Maiden Newton Brass Band

Active around the 1870s/80s

Maidstone Borough Brass Band

Active in 1909

Maitland Brass Band (Australia)

Made their debut at the Maitland show in 1881. They "performed creditably giving promise of future excellence". They disbanded in the 1890s. A successor band was formed in the early 1900s

Maitland Municipal Brass Band (Australia)

Formed in the early 1900s. Winners of the 'C' grade trophy at a 1929 competition held in Perth to mark Western Australia's centenary. They were also victorious in the 'D' grade of the Tanunda band competition of 1927.

Malling Town Band

Active in 1938

Malmesbury Town Band

Formed prior to 1877, when it led the procession to the new station to meet the inaugural train. In 1945 its instruments were sold. A successor concert band was formed in the town c.1990

Malpas Town Band

Active from 1919 to 1940. For further details see this webpage: Malpas Brass Band

Malton Amateur Brass Band (North Yorkshire)

Formed by John Gibson in 1877 and folded in 1884.

Malton and Norton Saxhorn Band (North Yorkshire)

Active in 1858

Malton Brass Band (North Yorkshire)

Active in 1896

Malton Brass or Mixed Wind Band (North Yorkshire)

Active between 1837 and 1855

Malton Messenger Saxhorn Band (North Yorkshire)

Founded in 1857 by Henry Smithson, proprietor of the "Malton Messenger" newspaper. Made first public appearance on 16th October that year conducted by Mr Milburn of Leeds. In August 1858 played in Longster's Orchard, Malton accompanying dancers at the Malton Regatta. Some of the original bandsmen included Will Foster, Hardwick Spurr, John, George and Thomas Leefe, John Morrit, John Stamper, John Bull, Tindal Clarke, John Hudson, Robert Taylor, Bob Piercy and Tom Allison. In 1860 the band was conducted by Mr Jennison of Norton and was renamed the Malton Rifle Volunteers Band. John Gibson became conductor in 1862 and served until 1877, when he left to form his own band, Malton Amateur Brass Band. The band was then conducted by JF Drake until Gibson's return in 1884. In 1887 a revolt among the band led to a mass resignation from the Volunteers and the band was restyled the "New Malton Town Band". JW Marshall was conductor of the band in 1899 and the band was still in existence in 1902.

Malton Rifle Volunteers Band (1)

See: Malton Messenger Saxhorn Band

Malton Rifle Volunteers Band (2)

Formed in 1894 until it disbanded in 1899

Malton Temperance Band (North Yorkshire)

Formed in 1899 by William Gibson, with eleven players, including Tom Banks, Jack Haykings, Ernest Cartwright and Tom Tate Smith. In 1900 the band announced that it would henceforth be known as the Malton White Star Band - which still exists today.

Malton United Brass Band

Founded in 1857 by William Turner. Active in the 1860s, conducted by Welford Gibson

Malvern Brass Band (Worcestershire)

Active in 1877 to 1882. Also known as Malvern Recreation Brass Band

Malvern Imperial Band (Worcestershire)

Malvern Mechanics Band (Worcestershire)

Active in 1879.

Malvern Recreation Brass Band

See: Malvern Brass Band

Malvern Tramways Band (Melbourne, Australia)

Although not strictly speaking extinct, as it is still in existence as Stonnington City Brass, this band's heydays in the 1920s, following its formation in 1911, is worth recording here. Contest record: 1912, won all events in the A.N.A. Competition, Collingwood. 1913-14, winners A.N.A. Competition. Winners of all events Chamber of Manufacturers Contest. Second Prize South Street Ballarat. 1915, Ballarat, tied for First Prize Grade A Championship. Winners Highest Aggregate and Boosey Shield, value 75 guineas, Second Quickstep. 1917, Winners of all events A.N.A.A. Championship, Melbourne. Also O'Brien and Down Cup, value 100 guineas, for Highest Aggregate. 1918, Winners A.N.A. A Grade Championship, Melbourne, and winners of Grand Final for O'Brien and Down Cup, value 100 guineas, for Highest Aggregate. 1920, Winners South Street Championship A Grade and Boosey Shield, value 50 guineas. 1921, Winners South Street Championship A Grade and Boosey Shield, value 50 guineas - Second Year. 1922, Winners A Grade Championship, Ballarat, 3rd successive year and Grand Final, Boosey Shield, value 50 guineas, Highest Aggregate.
In 1924 the band embarked on a World Tour. Also in 1924, during the visit of H.M.S. Hood to Melbourne in March, "The entertainment began at 2.15 with a recital by the Malvern Tramways Band, renowned as 'the champion brass band of the Commonwealth'. The Age suggested that their recital would give the public 'the opportunity of comparing and contrasting the all-brass band with the military band'. Originally, it had been intended for the Malvern men to provide a musical escort as the massed bands from the Hood, Repulse and Delhi proceeded to the Ground. However, it was not 'found practicable to arrange' for this, so the idea was dropped. It was a fortunate move. The afternoon was 'a day of sunshine, coloured parasols and summer dresses' that drew a massive crowd of eager visitors to the Hood and the other ships at Port Melbourne. The bandsmen were unable 'to get through the dense mass of people' at the pier. As a last resource, mounted police had to clear the way. When this was done, the bandsmen made with all speed for the MCG. Thus, for once, the navy was late. In the meantime, the musical flag was kept flying by the Malvern Tramways Band. Once they arrived 'by motor', the sailors provided 'a fine program ... and every item of the bands won applause' from the crowd of 24000. At the end of the day, with gate receipts totalling £820, the Lord Mayor (and Melbourne Cricket Club member), Councillor William Brunton, expressed his appreciation to the bandmasters. "
1911 - Celebration of Malvern being proclaimed a City: "Crowds of visitors, from neighbouring suburbs, came to see the display. From half-past six o'clock until half-past eight o'clock the trams, and trains, were overcrowded. On the tram cars the passengers were seen to be hanging precariously to the sides of the cars. The night was a bitterly cold one, but the adverse conditions did not affect the spirits of the people, exhilarated as their spirits were, by music of the Malvern Tramway Band, the Prahran Band, the St. Kilda Band, the Kilties' Band, and the St. Vincent de Paul's Orphanage Band. The units of the crowd, estimated at 40,000, were well content to have formed one of those abroad to see the sights, in the streets, on this memorable night, in the City of Malvern."

Malvern Wells Brass Band (Worcestershire)

Active in 1895

Manaccan Band (Cornwall)

I have a record of a William Martin playing for Manaccan Band from 1873 - 1888. This is the only proof that I have that this outfit existed at that time. The other mention I have is in 1942, during WW2, when what was left of the band nipped across to help Gweek Band play at the Gweek Hospital Sunday. Manaccan has a most convuluted history starting off as Manaccan Band, then joining with St Martin Band in the 20's, then going it alone again for a while, then St Martin joining Manaccan sometime after 1926, remaining under the Manaccan title until their demise in 1946.

Manchester and Salford Postmen's Band

Active in 1883, when some of its members played at the funeral of John Leah, trombonist in the Pendleton Brass Band.

Manchester C.W.S. Tobacco Factory Band

See C.W.S. (Manchester) Band

Manchester City Police Band

Active in 1880s

Manchester Civil Defence Band

Active in 1945

Manchester Corporation Tramways Band

Active in the 1930s

Manchester Jewish Brass Band

Began as an activity of the Jewish Working Men's Club. Active in the 1910s/20s. Bandmaster was Mr Nolan in 1913

Manchester Victoria Brass Band

Active in 1851

Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway Brass Band (Sheffield)

Active in 1892

Manea British Legion Band

Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s

Manningham Brass Band (Bradford)

Active in November 1885 when it entertained the 7,000 crowd at the opening of a new stand at the Carlisle Road gound of Manningham Rugby Club. They were conducted by W. Atkinson at the Barnoldswick Contest in 1886. Later, in 1896, it serenaded the 8,000 crowd prior to the vital Rugby League game between Bradford City and Hull on 18 April.

Manningham Temperance Band (Bradford)

Active in 1894

Manningtree Brass Band (Essex)

Took part in Great Bentley Brass Band Contest on 18 April 1938.

Manningtree British Legion Band

See: Manningtree Brass Band

Manor Colliery Band

Active in the 1970s

Mansfield Brass Band

Active in 1856 to 1886

Mansfield Colliery Silver Prize Band

Led the 44th Annual Temperance procession on Whit Monday in 1915. Starting from Somercotes, a sea of banners, flags and gaily decorated floats proceeded through Leabrooks and Riddings, gathering strength as it marched, and parading the village of Ironville before winding its way up to the Jessop Monument in Codnor Park.

Mansfield Excelsior Band

Newspaper report from 25 May 1900: Celebrations for the relief of Mafeking inluded the display of Union Jacks outside shops, the wearing of patriotic favours by almost everybody, the playing of patriotic tunes in front of the Town Hall by the Mansfield Excelsior Band around 10pm, followed by an impromptu late-night

Mansfield Primitive Methodist Brass Band

Active in 1894

Mansfield Temperance Brass Band

Active in 1899

Mansfield United Brass Band

Mansfield Reporter - newspaper report from 6 July 1877: "Roller Skating Rink ..... The Mansfield United Brass Band was also present and contributed much to the pleasure of the proceedings by playing a selection of dance and operatic music." As well as providing a skating area, the rink had another area where other entertainments took place. It opened on 24 June 1876 and closed sometime in the latter part of 1881. Band still active in 1884

Mansfield Woodhouse Brass Band

Active in 1861

Manvers and Barnburgh Band (Rotherham)

Competed in the Grand Shield in the 1940s - probably linked to the previous Manvers Main band and the twin collieries of Manvers and Barnburgh.

Manvers Main Colliery Band (Wath-on-Dearne, Rotherham)

Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s

Mapplewell Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1851 and 1871

Marazion Town Band (Cornwall)

3 to 4 miles east of Penzance, Marazion overlooks St Michael's Mount. In 1867 they were active, playing at the opening of a public building in Penzance. Later, in 1875, travelling to Redruth, they took part in a Temperance Fete. Not much more is heard about them until the run-up to WW1 and most unusually, they were active all through WW1 and WW2. The cessation of hostilities in 1945 also seems to have heralded their own end. Who conducted them in those very early days is not known; however, all during WW1 Alfred Floyd conducted (he had conducted the Marazion Artillery Volunteers from about 1909). 1919 - 1928 was the era of R J Berryman, he being relieved by George W Cave, who stayed just for two years (Cave had started his conducting career in about 1922 and became a most respected Cornish conductor, even conducting Coventry City during WW2). Edwin J Williams came for a year (1930/31)and he was taken over by Welshman Beth David, who stayed with the band until their demise in 1945. During WW2 he was also conducted the St Keverne Home Guard Band. He died in 1946, aged 76. From 1928 to 1935 the band entered various Cornish contests. Section 4 netted five 1sts, 4 2nds. and 6 3rds. Section 3 brought in one 1st, four 2nds, and one 3rd. A brief sojourn into Section 2 saw them awarded one 3rd. Their best musical period was, without a doubt, the mid 1930's.

Mardy Workingmen's Brass Band (Glamorgan)

Active in 1904

Marehay Brass Band (Ripley, Derbyshire)

Active in 1899

Marine Brass Band (Holyhead)

Active in 1890, conducted by R. Rowlands

Mariners Band (Keighley)

See: Keighley Brass Band

Market Deeping Brass Band

Formed in 1891

Market Drayton Brass Band

Active in the early 1900s

Market Lavington Prize Band (Wiltshire)

Gained 3rd place in a contest at the West Lavington Flower Show in August 1913, with the South of England Temperance Prize Band (1st place, conductor Mr. John Green), Chippenham Silver Prize band (2nd place), and Gorse Hill Prize Band. The adjudicator was Mr. J. G. Jubb of Manchester.

Market Rasen Town Band

Active in 1880s it eventually disbanded in 1939. A successor band was formed in 1966

Market Weighton Reformatory Band

Active in 1910

Market Weighton Town Prize Band

Active in 1907

Markfield Band

See: William Davis Construction Group Band

Marks Tey Brotherhood Band

Active in the 1930s, the band folded during WW2. For more details, see Grandad Played The Cornet: A History of Brass Bands in North East Essex, by David Cawdell.

Marlborough Place Mission Brass Band (St John's Wood)

Active between 1885 and 1903

Marlborough Silver Town Band

Records of the band, from 1895-1948, are held at Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office

Marley Hill Colliery Band (Gateshead)

See: Marley Hill Silver Prize Band

Marley Hill Silver Prize Band (Gateshead)

Formed in 1890. One of the founder members was John Bewick, a colliery blacksmith. He was born at Highfield near Hexham in 1856 and came with his parents to Old Sunniside in 1860. At the age of 12 he began work in the engine sheds at Andrews House colliery where he stayed for 6 months before serving his apprenticeship as a blacksmith. He subsequently worked for 57 years in this trade for J .Bowes & Partners. Still active in 1939, the band rehearsed in Sunniside.

Marong Municipal (Hopetoun) Brass Band (Australia)

Formed in 1889 by the merger of Long Gully Miner's Band and Hallas City Band. Merged with Strathfieldsaye Municipal Band in 1998 to form Greater Bendigo Concert Brass

Marriner's Band

Formed in the 1840s by the worsted mill owner WL Marriner, in Keighley, the band competed in the 1861 Crystal Palace contest with the alternate name of "the Band of the 35th Rifle Volunteer Corps" and won the Sydenham Cup. In the 1862 contest they were styled WL Marriner's Private Brass Band, and used two flugel horns in their line-up. Subscriptions were collected from the members in the early years. They won the Daily Mirror Cup at Crystal Palace in 1909 and were incorporated into Keighley Borough Band in 1914.

Marriner's Juvenile Band (Keighley)

Active in 1866, when won fifth prize, and £2 in a contest at the Keighley Agricultural Show in September 1866.

Marriner's Mill Band

See: Marriner's Band

Marsden Colliery Band (Whitburn, Sunderland)

Formed in the 1850s as South Shields Temperance Band, it folded in 1930 and its instruments were bought by Dinnington Colliery Band.

Marsden Colliery Prize Band

See: Marsden Colliery Band

Marsden Secondary School Band

See: Marsden Senior School Band

Marsden Senior School Band

Active in the 1930s/50s

Marsden St Andrews Band (Whitburn)

Formed in 1930 by some bandsmen from the previous Marsden Colliery Band, probably did not last beyond 1939

Marsden Union Band (Yorkshire)

Founded in 1830

Marston Valley Band

Records of the band, from 1951-56, are held at Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Record Service. Linked to the local brick making industry. The band had a meteoric rise from the 4th Section to the Championship Sectionin in successive years.

Martland's Brass Band (Preston)

Active in the 1850s. Some quotes from the Preston Guardian: "3rd June 1854 - ... met at the White Bull Inn, Myerscough ... and hearing a cheeting tune or two from Mr Martland's brass band, of Preston". "18th June 1853 - Great Eccleston Club Day - on Monday last, the members of the Prosperity Lodge of the Independent Order of Oddfellows held their anniversary at the lodge-house, Black Bull Inn, Great Eccleston. At nine o'clock the members formed in procession, headed by Martland's celebrated sax-horn hand (from Preston)"

Martland's Saxhorn Band

See: Martland's Brass Band

Martley Brass Band (Worcestershire)

Active in 1881 to 1891

Martley Foresters Brass Band (Worcestershire)

See: Martley Brass Band

Martock Band (Somerset)

Founded by 1889. Active around 1912 - disbanded in the 1920's.

Maryport Silver Band

Active in the 1930s/40s

Maryport Town Brass Band

Active in 1891 when it took part in a concert with Workington Vocal Union Voice Choir

Massingham Crown Brass Band

Masson Mill Brass Band (Matlock Bath)

Active in 1894

Master's Brass, The

See: Strood Gospel Mission Silver Band

Matlock United Silver Prize Band

Active in 1914. Possibly related to the current Matlock Band?

Matlock Volunteer Rifles Band

Active in the 1860s

Maungatapu Maori Brass Band (Taurang, New Zealand)

Formed in 1895

Mawgan Band (Cornwall)

Mawgan can be found near Helston, but very little can be found about the band. There is an 1857 report of them playing at the Porthleven Regatta, and later, in 1870, appearing at a Sunday school anniversary in the Lizard. Then nothing until, of all dates, 1943, when a Mawgan Band played at a garden fete under the direction of a Bandmaaster Williams. A late 19th century photo shows a band of seven players under Thomas Eplett. No contests were ever attended.

Mawnan Band (Cornwall)

South of Falmouth, Mawnan Band seems to have functioned from the 1880's through to 1935, with a note in a local newspaper of 1936 bemoaning the fact that there is no longer a Mawnan Band. There is a record of only one contest attended - that at Falmouth in 1884. This was a one section contest and Mawnan came in third. The only mention of a conductor is found in 1905 when the name John Opie is recorded.

Maybole Burgh Band (Ayrshire)

Originally Maybole Carrick Band, then Carrick Instrumental Band. In 1867 the band instruments were taken from the local bandsmen, because they would not attend practices, and given to the Volunteers who formed a band among its members, and although for a time it was factually a military band it was always considered the Maybole band. About the turn of the century the instruments were returned to the Council and the Maybole Burgh Band came into existence before the first World War. It won many competitions under the leadership of Mr. Shaw, the Bandmaster, and played in the town and district for many years until, again through lack of young people attending practices, in the 1950s the Council took over the instruments and stored them away and the town was left without a band. It was hoped some townsmen interested in band music would come forward and another band be formed but this was not to be and, as the instruments were deteriorating in storage, the council sold them. By coincidence the council purchased scarlet and ermine robes for the Provost and Bailies about the time the instruments were sold and it was the ribald belief of many ratepayers that the council had robbed the band to robe their civic heads and that it was the sale price of the big drum which went to buy the Provost's cocked hat.

Maybole Carrick Band,

See: Maybole Burgh Band

Mayfield and District Band (Sussex)

McKiernan Group Band (Accrington)

Active in the 1970s

Medomsley Cottage Homes Band (Deaf Hill, County Durham)

Cottages built by the North Eastern Railway. The band was formed in the 1900s.

Medstead Band (Hampshire)

Active around 1905. The Band's activities were suspended for the first world war and then resumed. Band members are thought to include Dick Licence and Mr. Poole the drummer. The Band was under the auspices of the Medstead Friendly Society.

Meersbrook Band (Sheffield)

Active in the 1960s

Megavissey Town Band (Cornwall)

An attempt was made in 1867 to form a band when it was reported that "many young men enrolled", and attempts were made to raise cash for a band fund. No more is heard after this. A band was formed to assist in the celebrations of the coronation of George VI and forever after they were officially titled The Mevagissey Coronation Band. This band was formed because of the enthusiasm for bands of one man, Samuel Rowe, a local music teacher, who does seem to have conducted a band in Mevagissey during WW1. Samuel Rowe's name keeps popping up due to his many attempts to form bands in Mevagissey. He even stored all the old instruments in his house.

Melbourne Baptist Band (Derbyshire)

Formed in July 1899

Melbourne Brass Band (Derbyshire)

Existed as early as September 1845, when they played to celebrate Lord Melbourne's arrival at Melbourne Hall, and in 1856 when they celebrated the end of the Crimean War. In 1860 they were commended at the great National Brass Band Contest at Crystal Palace. The Band was on the verge of signing up to sail with a ship to the Baltic in 1855, when wives and girlfriends intervened at the last moment and stopped them. A member of the Melbourne band once joined the travelling band that accompanied Wombwells Menagerie, a kind of Victorian "zoo on wheels". The band probably disbanded around WW1.

Melbourne Town Prize Brass Band

Melling Band (Lancashire)

Centred on Melling Pottery and was made up mainly of pottery workers.

Mellor Brass Band (Lancashire)

Active in 1891

Mellor Brook Brass Band (Lancashire)

Active in 1887

Melsonby Brass Band (Yorkshire)

Active in the late 1800s, through to at least 1937

Melton Mowbray Wesleyan Band

Active in the 1900s

Melton Saxhorn Band (Leicestershire)

Active in 1856

Membury Silver Band (Devon)

Active in 1936

Mendlesham Green Brass Band (Suffolk)

William Arbon, the village carpenter, was the Bandmaster. On winter evenings the Band met in the carpenter's shop for rehearsal. There, seated on benches and trestles they struggled with their musical instruments and score, small boys sitting around, scarcely visible in the candlelight. Two or three winters of hard practice eventually brought its reward. What a great day it was for William and his band when, fully equipped and in uniform, they were engaged to play at the annual Mendlesham Horticultural Show and Sports. From that day their reputation was assured, rivaling that of the Combs Ford and Debenham Brass Bands.

Merbein Brass Band (Sunraysia area, Australia)

Founded in 1918

Mere C.E.T.S. Brass Band (Wiltshire)

Mere Rechabite Band (Wiltshire

Active in the 1860s - engaged by the Gillingham Total Abstinence Society

Mere Town Silver Band (Wiltshire)

Records of the band, from 1924-1987 are held by Wiltshire and Swindon Record Office

Merrymeet Band (Cornwall)

This outfit was also known as the Menheniot Band. One supposes that Merrymeet and Menheniot, villages to the east of Liskeard, both sent players to the band. There is no doubt that this band operated before WW1 with a compliment of about 17 men, a goodly number for those days. No contests were entered for, and names of conductors cannot be found.

Merryston Brass Band (Coatbridge?)

Merstham Baptist Mission Band (Surrey)

Active in 1904

Merthyr Vale Silver Band

Messrs. Philips & Co. Brass Band (Tean, Staffordshire)

Active in 1896, this band was connected to the Philips Silk Mill at Tean, where they made red ribbon, among other products, and which was the origin of the phrase "tied up in red tape".

Metal Trades Council Works Band (Birmingham)

Active in 1925

Metheringham and Dunston Brass Band (Lincolnshire)

Active in 1905 when the band heralded the football teams onto the field in a match. The music played for the home team was "See the conquering heroes come", while they then played the opponents, Washingborough, in to "The Dead March" from Saul

Methley Brass Band

Active in the early 1900s

Methley Prize Band

See: Methley Brass Band

Metropolitan Brass Band (London?)

From the News of the World, 12th September 1886: Railway Servants' Fete and Gala - Yesterday afternoon, the first annual fete and gala of the Metropolitan Railway Company's employees was held in a field near the Metropolitan Railway Station at Harrow, lent by Mr Atkins. The entertainments comprised an Old English Fair, athletic sports and a firework display. The Metropolitan Brass Band and the Willesdon Brass Band played selections of music. There was a large attendance.

Metropolitan Works Band (Wolverhampton)

Band from the Cammell works. Note from local newspaper in 1927: - "Masses in harmony at the Molineux: After a hard week at work what better way to relax at the weekend than by tickling the tonsils with a little community singing in the open air at Wolverhampton's Molineux Grounds in January. Swanee River, Land Of Hope And Glory and There's A Tavern In The Town, echoed across the streets as townsfolk raised their voices accompanied by the prizewinning Metropolitan Works Band, under the direction of Joseph Lewis and Harold Casey. Before hitting the high notes, the singers were given a few helpful hints by Mr Lewis. He emphasised that everyone must join in and they must all sing together. He told the gathering that he wasn't using a baton because the crowd wouldn't see it. Instead, his associate Harold Casey , would give the necessary "physical jerks" to help the singers harmonise. Printed on the Community Singing sheet were instructions to "take a deep breath" and hold it. According to Mr Lewis the gathering must sing with the breath HELD to make more sound - and they must not get out of step with the singing. Mr Lewis promised the crowd that if they got into a mess he would blow a whistle for them to stop. Presumably if they were still holding their breath they would be in no fit state to singalong-a-Lewis. " Still active in 1938.

Mevagissey Band (Cornwall)

Mexborough Plant Band (South Yorkshire)

Formed in the 1860s, reformed in the 1880s and still active in the 1890s. It was based with the Mexborough railway works for the Manchester/Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway - later the Great Central Railway.

Mexborough Railway Band

See: Mexborough Plant Band

Mexborough Town Band (South Yorkshire)

Micheldever Brass Band

Active in the early 1900s. It continued practising in June 1914 for the Hospital Sunday Parade. Subsequen village events seemed to have used other bands, so the Micheldever Band probably folded during or after World War I.

Micklefield Brass Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1904 and the 1980s

Mickleover and Radbourne Band (Derbyshire)

Active in 1887

Mickleton Band (County Durham)

Formed in the early 1900s and still active in 1931

Mickley Tyndale Temperance Band (Northumberland)

Formed in 1899 and still active in 1947

Middlesbrough (Dovecot) Brass

See: Yarm and District Band

Middlesbrough Artillery Band

Active in 1887

Middlesbrough Borough Silver Prize Band

Formed in 1901 as the Middlesbrough Trades Band. Still active in the 1950s

Middlesbrough Model Brass Band

Formed in 1866, still active in 1899. Conductor, A. Milburn

Middlesbrough National Reserve Band

Active in the 1930s

Middlesbrough Temperance Band

Formed in 1898

Middlesbrough Trades Band

See: Middlesborough Borough Silver Prize Band

Middlesmoor Brass Band (Yorkshire)

Formed in the 1850s and folded sometime in the 1860s.

Middleton Home Guard Band

Active in 1942

Middleton Junction Public Band

Active in the 1930s

Middleton Perserverance Band

Active in 1882, when it competed in a contest at Kersley, Bolton.

Middleton Victoria Silver Prize Band (Middleton by Wirksworth, Derbyshire)

"We had then the Middleton Victoria Silver Prize Band, around thirty men and youths were in it and Joe Sam Spencer, who lived two doors below me, used to train the new starters how to play a cornet or other instrument. He was the conductor of the band and of our chapel. At the last Sunday School Anniversary he conducted he said it was the best singing he had heard for some time. Middleton Band was well known years ago and used to play at the Baseball Ground when Derby County Football Club played at home, several friends used to walk round the ground at half time with a white sheet collecting money for band funds."
Won the Spondon Contest in 1926, conducted by H. Holmes.
Competed in the Junior Cup in 1962, conducted by F. Boylin. In 1964 it amalgamated with the Brassington Band and Wirksworth Band to form the BMW band, practising at Wirksworth.

Middleton Wesleyan Temperance Band (Middleton Cheyney, Northants)

Active in 1908

Middleton-by-Wirksworth Band

Active in 1937

Middleton-in-Teesdale Band

Active in 1887 and 1910

Middlewich Centenary Band

Active in 1951 when they won the 4th section North West regional championships at the Victoria Hall, Bolton.

Midhurst Amateur Band (Sussex)

Active around 1920

Midhurst Town Band (Sussex)

Active around 1905, and through to at least 1961.

Midland & South Western Junction Railway Band (Cirencester)

Midland Railway Brass Band (Derby)

Active in 1858

Midland Railway Servants' Brass Band (Nottingham)

Active in 1899

Midsomer Norton Brass Band

Active in 1881 to 1895

Midsomer Norton Old Band

See: Midsomer Norton Brass Band

Milburn's Band

Active in the 1850s

Milburn's Model Brass Band

See: Middlesbrough Model Brass Band

Mildura Methodist Church Brass Band (Sunraysia area, Australia)

Founded in 1906

Mile End Band (Essex)

See: Myland Band

Miles Platting Mission Band (Manchester)

Active during the 1930s and 1940s

Miller and Richard's Brass Band

Active in 1899 in Prestonpans

Millgate Amateur Brass Band (Facit, Rochdale)

Active in 1885. Wound up in the courts as of 14th February 1921

Millom Wesleyan Mission Band (Cumberland)

Active in 1889

Milltown Silver Band (Belfast)

Millwall Iron Works Band

Active in the 1860s, associated with the Millwall Iron Works, Ship Building & Graving Docks Company Ltd.

Milnathort Brass Band (Perthshire)

Conductor at one time was David Carmichael

Milngavie Brass Band

Active in 1863

Milnrow Public Band (Rochdale)

Active in 1930

Milnsbridge Brass Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1857

Milnsbridge Socialist Band

Active in 1933

Milnwood Brass Band (Bellshill, Scotland)

Active in the late 1890s and early 1900s. Also known as Milnwood Colliery Band. Was conducted by John McCubbrey, who was considered the doyen of Scottish bandmasters at the time of his death. He was a pupil of Professor Hardy of Glasgow Conservatory who was, in turn, a pupil of Franz Liszt. The band was Brass Band Champion of Scotland in 1902. At some point it apparently was also known as the 2nd Lanarkshire Royal Engineers Band.

Milnwood Colliery Band

See: Milnwood Brass Band

Milton & Ashley Temperance Band (Hampshire)

Milton Brass Band (Great Milton)

Active in 1884

Milton Brass Band (Milton Malsor, Northants)

See: Milton Malsor Band

Milton Malsor Band

Active in 1906 and in the 1940s? During the Second World War the BBC broadcast a series of talks by "Mr Middleton" on the Home Service encouraging people to grow their own food in support of the Government's "Dig for Victory" campaign. Middleton was the first celebrity gardener, and during the war years nearly 3,500,00 listened to his popular and practical broadcasts. Edith Sharp remembers listening to those talks well and she tells how each year a Produce Show would be held in Milton with Mr Middleton attending and talking to his audience through the different sections. Milton Brass Band provided the music on these occasions. One year the village denizens were gathered round their radios to listen-in. The band struck up, and for a time everything was fine. Then one or two wrong notes crept in. The playing got worse and worse until the piece ended in uproar. What had happened? Well the band were playing out of doors and a sudden breeze sprang up lifting the loose sheet music off the players' stands. Determined not to let anyone down, the bandsmen pluckily kept playing without their music with the inevitable result.

Milton Temperance Brass Band (Milton under Wychwood)

Active in 1893

Minchinhampton Town Band (Gloucestershire)

Formed in 1860, it played in and around the Cotswolds until it folded in the mid 1920s. A brief history of the band is available in the booklet - History Of Minchinhampton Town Band by Trevor G. Picken (1977). Minutes of the band (1882-1893) are held in the Gloucestershire Archives.

Mirboo North Brass Band (Australia)

Active in 1904

Mirfield (British Railways) Brass Band (West Yorkshire)

Formed 1946

Mirfield Baptist Band (Yorkshire)

Founded in 1899

Mirfield Old Band (Yorkshire)

Mirfield Silver Band

Active in the 1950s

Mirlees Blackstone Works Band

See: Mirlees Works Band

Mirlees Works Band (Hazelgrove, Stockport)

Formed in August 1949, disbanded in 1980. Also known as the Mirlees Blackstone Works Band.

Mitcham and Wimbledon Gas Company Band

See: Berkeley Teetotal Society Band

Mitcham Band (Australia)

Formed in 1878 and rehearsed in the Mitcham Institute. The band functioned until the Tee Tulpa Gold Diggings were found in 1887, when it disbanded and all the members took their instruments and other property with them and disposed of them in any way they wished.

Mitcham Gas Works Band

See: Berkeley Teetotal Society Band

Mitcheldean Town Band (Gloucestershire)

Formed in the 1890s and folded in 1914. An earlier band was in existence in the village around 1843

Mitchell's Main and Darfield Band (Yorkshire)

Mixenden Brass Band

Headed the procession at the laying of the foundation stone of Ogden Water reservoir near Halifax, in August 1854

Moderna Blanket Works Band (Halifax)

See: Cragg Vale and Mytholmroyd Band

Moel Tryfan Brass Band

See: Rhosgadfan Brass Band

Moeltryfan Silver Prize Band

See: Rhosgadfan Brass Band

Moira Colliery Band

Competed in a brass band contest at Overseal, Leicestershire in July 1921, under conductor Jas. Astle (drawn 7 of 11 bands, they were placed 2nd)

Mold Green Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1855

Mold Green United Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1882

Molesey Brass Band

See: Molesey Mechanics Band

Molesey Mechanics Band

Active in 1891 and also in 1892 when, resplendent in their new uniforms of blue and gold, then were playing raising funds for Molsey Hospital

Molinnis Band (Cornwall)

Only one engagement can be found for this band, playing for a Sunday school in Luxulyan in 1875. As it was for the local Sunday school it is likely that friends got together to help on the festivities, making it a one off appearance.

Molland Brass Band (Devon)

Active around 1900

Monk Bretton Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1895 to 1899

Monk Bridge Iron Works Brass Band (Leeds)

Played at the celebrations for the laying of the foundation stone for the Holbeck Mechanics Institute, in March 1858

Monkland Brass Band (Gympie, Australia)

Active in 1904

Monktonhall Colliery Silver Band (Midlothian)

Formed in 1918, it was then registered as a competing band in 1921 as "Prestonlinks Colliery Silver Band". Early bandmasters/conductors include John Hay, a well-known name in the music 'industry' locally, whose son Ian (who was taught in the band) went on to become a professional musician and Head Teacher of Music at Preston Lodge High School. The pit closed in the early 1960's. The band then became known as "Prestonpans & District Silver Band" until the sponsorship from the Monktonhall Colliery came along. Merged with Dalkeith Burgh Band in 1989

Monkwearmouth Colliery Band

Active in 1858 and 1871

Monkwearmouth Lodge Band

See: Hylton Colliery Silver Band

Monmouth Battalion Band, 3rd

See: 3rd Monmouth Battalion Band

Monotype Works Band (Redhill?)

A Monotype Band featured in a film made in 1958 of the Brockham Green Medieval Festival.

Monsanto Chemical Works Band

Active in 1951

Monsanto Silver Band (Wrexham)

Montrose Brass Band

Active in 1899

Monway Iron Works Band (Birmingham)

Active in 1873

Moon's Mill Brass Band (Higher Walton, Lancashire)

Active in 1884

Moor Row Old Brass Band (Cumberland)

Founded in 1871. Active in 1897, when they held a picnic at St.Bees on Easter Monday. "On Sunday January 30, 1902, under the leadership of Mr. Benn, the band played suitable sacred music through the streets of Moor Row. The selections which were appreciated by the villagers, included the "Dead March in Saul." This was played as a mark of respect to Private W. R. Nicholson who died of enteric fever in South Africa." In March 1903, a social gathering promoted by the committee of the band was held in the Board Schoolroom. "There was a very large attendance and the event was of a highly satisfactory character in every way. The object of this gathering was to raise funds to renew and repair the instruments."

Moorswater Brass Band (Cornwall)

Moorswater, a few miles west of Liskeard had a band that received some publicity 1880/81. In that short period they carried out several engagement, but no Cornish contests. It is probable that their conductor was a man called Bray. Active in the early 1900s

Morchard Bishop Brass Band (Devon)

Active in 1869 and the early 1900s

Morchard Bishop Subscription Brass Band

See: Morchard Bishop Brass Band

Mordialloc Brass Band

See: Mordialloc City Band

Mordialloc City Band {Australia)

Formed around 1915, and known as Mordialloc Brass Band in the early 1990s shortly before the band converted to a jazz orchestra

Moree & District Band (Australia)

Formed in 1888, disbanded - ? A successor band was formed in 1947.

Moreton Post Office Brass Band

Active in 1910

Moreton-in-the-Marsh Band

Active in 1924

Morfa Brass Band

Active in 1890

Morgan Cwmtawe Brass Band

Active in 1894 when it took second prize in the Bangor Eisteddfodd.

Moria and Donisthorpe Band

Morland Moderna Band

See: Moderna Blanket Works Band

Morley Borough Band (Yorkshire)

Morley Brass Band

Formed in 1848 from the earlier Morley Reed Band. Ceres Jackson was one of the band's greatest players. Jackson was an orphan boy brought up at the New Inn, Churwell. Those who played with him said that his tongue was like a snake and he could 'triple tongue' with ease, this is a rare accomplishment which is essential if greatness is to be achieved. Jackson was the cornet soloist when the Black Dyke Band toured America 1906/1908. During the late Edwardian period he was in constant demand as soloist in the great 'Messiah' performances. Once in the Coliseum at Leeds, where Dame Clara Butt and David Hughes were performing before an audience of 3,000, his rendering of The Trumpet Shall Sound. so electrified the company he had to take ten curtain calls. He was engaged later to conduct local bands but his impatience with those less talented than himself made him disliked. The Morley Band for over 70 years was a power in the competitive field and won many prizes. Harry Castle was the last permanent conductor, Arthur Hopwood the principal cornetist. The year before the band was taken over by the British Legion they won the West Riding Band Contest at Knottingley Town Hall, when they were conducted by Bernard Behrens of the Black Dyke Band.

Morley Juvenile Excelsior Brass Band

Formed by Mr Jim Isaacs in 1910. Mr 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. The band disbanded in 1914 after the start of WW1.

Morley Parrock Nook Anthem Prize Band (York)

Active in 1906

Morley Prize Band

Morley Textile Band

Active in 1938

Morpeth Borough Brass Band

Active in 1901 (when a silver matchstick holder was presented by the band to J.W. English)

Morpeth V.B.N.F. Band

Active in 1889

Morris Concert Band

See: Morris Motors Band

Morris Motors Band

Formed in 1924 from employees of Morris Motors it grew from its recreational beginnings to become a leading band under the guidance of Harry Mortimer. Founded as part of William Morris' welfare drive, it soon started entering national competitions, winning the Crystal Palace Grand Shield in the 1930s. A signature tune, The Morris March, was written for them by Beresford, which is featured on a programme of 1926. The band was temporarily disbanded at the beginning of the Second World War, reviving in 1943 to play to workers in the factory canteen. Between 1946 and 1955 the band went from strength to strength under the leadership of its inspirational conductor Harry Mortimer, becoming one of the country's leading brass bands. During its long career, the band made over 500 radio broadcasts and several television appearances, also performing at folk dances, in music halls and in park bandstands. Changed name to Morris Concert Band round 1972-3 and back to Morris Motors in about 1979.
Some reminiscences from Stephen Bourne, who played for Morris Motors in the 1970's and early 80's: There were strong ties to the Ercol Furniture Band throughout this time through the resident Conductor Walter Rees who was musical director for Ercol and also with Witney Sliver Band through Peter the baritone player, who conducted Witney. Whenever Witney or Ercol did a gig you could guarantee a fair numbers of Morris Players would be amongst them. I travelled to and from London in the car with Harry Mortimer (or HM as he preferred) every Monday and Wednesday for rehearsal in the band room at Morris Factory. We did many concerts as part of the famed "Men O'Brass" mass bands of Fairey, Fodens (or City of Coventry for a while) and Morris. There are still a number of recordings of this massed band around today. Morris Motors last appeared in the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in 1981 , when the Test Piece was Blitz (I still remember learning it - unpleasant - give me some Vinter or Ball any day). We regularly appeared on "Friday Night is music night!" live from the Golders Green Hippodrome on Radio 2. Robin Boyle from Radio 2 who compared the show was a friend of HM's. As a result HM managed to get him to compere the British Open, then held in Belle Vue Manchester. I was an official in those days, responsible for taking lunch to the adjudicators and organising distribution of programmes. The Open contest was stopped for an hour between bands because of an IRA bomb threat, I think in 1978 (I could be a year out) but continued afterwards. I do remember the challenge of keeping the adjudicators out of the way. The demise of the Morris band occurred in Harry's later days. The motor works had offered jobs and time to rehearse to players during the bands heydays (50's and 60's) and there was a strong Welsh Mafia in the band (or "tafia" as it became called). By the late 70's band though, moving to Oxford to work in the now stricken car industry was not a very attractive proposition. Around this time, and certainly until 1980, there were still no women in the band and, believe or not, no women were allowed on the band bus. This was true at Fairey and Fodens too. I remember the shock when City of Coventry came to their first Men of Brass with women in the band. In 1981 the first lady joined Morris' and the "old guard" were unhappy about it. Funny now to even think about such a World just 28 years ago.

Morrison and Busty Collieries Band (Annfield Plain, County Durham)

Formed in the 1920s. Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. Renamed as Consett Brass in 1974.

Morrison Busty Colliery Band

See: Morrison and Busty Collieries Band

Morrison Busty Lodge Band

See: Morrison and Busty Collieries Band

Morrison North Band (County Durham)

Active in the 1900s

Morriston Band (South Wales)

Actually founded in Bristol by an English family named Hanney. The band bodily moved into Wales in the 1860s. A rival band was formed by the local Welshmen which resulted in a private contest in 1875. The "English" band won and went on to absorb its rival.

Morton Parochial Band (Yorkshire)

Founded in 1887

Morvah Band (Cornwall)

Morvah can be found about 4 miles north of St Just at Land's End. They were certainly carrying out engagements in 1856 but under the title "Morvah and St Just Band." As there was at that time a St Just Band, what can we make of this title? Possibly the neither band had enough players to be independently able to take on engagements, thereby joining up for while? Whatever, by 1863 Morvah had enough players to call themselves "Morvah Brass Band" and enter a contest in Redruth. This was the only contest they played at, the test music being "Denmark Quadrille" and "Lament for Wellington." For this event they were conducted by R Williams, but were unplaced.

Morwell Brass Band (Australia)

Active in the 1890s

Morwenstow Band (Cornwall)

Formed c1868 and conducted for the next 37 years (!!) by John Cholwill. There were at least three other Cholwills in the band - Archie, Harold, and Claude. The band, situated in the very far north of Cornwall, carried on up to WW2 carrying out the usual run of engagements of the time. After WW2 it does seem that an attempt was made to reform the band by accepting a Carnival engagement that was raising funds to welcome ex-servicemen coming home, but nothing is heard of them after that. Who conducted them from 1905 is nor recorded, but in 1937 W H Pitman was in the chair. No Cornish contests were ever attended.

Mosborough Band (Yorkshire)

The Worksop Journal reported that on Whit Monday 1856, when three Friendly Societies formed a procession, three Bands took part. After the procession to the Parish Church and Divine Service, they dined at various hostelries. The Old Abbey Club dined at the Corn Exchange where Mr Marshall of the Greyhound Inn catered for 240 persons. The Mosbro' Band attended and played appropriate airs after each toast. The Golden Ball Friendly Society dined in their large room.... and the Sherwood Rangers Band contributed to the pleasure of the day. The Wheat Sheaf Club dined at the club room of the Wheat Sheaf Inn, and the Sutton Brass Band very much delighted the Society with their performances.

Moss Bank Prize Band (St Helens)

Active around the 1900s

Mossiface Band (Victoria, Australia)

Mossley Destruction Prize Band

Active in 1906

Mossley St John's Band

Active in 1980

Moston and Beswick Band

See: Streetfold Band

Moston and Beswick Manchester Band

Formed in 1919 as the Streetfold Band, later known as Street Fold Methodist Band, Streetfold Prize Band, Moston Band, Moston and Beswick Band (1965-2000). It folded in January 2006. Along the way it amalgamated with the Beswick Prize Band in 1965, and then with Chain Bar Methodist Band in early 1980s. See: Streetfold Band

Moston Band

See: Streetfold Band

Moston Brook Band (Manchester)

Active in 1979

Mostyn Hall Band (Flintshire)

Active in 1920s

Motherwell and Wishaw Band

Active in 1933

Motherwell Town Silver Band

Report from the Motherwell Times, Friday 14th. June 1901: "The New Masonic Halls - Laying the Memorial Stone. .......... (after the ceremony's close). Thereafter the company was again arranged in processional order, and proceeded by way of Muir Street, Milton Street, Calder Street, and Merry Street to the Town Hall, where the Lodge was closed in due form. The bands which accompanied the procession were the Coltness Silver Band, and the Motherwell Town Silver Band both of which more than maintained their reputation for first class music.
Report from Livingstone, 17th September 1904: - The next item of importance was the laying of the Memorial Stone of the Public Library in Clyde Street. On this occasion there was a joint Lodge of St. John DaIzell, No. 406, and Lodge Livingstone St. Andrew, No. 573, with Brother Alexander Findlay, M.P., M.M. Lodge Irvine St. Andrews, No. 149, acting as Right Worshipful Master. The Office-bearers were selected from the R.W.M.s., P.M.s, Wardens and Brethren of both Lodges. The Brethren met in the Lodge-room, then paraded the principal streets (headed by the Motherwell Silver Band and Coltness Silver Band)

Mottram and Broadbottom Band

Moulton Band (Cheshire)

Active in the late 1950s/early 1960s

Mount Kembla Band (Australia)

Active in 1900s

Mount Pleasant Temperance Saxhorn Band (Spennymoor)

Active in 1879

Mount Tabor Band (Long Eaton)

Active in the 1920s

Mount Tabor Mission Silver Band (Long Eaton)

See: Mount Tabor Band

Mountain Ash Band (Cynon Valley)

Active in 1905

Mousehill Brass Band (Surrey)

Active in 1897

Mousehole Band (Cornwall)

Mow Cop Band (Cheshire)

Active in 1867

Moxley Brass Band (Wednesbury)

Active in 1872

Much Hadham Brass Band

Active in 1925

Much Hoole Brass Band (Lancashire)

Active in 1891.

Much Wenlock Band (Shropshire)

Began in 1900 and survived until the Second World War.

Mugginton Brass Band (Derbyshire)

Active in 1887

Muirkirk Parish Brass Band

Active in 1892

Muirkirk Parish Silver Band

In 1923, in a band contest at Douglas, they won both the March and the Selection pieces. John Johnstone, who died in 1951, was teacher and conductor of the Band for the long period of 26 years, and many bandsmen had their first "blaw"under his firm but helpful guidance. The Band folded before the 1950s.

Mulbarton & Swardeston Brass Band (Norfolk)

Active in 1914

Mullion Band (Cornwall)

c.1870 to c.1911, there is no recorded conductors or Cornish contests attended. The band could be found down in the Lizard Peninsular. A photo of 1897 shows a smart, well-balanced band of ten players, consisting of 4 cornets, tenor horn, baritone, valve trombone, euphonium, Eb bass and a bass drum.

Multitubular Brass Band

See Newbie Engineering Works Multitubular Brass Band

Mumbles Silver Band

Disbanded around the time of the First World War. Reminiscences of Margie Bowden: "Now my two youngest brothers were in the Mumbles Silver Band. They used to call it Bob Todd's Band as he was the leader. What we liked to do was to walk with the band, when they marched the solders to Church. We used to look forward to Sunday. But the Mumbles Band did not last much longer, as one of the boys was called up then another and so there were not many left in the band and it finished up with solders joining in to make enough to get them to church. We just used to have some wonderful tunes in those days but, in 1914, it was spoiled for us. My two brothers, Alfred and Ernest, were called up and joined the navy and never came back."

Munn & Felton Works Band

Formed in 1933 - the original name of the current Travelsphere Holidays Band

Muswellbrook Brass Band (Australia)

Active in 1892. Folded prior to the 1960s

Muthill Brass Band (Perthshire)

Active in 1878

Myland Band (Essex)

Active in 1905 when the bandmaster was H. Wheeler, and also in 1911

Mynyddygarreg Silver Prize Band (Carmarthenshire)

Formed 1909. Competed in the 1964 West of England Regional Championships (3rd Section), conducted by D.T. Gravelle

Myrtle Silver Band (Liverpool)

Active in 1933

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N

Naburn Band (Yorkshire)

Played at the Bishopthorpe celebrations of the Coronation of Edward VII in 1902

Nafferton Saxhorn Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1857

Nafferton Station Mills Band (Yorkshire)

1903 reports in the Driffield press: Saturday June 20 1903, "Members of Sir Tatton Sykes' Lodge of the Hull District of Druids celebrated their seventh anniversary at Wetwang. The Nafferton Station Mills Band played the members to church, where the Rev Ingham preached a sermon. The membership of the Hull district was 9,806." August 8 1903, "Wansford played host to an athletic and aquatic sports event. Only competitors from Wansford and Cattleholmes were entitled to take part in the athletic events, but the aquatic events were open. The aquatic events were the highlight of the day, with Mr J Cawthorn winning the greasy pole event and taking home a leg of mutton. A swimming match from the bridge to the Trout Inn was entered by seven competitors. After the sports, the villagers enjoyed a fireworks display and music from the Nafferton Station Mills Band."

Nafferton United Prize Silver Band

Active around 1910

Nailsea Glass Works Band (Somerset)

Active in 1866, 1869

Nancledra Band (Cornwall)

The players of Nancledra, just south of St Ives, had players from Towednack join them to play for a Home Guard church parade in 1941. This group was put together and led by F Pope. This would appear to be a one-off.

Nant Purls Brass Band (Caernarvonshire)

Nantwich Band (Cheshire)

Competed in the very first British Open in 1853, conducted by T. Hassal.

Nantwich Old Brass Band

Nantwich Town Band (Cheshire)

c.1878 -1936. A non-contesting band that performed at local events, primarily parades, garden parties and charity events. It was wound up in 1936 and little exists of the band but memories.

Nantymoel Town Band (Bridgend)

Active in 1964

Naphill Brass Band (Buckinghamshire)

A founder member and conductor of the band was Albert George Parslow, who was also Bandmaster of the Wycombe Excelsior Band (later known as High Wycombe Town Silver Band). Band was active in 1910 and 1925

Nassington Brass Band (Lincolnshire)

Natimuk Brass Band (Australia)

Active in 1916. A report of the AGM: "The annual meeting of the Natimuk Brass Band was held on Friday evening 24th March. The president, Mr F.N.S. Bennett occupied the chair. There was a fair attendance of bandsmen, but the townspeople were poorly represented, a fact upon which the president adversely commented. He said most townships were proud to have a band, but Natimuk residents didn't seem to care whether they had on or not, although the various patriotic, recruiting, charitable and other organisation always expected the band to assist when required. They would have to admit that it would be missed if it disbanded. The balance sheet, duly audited by Mr L A Rosel, showed that the past year had not been very profitable, but they still showed a credit balance of £4/0/1. The election of officers resulted as follows :-- President Mr F.N.S. Bennett; vice presidents Messrs E. Knight and A. J. Gladigau; committee: Messrs John Cross, A. Twidle, and H. B. Waller, (representing townspeople) and R Grohs, J. Ratcliffe and W. Schmidt (representing bandsmen). Secretary and treasurer, Mr Percy Lyons; conductor, Mr James Henry; auditor Mr L. A. Rosel; collector of bandsmens contributions Mr Roy Bousefield. Feeling references was made by the president to the death during the past year of their former secretary and treasurer, signaller Lance Cross, who, as they all knew, succumbed to wounds received at the Dardanelles. He died a noble death, but he will be sadly missed."

National Fire Service Band (Easington)

See: Easington Public Band

National Fire Service Silver Band (37 Area)

See: North Kent Silver Band

National Fire Service Western (No.1) Area Band

The Band Association constitution, minutes and correspondence, 1943-1944, are held in the Glasgow City Archives

National Reserve Band (Barnsley)

Based at the National Reserve Club, Harbourgh Hill Road, Barnsley - now closed.

Naunton Brass Band (Gloucestershire)

Active in the early 1900s, possibly through to WW2.

Nayland British Legion Band (Suffolk)

Formed in the mid 1930s by some breakaway members from the Boxted Methodist Band following a contesting disagreement. Took part in the Colchester Carnival in 1936/37/38, conducted by H Taylor

Nazebottom Temperance Prize Band

NCB No. 5 Area St John Ambulance Brigade Band

Active in the early 1950s

Needham Market Band (Suffolk)

Active in 1957 and the 1960s. A march written for the Needham Market Band by their bandmaster Mr Daley was called Black Rod. When the band folded the music was given to Gislingham band. They used to practice in the Tin Mission. The band lost its bass drummer on a march through the town on one occasion. When the band wheeled right, 'Dumdiddy', a lad of short stature who was unable to see over the top of the drum. who steered himself and his instrument by looking to the left side of the drum, continued straight on for several yards. A breathless bandmaster finally managed to catch up with Dumdiddy loudly banging his solitary trail along the street oblivious to the diminishing sound of the brass instruments.

Neepsend Gas Works Brass Band (Sheffield)

Formed in 1893, when the members bought their own instruments at a cost of £100 and uniforms at a further cost of £6. Conducted by W.E. Dennis, secretary was John Parker. Still active in 1900

Nefyn Brass Band (Caernarfonshire)

Active in 1885

Nelson Band

Nelson Band or later Nelson Prize Band was formed in 1862 and practiced in a room at he back of the old Nelson Inn, now the Lord Nelson Hotel. By 1873 the band was boasting that in the previous four years it had won 476 pounds 19 shillings in prize money and that its services were required at every public function. Unfortunately, the band and Town Council did not always see eye to eye. In 1894 Nelson band was engaged to play classical music in Victoria Park. On seeing a youthful audience they suddenly began playing popular tunes of the day, an alderman objected and the concert was abandoned. Later in the 1890's the band disbanded only to re-form in 1898 as Nelson Old Band.

Nelson Old Band

Formed in 1898 from the remnants of Nelson Band. It's practices were first held near the Prince of Wales Inn and later in a room on Ann Street. In 1920 the band acquired Clifford House and became a social club as well as a brass band. During this period the band had many contest successes regularly competing at the famous September contest at Belle Vue in Manchester. The Old Band, however became more of a social club than a musical association and the band split from the club forming two new bands. Nelson Temperance Band was short-lived. The second band, Nelson Silver Prize Band, lasted until 1956.

Nelson Prize Band

See: Nelson Band

Nelson Silver Prize Band

Resulted from a split of the Nelson Old Band into Nelson Silver Prize Band and the short-lived Nelson Temperance Band. It opened a social club on Albert Street which once again led to the bands demise (as with the Nelson Old Band). In late 1956 financial problems forced the closure of the club and the folding of the Nelson Silver Prize Band, leaving Nelson once again without a band. A new band, still active, was formed later in 1957 as the Nelson Civic Band.

Nelson Temperance Band

Short-lived, this band resulted from a split of the Nelson Old Band into Nelson Silver Prize Band and the Nelson Temperance Band.

Nenthead Brass Band

Active in 1905

Nether Hallam Brass Band (Sheffield)

Active in 1900

Nether Wallop Band (Hampshire)

Active in the early 1900s

Netherfield Railway Band

Active in the late 1800s

Netherthong Brass Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1867 to 1887. A court case in 1885 notes that the band was formed on October 30th 1871 and £35 was borrowed to buy instruments and clothing. However it appears the band was active slightly earlier as it played at the Holmfirth Pig, Poultry, Horticultural and Floral Show in August that year, conducted by Mr. G.H. Wood

Netherton Colliery Band (Bedlington)

Active between 1904 and 1939

Netherton Colliery Silver Model Band

See: Netherton Colliery Band

Nettlefolds Band (Smethwick, Birmingham)

Active around 1900. Nettlefolds were a large company making screws, later were part of Guest, Keen & Nettlefolds Ltd.

Neville Brass

Amalgamated with Davis Derby Brass Band to form Derwent Brass in 1992.

New Basford Excelsior Band

Active in 1876.

New Becontree Silver Band

New Brancepeth Colliery Band

See: Sleetburn Colliery Band

New British Iron Works Brass Band (Ruabon)

Active in 1868

New Brompton and Gillingham Boys' Band

Active in 1906

New Cambrian Slate Quarry Brass Band (Wales)

Active in 1877, played at Vron, near Chirk

New Cross Railway Mission Band (Hastings)

Active in 1908

New Cumnock Band

Formed 1860, still active in 1964, conducted by J Connell.

New Cumnock Silver Band

See: New Cumnock Band

New Ealing Band

Active in 1938

New Fancy Colliery Band (Gloucestershire)

Formed 1890s

New Field Band (County Durham)

Active in 1884

New Haden Colliery Silver Prize Band

Active in the 1920s ? in concert, 2 December 1925, at Cheadle Town Hall

New Hall Lane Brass Band (Preston)

Active in 1867

New Haven Silver Prize Band

Active around 1900

New Herrington Colliery Band (near Sunderland)

Formed in the 1900s. Became a military style band after the First World War.

New Holland Brass Band (Lincolnshire)

Active in 1862

New Humberstone Band (Leicestershire)

Active in 1964, conducted by C. Hutt

New Malton Town Band

Formed in 1887 by John Gibson, following a revolt in the local Volunteers band, when the army imposed "unacceptable restrictions" on the volunteers. Folded in the early 1900s.

New Mill Band (Cornwall)

There are engagements for this band between 1856 and 1860, but no mention of a conductor. The village of New Mill will be found north of Penzance and they never travelled very far for their engagements, and not at all for contests.

New Mills Band

Active in 1873

New Mills Old Band

Active in the 1930s/40s

New Milton and Ashley Temperance Band (Hampshire)

New Monckton Colliery Band

See: Royston New Monckton Colliery Institute Band

New Redheugh Colliery Band

See: Redheugh Colliery Band

New Shildon Temperance Silver Band

Active in the early 1900s

New Swindon Brass Band

Active in 1880, conductor George Heap

New Tredegar and Tirphil Silver Band

New Whittington Primitive Methodist Brass Band (Chesterfield)

Active in 1896

New York and District Band (Northumberland)

Formed in the 1900s but folded during WW1

New York Mill Band (Summerbridge)

Formed in the 1860s and folded shortly after WW1. Its last recorded engagement was in July 1919.

Newark Borough Band

From the Newark Advertiser, May 21 1902 - "For the 29th time in its history, the Newark Football Club has promoted an athletic sports meeting on Whit Monday at Newark, and to the long series of successes another must be added. The ground was gay with streamers, and the Newark Borough Band, under Mr Carle, enlivened the assemblage with some excellent and inspiring music."

Newbie Engineering Works Multitubular Brass Band (Annan)

Formed in 1901, later known as Annan Town Band and disbanded in 1954. A successor Annan Town Band was formed in 1961

Newbottle Colliery Band (Philadelphia, Sunderland)

Active in the 1890s

Newbridge Brass Band (Cornwall)

Newspaper reports of this band are confined to 1888/89, but a photograph of the band shows twelve players wearing early 20th century civilian clothing. Who conducted them we do not know. No contests were attended, and their home of Newbridge can be found half-way between Penzance and St Just.

Newbridge Institute Band (Monmouthshire)

Active in 1948

Newbrough Band (Northumberland)

Active in 1864, when they played at the Hexham Flower Show in September

Newburgh Brass Band (Fife)

Active in 1909

Newbury Colliery Band (Somerset)

Active in 1894

Newbury Town Band

Active in 1938

Newcastle and Gateshead Railway Band

Formed in 1925, still active in 1947 when L.N.E.R. took over.

Newcastle City Police Band

Formed in 1930 and still active in 1948

Newcastle Corporation Transport Band

Formed 1907 as the Newcastle Tramways Band. Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. Still active in 1947

Newcastle East End Band

Formed in the early 1900s

Newcastle Industrial (Engineers) Band

Formed in the 1900s

Newcastle Industrial Juvenile Band

Active in 1882.

Newcastle Locomotive Works Band

Active in 1865 when they were invited by Mr George Robert Stephenson to spend the 1864 Christmas holidays with him on the Isle of Wight, when they played various concerts alone and also in conjunction with other bands on the island.

Newcastle Operatic Saxhorn Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1872, when it won first prize at a contest in Edinburgh.

Newcastle People's Band

Active in 1914

Newcastle Royal Brass Band

Active in 1890

Newcastle Tramways Band

See: Newcastle Corporation Transport Band

Newchurch Band

Active in the 1870s

Newcraighall Colliery Band

Newent Town Band (Gloucestershire)

Active in 1910

Newhall Celebration Band (Staffordshire)

Active in the 1890s

Newhall Excelsior Band (Staffordshire)

Active in the 1890s

Newhall St John's Band

Active in 1899, 1905

Newhall St John's Church Brass Band

See: Newhall St John's Band

Newham Band

See: Grangewood Silver Band

Newham (East Ham) Band

See: Grangewood Silver Band

Newhaven Silver Band

Newlyn Band (Cornwall)

There was a Newlyn Band that carried out an engagement in 1867 - end of that story! Then in 1900 a Newlyn Independant Band was formed and carried out a gig for the Drift Band of Hope. This band was formed and led by S Mear who, on an engagement, elicited this comment "The treble tonguing of the 'Gem Polka' by Mr Mear was rendered in a very efficient manner." The report went on to advertise that the band was ready to accept paying engagements - but no more is heard of them. Newlyn did, however, have a Salvation Army band for many years.

Newlyn East Band (Cornwall)

Active in 1919, when it gained a second prize at the West of England Band Festival at Bugle.

Newlyn Independant Band

See: Newlyn Band

Newmains Band

Formed in 1845 and, up to 1886 when it amalgamated with Cambusnethan Band, it had attended 9 contests netting 6 prizes worth £30.

Newmarket Brass Band (County Cork)

Active in 1905

Newmarket Town Band

Active in August 1902 when it entertained the King of Barotseland during his visit to Dalham. A successor town band was formed in 1947.

Newmilns Burgh Band

Formed in 1833 by a group of handloom weavers, and until 1990, when it amalgamated with Galston Burgh Band and Loudoun Band, it was the oldest band in Scotland still using the same name

Newnham Brass Band

Formed in 1884, disbanded around 1905

Newnham Town Band

Formed in 1909

Newport Brass Band (Shropshire)

Possibly formed in 1875 - in the Newport Advertiser of Saturday 25 September 1875, there was an article indicating that a "New Brass Band" would be formed in the town. If it did exist, the it must have folded prior to 1911. In June 1911 a Mr Harry Davies set up a Newport Band, which gave it's first public appearance in the Square on Saturday 10th June 1911. A collection was made at the event which raised a total of £1 5s. The band probably folded at the outbreak of the Second World War, A successor band was formed in 1954 in conjunction with the British Legion and is still in existence today (Newport Town Band)

Newport Civil Defence Band (Shropshire)

Active in 1956

Newport Pagnell Town Band

Active in 1959. Thought to have finished c. 1976. The band used to rehearse at the Bull Public House and were conducted for many years by Jack Williams.

Newport Popular Band

See: Lysaght's Ord Works Brass Band

Newport Rolling Mills Band (Middlesborough)

Active in 1894

Newsham Saxhorn Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1882

Newton Aycliffe Town Band

Formed in 1950, later renamed Aycliffe Brass Band in 1984. Merged with Brancepeth Welfare Band to form the new Aycliffe & Brancepeth Band

Newton Engineering Works Band (Somerset?)

Active in 1893

Newton Green Methodist Band (Suffolk)

Active around 1934. Ted, front left in the picture, now aged 87 in 2011, recalled how the band went out carolling with the old fashioned carbide lamps which required moistening to activate the carbide powder. The band's uniforms were cast offs from Sudbury Band. Ted's small uniform was cut down and sewn together again by his mother with only a needle and thread as they were too poor to own a sewing machine. Ted's uncle John (behind him in the photo, playing bass) was the band's conductor. What's more John made up a foot pedal so that he could play, conduct and bang a bass drum as well. Now there's a multi-talented musician. Sadly the little boy in the photo with just the cap, and no uniform, was a very promising young cornet player who was killed in France during WW2.

Newton Heath Band

See: British Aerospace (Chadderton) Band

Newton Heath Brass Band

See: Newton Heath Primitive Methodist Brass Band

Newton Heath Primitive Methodist Brass Band

Formed in 1882, later known as Newton Heath Brass Band (before 1891).

Newton Heath Steam Shed Brass Band (Manchester)

Active in 1892

Newton Moor Public Band (Newton, Manchester)

Newtongrange and Bilston Colliery Band

Active in the 1900s

Nine Mill Point Colliery Band (Wales)

Node Hill School Brass Band (Newport, Isle of Wight)

The first ever IOW school brass band was formed at Node Hill in 2004. Catering for the pupils aged between 9 and 13 the band draws its membership from absolute beginners and was the brain child of head teacher and former SWT Woodfalls cornet player, Mr David Morris. It proved to be a run away success and a training band was also formed, giving Node Hill over 60+ musicians benefiting from the experience of making music. Both bands were under the direction of Mrs Mary Teague, a music teacher and co-ordinator. Many of the children undertook exams and also play in other ensembles and groups. Highlights included a masterclass with Gary Cutt, CD recording, and competition and festival entries. The school closed in 2011 as part of the IoW school reorganisations.

Norfolk Broads Brass

See: Fleggburgh Brass

Norland Band (Yorkshire)

Norland Brass Band

Formed in 1877, disbanded in 1937. In July 1891, they played in a contest at Belle Vue Manchester. Records of the band (1905-1928) held in Halifax Public Library

Norland Castle Band

Norland Prize Band

See Norland Brass Band

Norman Memorial Youth Silver Band (Blackpool)

Competed in the Junior Shield in 1962, conducted by D. Smith.

Normanby Park Steelworks Brass Band (Scunthorpe)

Took part in the Scunthorpe coronation celebrations of 1937.

Normanton Model Brass Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1874

Norristhorpe Ambulance Band

Active in 1910

North Ashton Prize Band (Ashton in Makerfield)

Active in the 1950s to 1970s. In 1951 they competed in the 4th section North West regional championships at the Victoria Hall, Bolton.

North Ayrshire Band

Formed in 1975 as North Ayrshire Schools Band, later North Ayrshire Youth Band, finally North Ayrshire Band, it disbanded in 2005, passing on their instruments to Hillfoots Music for Youth and Kings Park Brass. The band led an active and fairly successful life, touring Germany and Switzerland 6 times as well as making a number of radio and television appearances. In the 1980s they won the Scottish Youth Championship 3 times, coming 4th at the Royal Albert Hall in 1981. They won the Scottish 4th Section contest at their first attempt in 1994 and were second in 2000. Members of the band won the Strathclyde schools quartet championship on no fewer than 10 occasions and the Scottish schools quartets 5 times.

North British Locomotive Company Band (Glasgow)

Active around 1910

North Evington Working Men's Club and Institute Band

Active in 1928, conducted by Mr S. Brown. Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s, still active in 1939.

North Hill Brass Band (Cornwall)

This band operated from about 1874 to 1889. Their bandmaster was John Gumb. In 1878 the band did not turn up for a 'Forester's' procession. The promoters were somewhat miffed and stated in the local newspaper that if the band tendered for the same event on the following year, their envelope would be returned - unopened. However, the North Hill Band carried on with other engagements.

North Kent Silver Band

Formed in April 1940 as Bexley A.F.S. Brass Band and, in 1942, became the official National Fire Service Band for London, being known as the National Fire Service Silver Band (37 Area). Adopted the name of North Kent Silver Band in 1945.

North Lancashire (Chorley) Band

See: North Lancs (Chorley) Band

North Lancs (Chorley) Band

North Leeds Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1893 to 1896

North London Excelsior Silver Prize Band

Active in 1908 and 1928.

North London Railway Brass Band

Active in 1891.

North Manchester Silver Band

Active in 1951 when they competed in the 4th section North West regional championships at the Victoria Hall, Bolton.

North Marston Band (Bucks)

Active in the early 1900s

North Middlesex Silver Band

Formed around 1911 at Enfield's famous Royal Small Arms Factory. The band wore a colourful military-style uniform, and before the Second World War enjoyed success in marching competitions and band contests, including fourth place at the National Championships. Merged with the Enfield Town Silver Prize Band in 1949 to form the Enfield Brass Band.

North Mundham Brass Band (Sussex)

North Mymms Brass Band (Hertfordshire)

Active around 1900 when it played at a "Patriotic Entertainment" to celebrate the relief of Mafeking. Also at a Coronation Fete in 1902 - "music was to come from the North Mymms Brass Band which, though at first requiring payment, agreed to play without charge."

North Ormesby Band (North Yorkshire)

Formed in 1898, still active in 1911

North Parade Band (Halifax)

North Quay Working Men's Mission Band (Plymouth)

Active in 1905

North Seaton Brass Band (Northumberland)

Active in 1869

North Seaton Colliery Band (1)

Played for the launching of the new Newbiggin lifeboat in January 1866, and the Woodhorn and Newbiggin Poultry and Pigeon Show in July that year. Presumably folded prior to 1905.

North Seaton Colliery Band (2)

See: Seaton Hirst Excelsior Band

North Seaton Excelsior Band

Active in 1882.

North Seaton Workmen's Prize Band

See: Seaton Hirst Excelsior Band

North Shields and District Band

Active around 1900

North Shields Excelsior Band

Active in 1877. Came second in a contest in North Shields, £5, conducted by Mr Chapman

North Shields N.E.R. Band

Active in the early 1900s

North Skelton (British Steel) Band

See: North Skelton and District Band

North Skelton and District Band

Formed in 1969, in 1984 they were renamed North Skelton (British Steel) Band, then subsequently British Steel Company North Skelton Band, Teesside Brass and finally British Steel Teesside Band, folding in the late 1990s. North Skelton Junior band, latterly Lanbaurgh Brass, assumed the name North Skelton Band in 2008.

North Skelton Band

See: Teesside Temperance Band

North Skelton Silver Band

See: Teesside Temperance Band

North Staffordshire Concert Band

See Royal Doulton Band

North Tawton Band (Devon)

Active between 1870 and 1889

North Yorkshire Iron Works Band (Stockton?)

Active in 1872, 1874

Northallerton Band

Formed in the 1900s, still active in 1936. Probably folded during or after WW2

Northallerton Borough Band

Active in 1875

Northallerton Temperance Band

Active in 1887

Northallerton Town Band

Active in 1913

Northallerton Town Prize Silver Band

Active in 1930 and 1937

Northallerton Volunteer Band

Active in 1910

Northampton Imperial 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 the racecourse and at Cow Meadow.

Northampton Temperance Silver 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 Cow Meadow and Calvesholme

Northampton Town Band

Used to rehearse at the Fanciers club in Northampton and were conducted for a time by Jock Ward.

Northants N.U.R. Silver Prize Band

Northcott's City Band (Australia)

See: City of Bendigo Brass Band

Northenden Brass Band

See: Beswick and Company's Northenden Brass Band

Northfield Prize Band (Birmingham)

Active in 1898 and 1912

Northfield Silver Band (Birmingham)

Active in 1938

Northleach Town Band (Gloucestershire)

Formed c. 1890

Northowram Subscription Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1873

Northtawton Brass Band (Devon)

See: North Tawton Band

North-Western Railway Brass Band

Active in 1863

Norton Brass Band (North Yorkshire)

Active in 1881 when it was conducted by the founder of Malton United Band, William Turner. The band folded in 1888

Norton Fitzwarren Band (Somerset)

Active in 1922 when it performed in Wellington, Somerset - bandmaster: F.J. Cheek

Norton-in-Hales Silver Band (Shropshire)

Active in the 1920s

Norton-on-Tees Coronation Band

Active in 1911

Norwich Lads' Club Band

Active in 1938 and 1957

Norwich Lads' Club Senior Band

See: Norwich Lads' Club Band

Norwood Children's Home Brass Band

Active in the 1920s. The home was located at Elder Road, West Norwood.

Norwood Excelsior Brass Band

Active in 1891, when it played at Brockwell Park, London.

Norwood Mission Band

Active in 1910

Nottingham Borough Band

Active in 1887

Nottingham Comrades Band

Competed in a brass band contest at Overseal, Leicestershire in July 1921, under conductor William Blackburn (drawn 8 of 11 bands, they were not placed)

Nottingham Co-operative Band

Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s

Nottingham Crusaders Band

Active around 1910, when the conductor was J.E. Wood.

Nottingham Rifle Volunteers Band, 4th

See: 4th Nottingham Rifle Volunteers Band

Nottingham Sax Tuba Band

Active in 1876, 1886, 1894

Nottingham Temperance Juvenile Sax Tuba Band

Active in 1861

Nuneaton Borough Band

Active in the early 1900s. Amalgamated with Burbage Silver Band in 1989. As the band rehearsed in Hinckley it kept the name Burbage Silver Band.

Nuneaton Brass Band

See: Nuneaton Borough Band

Nuneaton Excelsior Band

[Newspaper report on the new Nuneaton Manor Hospital] - "Despite all the planning, the silver key had not arrived by the opening ceremony on the 20th September 1893 and Mr. James Tomkinson had to open the front door without it. After several long speeches those present were invited to have tea and look around the building. To do so they had to pass two nurses in uniform, one with a tray for donations and the other with a book in which to enter annual subscribers. When the hospital opened there was still a shortage of funds and consequently only four of the eight beds on each ward could be used. The minute book of the Management Committee details the costs of the opening ceremony, including œ4 12 shillings for the Excelsior Band - a high cost when one considers that a trained nurses annual salary was œ25."

Nutgrove Band (St Helens, Lancashire)

Active in 1927 when it gave a concert in Chester.

Nuthurst Band

Played in Horsham before the 1847 election

Nutley Band (Sussex)

Records of the band, from 1914-1931 are held by East Sussex Record Office

Nutshalling Brass Band (Nursling, Hampshire)

Active in 1890 to 1897

Nyewood Brass Band (Sussex)

Active in 1911

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Oak Alyn Brass Band (Wrexham)

Active in 1895

Oak Alyn C.E.T. Band

See: Oak Alyn Brass Band

Oakamoor Brass Band (Staffordshire)

Oakdale Band (Wales)

Active in 1951

Oakdale Colliery Workmens Silver Band

Active in 1952

Oakengates Town Band

Broke up around 1968

Oakenshaw Band (Brancepeth)

Formed in 1899, and still active in 1931

Oakleigh and District Brass Band (Australia)

The Band was formed in 1910, rehearsing first in a coffee shop on Dandenong Road. In the 1920's the Football Club Pavilion was the venue for band practice. It folded during World War 2

Oakley Brass Band

Took part in the Second South Yorkshire Brass Band Contest, at Nether Hall Park, Doncaster, on 25th June 1860

Oakley Quarry Brass Band

Active in 1952

Oats Royd Mills Brass Band, Midgley

Originally the Luddenden Old Band, it assumed the name of Oats Royd Mills in 1864 when becoming connected with the firm of Messrs. John Murgatroyd and Sons who owned the Mills. They had a band room at the Travellers' Rest, Luddenden. In 1871, the band played at the ceremony when the first sod was cut at Widdop Reservoir. Records of the band, from 1864-1891 are held by West Yorkshire Archive Service, Calderdale

Odd Rode Brass Band

Active in 1952

Odham's Press Band (London)

Formed in 1937 and originally conducted by George Thompson, latterly of Callenders Cable Works Band. Renamed The People Band (Odhams Press) around 1957, it folded in 1961. See Whatever happened to Odhams Press Band?, by Chris Helme - British Bandsman, 5441, 27 January 2007, pp.8-9

Ogden's Tobacco Works Band (Liverpool)

Active in 1893

Ogmore Valley Temperance Band

Active in 1942

Okehampton Borough Band

Old 22nd Association Home Guard Band (Tunbridge Wells)

Old Alverstoke Brass Band

Active in 1872

Old Bathgate Town Band

Active in 1873

Old Boys Band, 41st

See: 41st Old Boys Band

Old Caversham Band (Berkshire)

Old Comrades Band (Brentwood)

See: Brentwood Old Comrades Band

Old Fletton Victoria Prize Band

The band, almost to a man, joined the 1st Huntingdonshire Battalion en block, in 1914, and formed the Huntingdonshire Cyclist Battalion Band. They were under the direction of the Fletton Bandmaster Sgt. Joe Hackney.

Old Heath Band (Essex)

Active in 1905, when the bandmaster was C. Chamberlain. The band did not survive WW1.

Old Hucknall Brass Band

Active in the 1840s

Old Keresley & Coundon Silver Band (Coventry)

Old Moss Band (Holmfirth)

Folded a few years prior to 1908, when some of their instruments (and players) formed the basis of the Hade Edge Band

Old Park Iron Works Band (West Bromwich)

Active in 1866

Old West Durham Band

Formed in 1895 by workers in the Erwin Cotton Mills

Oldbury Brass Band (Birmingham)

Active in 1910

Oldbury Carriage Works Band

1863

Oldham Brass '97

Formed in 1997 by the amalgamation of Cobden Chadwick Band and Lees & Glodwick Band and disbanded in 2004. Remaining members helped to form the new Oldham Band (Lees)

Oldham Brass Band

Active in 1939

Oldham Postal Band

Active in the 1930s

Oldham Prize Band

Oldham Rifles Band

Instituted in 1865 as a local band and was appointed to Oldham Rifles in 1871

Oldham Road Brotherhood Band

Active in 1938

Oldham Wing Band

Active in 1945

Oldpark Silver Band (Belfast)

Originally a flute band formed in the 1920's, it changed to brass in 1952 after a heated meeting in the band room in Avoca Street (off Clifton park avenue). The changeover went ahead as it was believed the players would gain a better knowledge of music playing brass instruments. The band amalgamated with Ashgrove Brass Band in 2000.

Ollerton Brass Band

Active in 1869

Ollerton Colliery Band (Nottinghamshire)

Active in the 1950s. Also known as Ollerton Colliery Silver Prize Band

Olney Brass Band

Omoa Brass Band (Lanarkshire)

Active in 1863

Onward Hall Band (Ardwick, Manchester)

Active in 1913

Onward Temperance Band (Manchester)

Active in 1892

Openshaw Lads' Club Brass Band (Manchester)

Founded 1892. Joseph Frith, who worked as a carpenter for Droylsden Council, joined the voluntary staff at the Lads' Club in 1892 when he was asked to start a brass band there. He remained as it's bandmaster until 1922. He gave up 2 evenings a week and a Sunday afternoon for band practice. Highly successful, the band won many prizes in festivals and competitions. A Mr Tucker, born in 1902, lived in Openshaw. He started his musical career by learning to play the cornet at Openshaw Lad's Club where he was allowed to hire a cornet for 5d a year.

Openshaw Original Band

Active in 1933

Openshaw Temperance Band

Active in the 1890s

Ore Village Band (Hastings)

Active in 1913. Ore was a village taken into the Borough of Hastings as the town expanded but tried to retain its identity and even today is refered to as the village by the locals.

Orillia Silver Band (Ontario, Canada)

Active as early as 1950, but folded in the late 1970s. A successor band, started by a few old members, was founded in 2003.

Ormonde Colliery Band (Derbyshire)

Ormskirk Town Band (Lancashire)

It would appear that this was a non-contesting band. It folded sometime in the mid 1990s. The band was re-formed after WW2, probably as late as about 1970. Mrs Violet Blackburn of 11 Bird-ith-hand Cottages located band's old instruments, as she remembered them being placed in the tank of Ormskirks Victoria Water Tower for safe keeping during the war!

Orpington and Crays British Legion Silver Band

Orpington Silver Band

Founded in 1925, it converted to concert band format some time later, and is still active as a wind band. Competed in the SCABA contest in Chichester in April 1927. Became the Orpington Silver Band (Home Guard Band) during WW2

Orrell Silver Band

Folded around 1991. A few of its remaining members formed Old Hall Brass in that year,

Orwell Works Brass Band (Ipswich)

Active in 1879. Attached to Ransomes agricultural engineering works.

Orwell Band

Amalgamated with Connells Sounding Brass (Ipswich) in 1983.

Osmotherley Band

Active in the early 1900s

Ossett and Gawthorpe Band (Yorkshire)

Ossett Borough Band

Active in 1893 and the 1950s. Competed in the Junior Trophy in 1962.

Ossett Borough Prize Band

See: Ossett Borough Band

Ossett Prize Brass Band

Ossett Temperance Band

Active in 1858

Ossett Victoria Band (Yorkshire)

Oswald Place Mission Band (Ardwick)

Oswaldtwistle Subscription Prize Brass Band

Active in 1885 and 1886

Oswaldwistle Temperance Band

Active in 1886

Oswaldwistle Band

Active in 1883

Oswestry Borough Band

Active in 1901 and 1948/9.

Oswestry Borough Silver Prize Band

See: Oswestry Borough Band

Oswestry Excelsior Band

Formed in 1935/6, winning first prize at the Penybont contest in 1936, following third prizes at the Oakengates and Wellington contests earlier in the year. Still active in 1948

Oswestry Mechanics Band

Active in 1874.

Otley Engineer Volunteer Band

Active in 1890

Ouston "E" Pit Band (Co. Durham)

Ouston Colliery Band (near Newcastle)

Active in 1938. May have had some connection with Birtley St Joseph. There was also a Birtley and Ouston Band

Outlane Brass Band

Active in 1868. In 1903 they cost 30/- for a concert for the Outlane Cricket Club who, in 1914, refused permission for the Lindley Band to use the field for a "Sacred Concert".

Outwood Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1890

Ovenden Brass Band

Active in 1856 and 1894

Ovenden Prize Band

Ovenden Subscription Brass Band

Active in 1882

Over Darwen Rifles Band

Active in 1872

Overton 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 Foresters Lodge.

Overton Chapel Band

See: Overton Mission Band

Overton Mission Band (West Overton, Wiltshire)

Amalgated with the Lockeridge Prize Band in 1934 to form Kennet Vale Silver Band

Ovington Band

Founded in 1862. Merged with Tyneldale Band in 1980 to form Ovington Tynedale Band

Ovington Saxhorn Band

See: Ovington Band

Ovington Tynedale Band

Founded 1980, Folded 2003. Ovington Tynedale Band was the result of a merger in the 1980's between Ovington Band and Tynedale Band. Seeing as both bands served a small rural area, a merger seemed sensible as both bands were struggling. Initially rehearsing at Ovington Bandroom, the band remained a 4th Section Band for several years. The sale of the Ovington Bandroom, at that time in disrepair, secured the band's financial future and prompted a move to Newburn Rowing Club. Here the band enjoyed moderate success, qualifying for the 4th Section National Finals on 2 occasions and securing promotion to the 3rd Section. Following the band's most successfrul result at the area, the long-standing MD Stuart Gray resigned. At this time several key-players also left. Combined with a long-standing lack of Cornet players, this sent the band into decline which even a move of bandroom couldn't address. After several years of struggling to find players, the band folded in early summer 2003. Several Ovington Tynedale ex-players have gone on to play and conduct at the highest level, mainly in the North East. (Source: Colin Harding)

Owston Ferry Salvation Army Band

Active around 1900

Oxbow Ladies' Silver Band (Saskatchewan, Canada)

Active around 1900

Oxford City Police Brass Band

Active in 1886

Oxford Concert Brass

Active until 1992 when it merged with Kidlington Silver Band to form Kidlington Concert Brass. Also known as Halls Oxford Concert Brass. An anecdote from John Nolan, of a concert in the 1970s: "Oxford Concert Brass was attempting (successfully in the end) to gain the respect of the 'serious music' fraternity in Oxford. Problem Three of our players, one Eflat Bass and two Troms. had somehow manages to break or injure their legs and were in full plaster casts and in one case an impressive black-eye and the odd band-aid as well. Plan A was for the Band to march on to the stage smartly and with military precision from both sides of the stage and to stand and sit in the usual choreographed manner. This to happen when the stage curtains were opened. The solution. It was decided that the smart entry would be made but that the 'cripples' would be wheeled onto the stage before the curtains were drawn. The audience seated were first treated to an introductory adulation of the band:- "Ladies and Gentlemen. The Oxford Concert Brass". The curtains were opened to reveal a stage empty except for three obvious casualties propped up in playing position. Somebody got the giggles at this bizarre spectacle and the audience descended into helpless mirth for several minutes during the entry of the rest of the band. Happily order was eventually restored and the concert was well received and rave- reviewed in the local paper"

Oxford Place Band (Doncaster)

Formed around 1898, based on the Methodist Church in the town centre, and originally conducted by W.H. Tuxworth.

Oxford Rifle Band, 5th

See: 5th Oxford Rifle Band

Oxford University Press Band

Active in 1884

Oxford, Worcester & Wolverhamption Railway Saxhorn Band

Active in 1859 when it played at the opening of the Stratford-upon-Avon Railway.

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Padgate Silver Band (Warrington)

Padgate Silver Youth Band (Warrington)

Formed in 1976 by Peter Haywood, for children 8 to 16 years. It probably disbanded in the early 2000s. During its early years it was fortunate to do two 30 minute performances at the Parr Hall, Warrington as part of concerts given by The Central Band of the Royal Air Force and by Grimethorpe Band. It also played for the new Intercity 125 Service at York and Darlington stations (and on the train itself at 125mph!)

Padiham Britannia Brass Band (Lancashire)

Active in 1866

Padiham Public Band (Lancashire)

Active in 1893

Padstow Town Band (1) (Cornwall)

Active in 1907 - presumably folded before or during WW1

Padstow Town Band (2) (Cornwall)

Formed after WW1 from members of the previous Artillery Volunteers Band, they carried on until 1939. Their first title was 'Padstow Comrades of the War Brass & Reed Band', changing in 1921 to 'Padstow British Legion Band.' In 1923 their conductor was S M Ravenhill, an organist, and in 1932 Edgar Tonkin was the bandmaster. He had conducted the old Volunteer band for a good period of time. They were formed in time for the 1919 Peace Celebrations, and for quite a while were raising funds to purchase new instruments and uniforms, an ambition that was finally realized in 1932 . The band re-emerged in the 1950's, but throughout their history they never attended a Cornish contest.

Paeroa Brass Band (New Zealand)

Formed in 1894

Painswick Brass Band (Gloucestershire)

Probably originally formed in the 1830s but disbanded in the 1880s, to reform in the 1898. A local WI report in 1957 states "the band was formed with instruments purchased by a former Vicar, Mr Seddon. A start was made practicing hymns in a hut in the recreation ground, the idea being to induce people who did not go to Church to take an interest in this music, in which later, they might join with better advantage in Church. This Band has been given up of recent years to the regret of many inhabitatants." The assumption here is that the band disbanded around 1955.
In May 1899 Church Parade of members of Stroud Working Mens Benefit Soc and others, headed by the band. July 1899 the Band played where people went along "to listen to the band" followed by dancing. Band congratulated on their progress "since their formation under the conductorship of Mr Kimberley........" 19 May 1900 the Band headed procession through village to mark Relief of Mafeking. Also in May headed the procession to celebrate the Queens Birthday. Jul 1900 Procession upon receipt of news of occupation of Pretoria by British troops. Jul 1900 - two day Bazaar & Fete, events supported by Painswick String and Brass Bands. Aug 1900 Played at Tea Party for members of Primitive Methodist Sunday School. Feb 1901 - the Band celebrated their first appearance in their new uniforms at a 'fun' football match. A note at this time reports: "The Band had existed in Painswick for over 50 years under the direction of Mr Benjamin Clissold but when he emigrated the Band broke up". In 1935, for the Jubilee, Painswick Silver Band headed the procession through village streets to the recreation ground. Coronation Celebrations - Carnival Day - Painswick Silver Band led procession to recreation ground - and later in the day led a large crowd to 'The Beacon' (a local high spot) for a mighty bonfire.
[Thanks to John Bailey of the Painswick Local History Society]

Painswick Silver Band

See Painswick Brass Band

Paisley Silver Band

Palmer's Naval Band

Active in 1905

Palmer's Prize Band (Jarrow)

Active in the 1900s. Associated with the Palmer's Shipbuilding & Iron Co. (Hebburn & Jarrow on Tyne). Changed its name to Jervis Band when the Palmer's shipyard closed. Probably folded in the 1950s or 1960s.

Palmer's Shipyard Band

See: Palmer's Prize Band

Palmer's Works Band

See: Palmer's Prize Band

Pangbourne Silver Prize Band

Founded in 1893 as a fife and drum band, disbanded in 1939. Successor band was formed in 1962

Papworth Band (Cambridgeshire)

Active in the 1950s

Parbold Band (Lancashire)

Active in 1890

Parbold Rechabite Brass Band

The band led a procession from Bispham School in 1897 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. It comprised the Managers, the Trustees, Staff, Parents, children, and two gaily. decorated wagonettes containing little children. Entertainments included: Tea, Punch and Judy, Sports, and at the end bronze medals and bars were presented to each child by the Governors as a memento.

Park Hall Band, Maddiston

Active in 1882

Park Street Mission Band (Gloucester)

Park Street Orphan Home Band (Hull)

Active in 1885.

Parkend Brass Band (Gloucestershire)

Active in 1863

Parkend Silver Band (Gloucestershire)

Formed in 1893 or 1895 from the existing pipe and fife band of New Fancy colliery, disbanded in 1967. Successor band formed in 1973

Parker's Brewery Band (Burton-on-Trent)

Parkfield Colliery Band (Bristol)

Active in 1863

Parkgate Brass Band (Sheffield)

Active in 1892

Parkgate Excelsior Brass Band (Rotherham)

Active in 1910

Parkgate Temperance Brass Band (Rotherham)

Active in 1887

Parkgate Works Brass Band (Sheffield)

Active in 1871

Parkhead Forge Silver Band (Glasgow)

Formed in 1918 by workers at William Beardmore & Co., Glasgow. It flourished for several years before going into decline only to rise again in the 1940s gaining the Scottish Championship title. Principal cornet in 1938 was William Summerhill.

Parr St Peters Brass Band (St Helens)

Parr Temperance Band (St Helens)

Active in 1922

Parracombe Brass Band (Devon)

Active in 1911

Partick Gospel Band (Glasgow)

Partington Public Band

Active in 1932

Partington Silver Prize Band

Active in 1896

Partington Steel and Iron Company Works Brass Band

Formed shortly after 1910. Active in 1920s

Patchogue Plymouth Amoco Band

See: Crookhall Colliery Band

Pateley Bridge Band

Formed in the 1850s

Patrington Brass Band

Formed in January 1857, Mr Brown being music master.

Paul Band (Cornwall)

This band lasted for about 65 years, acting from c1870 to the mid 1930's. They do appear to have been a popular band carrying out the usual village type engagements of the times. There is recorded a conductor named C Aitken in 1914 and later, in 1933, was S Carne. Another band that did not enter for contests.

Paulton Silver Prize Band (Bristol)

Competed in the 1962 West of England Regional Championships (2nd Section), conducted by E.S. Brown

Paxman Standard Ironworks Band

See: Davey Paxman Standard Ironworks Band

Paxman's Foundry Band

See: Davey Paxman Standard Ironworks Band

Payne's Bristol and Gloucestershire Band (Bristol)

Active in 1864, when they took part in the processions celebrating the official opening of the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Peak Dale Public Band

Active in 1913, and from 1930s to 1960s. Active in 1962, when it competed in the Senior Trophy, conducted by R.G. Hallam

Pearsons Pottery Chesterfield Band

See: Chesterfield Brass Band

Pease West Colliery Band (Crook, County Durham)

Formed in 1898 at Jobs Hill Colliery. Name taken from one of the colliery owners, Mr Joseph Pease. Still active in 1919

Peasenhall Brass Band

Active in 1907 and played at Leiston Flower Show. The Cooke and Garnett families are mentioned in records. There is a rumour that the instruments were stored in the attic of the Bell hotel in Saxmundham.

Peasmarsh Brass Band (near Rye, East Sussex)

Active in 1910. Notes from Tylden Reed: "Rehearsed in the Sunday school next to the local post office. Their larger instruments were layed out on tables at the back of the hall and I would blow into the mouthpieces and get the occasional note out of them before Sunday School started! As a small boy I used to listen to them in the evenings when I should have been in bed asleep! They were to feature in the film made in the forties called 'The Loves of Joanna Godden' starring Googy Withers, John McCullam, Chips Raferty and others made on Romney Marsh in Kent, however the band along with my Dad (Vic Reed) ended up on the cutting room floor! The film can still be seen on TV occasionally. The band gets a mention on a poster in a shop window! I cycled 3 Miles to Rye to play in that band as I had school friends there and never played in the band that got me interested in banding in the first place! I think the band closed in the 1960s."

Peckham Rye Tabernacle Band (London)

Active around 1910

Peel Band (Isle of Man)

Active in 1885

Pegswood Brass

See: Pegswood Colliery Band

Pegswood Colliery Band (Morpeth)

Formed in the 1890s. Later known as Pegswood Brass. Folded in 2000.

Pelaw Colliery Band (Chester-le-Street)

Formed in the early 1900s, still active in 1913

Pellon Subscription Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1894

Pelton Colliery Band (Chester-le-Street)

Formed in the 1890s, still active in 1920

Pemberton Temperance Brass Band (Wigan)

Active in 1909 and 1920

Pemberton Total Abstinence Brass Band

See: Pemberton Temperance Brass Band

Penallta Colliery Band (Rhymney Valley)

Active in 1991 when the Pennallta mine closed.

Penarth Post Office Band

Active in 1912

Penarth Silver Band

Active in 1873

Pencoed Silver Band (Glamorgan)

Pendeen Independant Band (Cornwall)

Pendle Forest Prize Brass Band

Pendlebury and Clifton Band

Active in 1882, when it entered the contest held at Irwell Bank, Kearsley, playing "Strike the Lyre" and a set of quadrilles.

Pendlebury Band

Active in the 1930s

Pendleton Brass Band

Founded February 1879

Pendleton Old Prize Band

Founded 1878 as the British Workman's Brass Band. Survived a rough time around 1889: Won the Lancashire Association Challenge Cup in 1895 and entered 10 contests in 1899, winning 10 prizes. In 1903 they competed in the Crystal Palace contest in October winning Daily Telegraph Fifty Guineas Challenge Cup, £25 in money and a handsome certificate. The cup was presented at a grand miscellaneous concert at Pendleton Town Hall later in the month. Played in Victoria Park, Stretford on 13th July 1905 as part of the celebrations for the Royal Visit of King Edward VII. Took part in a St George's Day procession in Pendleton on 23rd April 1910. In June 1922, conducted by Mr O Pheasey it took part in a musical festival in aid of Salford Royal Hospital, which attracted some 30,000 people to the Castle Irwell Racecourse.

Pendleton Public Band

Active in the 1920s and 1930s. In June 1922, conducted by Mr B Powell, it took part in a musical festival in aid of Salford Royal Hospital, which attracted some 30,000 people to the Castle Irwell Racecourse.

Pendleton Public Prize Band

See: Pendleton Public Band

Pengover Band (Cornwall)

These carried on for a short time, roughly 1864 to 1867, during which time some local engagements were fulfilled. No conductors or contests can be found.

Penistone Yorkshire Steel and Iron Works Band

See: Yorkshire Steel and Iron Works Band

Penketh Tannery Band

Active in the 1930s

Penmaenmawr Brass Band

See: Penmaenmawr Town Band

Penmaenmawr Silver Prize Band

See Penmaenmawr Town Band

Penmaenmawr Town Band (Caernarvonshire)

Formed in the 1894. Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. At one time it practiced in Hewn Hall, later renamed as the Masonic Hall in 1960, which was originally presented by C.H Darbishire to the young men of the town as a social centre. Later known as Penmaenmawr Silver Prize Band, it was still active in the 1950s.

Pennine Brass (Huddersfield)

Founded in March 1999, with the band's first performance being given on the 8th of May 1999. The band performed 32 times in that first year, culminating in being crowned Northern Open Champions (Section B) in November 1999 at their first major competition. In a short but steep rise through the sections they appeared five times at the Yorkshire Area Championship contest between 2002 and 2008, were First Section National title winners in 2007, won the top section Pontins title in 2006, the French Open title in 2001, Senior Trophy in 2003 and appeared four times at the Grand Shield between 2005 and 2008. They disbanded in October 2008. Conductors included Paul Fligg, Ian Porthouse and Huw Thomas.

Penponds Band (Cornwall)

First appeared in 1857 but cash was quickly found to enable them to re-emerge under the new title "Penponds Sax Tuba Band". One does wonder what happened because nothing more is heard of them after 1858. Not surprising that there is no information on a conductor.

Penrhiwceiber Band (Cynon Valley)

Active in the early 1900s

Penrhyndeudraeth Band

Active in 1933

Penrhynside Band (Llandudno)

Active in 1948

Penrith Brass Band

See: Penrith Subscription Band

Penrith Sons of Temperance Oak Lodge Band

Formed in April 1894. Amalgamated with Penrith Subscription Band in the 1930s to form Penrith Temperance Band

Penrith Subscription Band

Active in 1900s. Amalgamated with Penrith Sons of Temperance Oak Lodge Band in the 1930s to form Penrith Temperance Band

Penryhn Quarries Brass Band (Bethesda)

Active in 1865. This band, with others, played on the Caernarvon Square when the Prince of Wales performed the ceremony of opening the waterworks and the fountain in 1868. The instruments were the property of Lord Penrhyn, but the drum belonged to the band members. When the quarrymen held their first Labour Festival (gwyl Lafur) in Caernarvon in 1892, all the bands (eight of them) came to town to support it. The relationship between the owners and the Quarrymen's Union at the time was rather strained and Lord Penrhyn refused the men permission to take the instruments to the big meeting. The quarrymen. however, were not discouraged, and they took the drum alone and proudly marched behind it through the streets of the town.

Penryn Band (Cornwall)

First known as the Penryn Independent Band so that they would not be mistaken for the Penryn Volunteer Band in existence at the same time. How much of these two band were in fact one group of men under two titles is not know, but it is difficult to see how Penryn's population of those days would be able to support two bands. Penryn is located next door to Falmouth, and my first reference to the Penryn Independent band is in 1869 when they played at the Penryn Regatta. They seem to have disbanded soon after this. There is a further report in 1875 which refers to "the recently inaugurated Town Band." There follows a period when, as usual, newspaper reporters cannot decide on a title for this Band (perhaps they should have asked!!), and where coming up with Independent Band, Town Band, Brass Band, or even Penryn Band.There is evidence that the Town Band continued up to the mid 1930's. Newspapers seemed very reticent at naming a conductor (where the band that bad?) with the exception of a C Burton who was in charge from about 1911 to the band's demise. I have no record of Cornish contested attended.

Pensax Saxhorn Band (Worcestershire)

Active in 1865

Penshaw Colliery Band

Formed in the 1890s

Pensilva Brass Band (Cornwall)

Pensilva, a village just up from Liskeard, had their band in action from 1868 to 1872. Their first instructor was a Mr Satchwill, who was succeeded by Mr Viol. As seen, this band was not in operation very long but according to press reports of the time, they were not at all bad in both music chosen and their ability to play it. Later on, during the local 1919 Peace celebrations, a Pensilva SA Band was engaged.

Pensnett Saxhorn Band (Dudley)

Active in 1862

Penstow Silver Band

Pentre Brass Band (Glamorgan)

Active in 1934

Pentyrch Village Band

Active in 1886

Penwithick Band (Cornwall)

Penwithick Band was formed soon after World War 1 from some of the many bandsmen living in the St Austell area who had played in brass bands before the war, some of whom had been with the old Volunteer Bands that had disbanded on the outbreak of hostilities. And as not all civilian bands had reformed in 1918/1919, there was now a surplice of spare musicians who dearly wanted to make music again. Once started, they must have been a popular outfit as they were, almost from day one, a very busy band. A lot of these appearances were taken up with events like Sunday school processions and their tea treats; processions for the various Friendly Societies (Rechabites, Oddfellows, and the like); raising funds for the local hospitals; sports days (including their own!), and inevitably the Flora Dance - and there were lots of them. Again almost from day one they indulged in that favourite pastime of brass bands - the contest. This is where bands go to beat the living daylights out of other bands, by fair means (or foul). Of the 39 pieces of music that they performed at Cornish contests they were unplaced 19 times, 12 resulted in 3rd prizes, 2nd prizes totalled 4 and no doubt they took considerable pride in achieving 4 firsts. Considering that they were only a village band whose close neighbours were the St Dennis Band, who in those days happily poached all the best players from around the area, the Penwithick Band history of contest successes can sit comfortably with them. Most bands, like old soldiers, fade away rather than die suddenly. Penwithick was another of these. For the players in the last couple of years of its life, it must have been a sad period to go through despite those who stay to the bitter end in the hope that fortunes will improve. They finally closed shop in the mid 1950's. In their time they enriched this band world in Cornwall.

Penybont Iron Works Brass Band (Pentre)

Active in 1887

Penyffordd Brass Band

Active in 1887 when it played during the Jubilee celebrations with the Congregationalists, under the baton of Sergeant William Griffiths.

Penygroes,Silver Band

Active in 1912

Penzance Amateur Band

Active in 1856

Penzance Brass Band

Active in 1860, when they had recently joined the First Cornwall Volunteer Rifles as supernumeraries. Things may have been a bit tight in 1870 as it was reported: "We appeal to visitors at Penzance to supply themselves with a few coppers occasionally, in order that they may relieve the Penzance Band; for an entertainment of some sort of music is promised during the summer months, if only sufficient coppers can be obtained."

Penzance Juvenile Band

Active in 1853

Penzance Independent Brass Band

Winners of the Cornwall Amateur Championships, Section B, in 1926

People Band, The

See: Odham's Press Band

Peoples Mission Church Band (Bath)

Active in 1927-66

People's Mission Band (Cambridge)

Active in 1928.

People's Mission Silver Band (South Shields)

Based in Wellington Street.

People's Tabernacle Band

Active in 1906

Peopleton Brass Band (Worcestershire)

Active in 1893

Percy House School Band (Isleworth)

Active in 1907

Percy Main N.E.R. Band (near Newcastle)

Formed in the 1900s, with a connection to the Percy Main Colliery, still active in 1914

Perfection Soap Works Band

See: Crosfields Perfection Soap Works Band

Perran Band (Cornwall)

Not much here, but from 1870 to 1872 they were busy with demonstrations and processions. There is a long silence until they reappear in 1901 for a kiddies tea treat. During the summer season of 1870 they played two evening a week in Perranporth, each concert lasting about two hours. They must have been 1) crazy to take on such a commitment, or 2) good enough to handle this amount of work, or 3) they really needed the extra few pennies they could get from collections. Whatever, I wonder how many village bands of today would dare accept such a commitment?

Perry Street Works Band (Tatworth, Somerset)

Active around 1910

Perscoran Brass Band

Formed in 1983, disbanded in 2003

Perth Masonic Band

See: Perth Silver Band

Perth Silver Band

Formed in 1861 as Perth Masonic Band, later known as Perth Trades Silver Band, disbanded 1958. Successor band formed in 1972.

Perth Trades Silver Band

See: Perth Silver Band

Peterborough Band

Active in 1905

Peterborough Borough Silver Prize Band

Active in 1910

Petersfield Borough Band

See: Victoria Brass Band (Petersfield)

Petersfield Brass Band

See: Victoria Brass Band (Petersfield)

Petrockstow Band

Active in 1887 when it celebrated Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. In this account as remembered by Samuel Bonifant in 1935, aged 84 years. "At the time of Queen Victoria's golden jubilee Samuel Bonifant was living at Woodhouse part of Little Marland, he was a member of the committee and master of ceremonies on the day. At this time Petrockstow had a population of 440. All the parishioners were given luncheon and tea in the school room consisting of roast and boiled beef, pickles, bread, mineral water for Teetotallers and children. 1,000 bottles of mineral water were available for the event. Each man was allowed 1 quart of beer in the afternoon, while women and children had mineral water. All invalids in the evening were sent a good plate of beef, a loaf of bread, cake, ¼ lb tea and a quart of beer. The next day any left over food was distributed to the poor. Sam recalls the day it started early at 5.00am Mr William Trace climbed to the top of the church tower and played God Save the Queen on Sam's Violin with in 1935 Sam still had. At 8.00am the bell ringers started ringing the peals, which went on throughout the day. At 10.00am a majority of the parishioners formed outside the school with the Reverend Field and Sam and with the Petrockstow Band leading marched to the rectory and back to the church for a short service preached by the Reverend Field. At midday lunch was served in the school room with the band playing outside. After lunch at 2.00pm a procession formed with band to the field opposite the Barn on Town Farm, Mr John Brookes farmed the farm, on the field sports and dancing took place. There was a break at 4.30pm for Tea in the school room. The tables were presided over by Mrs Field, Mrs Brookes (mother of Mr John Brookes) also Mrs Bussell, Mrs Leonard, Mrs Pike, Mrs Squance, Mrs Bonifant Mrs Sanders and others. Mrs Brookes presented the children with mugs. After Tea they returned to the field for more sports and dancing until 9.00pm when the fireworks and bonfire were to take place. Lord Clinton Lord Lieutenant of the County donated the bonfire and fireworks. The order had been given that no bonfire was to be lit until the Lord Lieut gave the signal by sending up three rockets in succession, red, white & blue in the most conspicuous parts near the mansion and his Lordship chose Petrockstow. It was a grand sight, which was seen from a long way off, after the rockets had gone many bonfires were lit. The day ended with the band playing God Save Queen, everyone had enjoyed themselves and the day had been well organised."

Pevensey Silver Band

Merged with Hastings Borough Band in 1968 to form Sussex Brass

Philadelphia Colliery Band (Washington, County Durham)

Philips & Co. Brass Band (Tean, Staffordshire)

See: Messrs. Philips & Co. Brass Band

Phoenix Brass Band (Rotherham)

See: Steel, Peech and Tozer Phoenix Works Band

Phoenix Works Band (Rotherham)

See: Steel, Peech and Tozer Phoenix Works Band

Phoenix Works Brass Band (Bradford)

Active in 1856

Pica Brass Band (Cumberland)

Active in the 1890s - took part in the Distington Hospital Sunday parade in June 1895. A report of its formation is thus: "A public meeting was held at the Quarry, Pica, on Thursday evening, for the purpose of discussing the suggestion to re-organise the brass band at that place. There was a large number present. Mr John Roper, who was unanimously elected chairman, urged them to work in harmony. Mr James Frew moved that the brass band for Pica be re-organised. This was seconded by Mr William Watson and agreed to unanimously. Mr A. Harlin, secretary to the old band, was appointed secretary pro tem. The following gave their names as intending members: - Messrs G. Frew, James Frew, J. Patterson, Wm. Watson, G. Tweddle, J. Gatherer, Tom Bell, W. Hutchinson, G. Stewart, I. Lamb, J. Robinson, J. Kirkpatrick, F. Metherell, W. Metherell, D. Rafferty, Jos. Gatherer, W. Brydon, D. Ellison, C. M. McLean, and J Roper. Mr Harlin moved that the instruments, lamps, music stand, and music books, belonging to the late band be called in. This was agreed to, and the chairman and Mr Harlin were appointed to recieve them by Tuesday. On the question of funds being introduced, it was suggested that they follow the example of the Lowca Brass Band and ask the Colliery Company to keep off a weekly subscription from those agreeable. The chairman approved the suggestion, but, of course, he said, a public meeting would have to be called to sanction the proposal."

Pickering Band (North Yorkshire)

Formed in the 1890s, folded in the 1950s

Pickering Town Band (North Yorkshire)

Formed on 17 May 1936

Pickup Bank Band

See: Hoddlesden and Pickup Bank Band

Pickup Bank Subscription Prize Band

See: Hoddlesden and Pickup Bank Band

Pilling Brass Band

Formed in 1875 and folded some time after 1935 (when the junior section of the band split off to form Pilling Jubilee Silver Band).

Pinner Brass Band

Active from 1882 to 1939. It played at a garden party given by Mrs. A. B. Marshall, a well known cook and cookery writer on 15th June 1895 at her house "The Towers" in Pinner. For further details see this webpage: Pinner Brass Band

Pinxton Brass Band (Derbyshire)

Active in 1880

Platt Bridge Band (Manchester)

Competed in a contest in Leigh in 1884. A report from the Wigan Observer And District Advertiser, Wednesday, September 3, 1890, states: On Wednesday afternoon last the remains of William Forster were interred at Abram Church. The deceased, who was 41 years of age, was checkweighman at the Low Hall Collieries. He had been a hard worker for the Miners' Union, and was much esteemed by that body of men. He had also been a member of the Platt Bridge Brass Band for over 20 years. The weather was fine and the streets were crowded with spectators. The procession was as follows:- Twenty pit brow girls; 150 miners; band committee; Platt Bridge Brass Band (assisted by a few friends from the Wigan Volunteer Band), playing "Dead March in Saul;" deceased, with instrument on coffin; mourners and relatives. At the commencement of the service Mr. C. D. Mortimer with his usual ability played Guilmant's "Funeral March," and at the close the "Dead March in Saul." After the burial service in the churchyard, the band played very sweetly at the grave side, "It is well with my soul."
Another report, from 1895, notes the band at a festival: "The first Lower Ince and Spring View Rose Queen Festival was held under the auspices of St Mary's Church in June 1895.  It was organised by Maggie Briggs and Edna Harrison.  About 500 children dressed in historical costumes, and accompanied by the Platt Bridge Brass Band, left St Mary's School and paraded through the streets of Lower Ince and Spring View, which were lined with hundreds of spectators.  The Rose Queen was Miss F Briggs, in a dress of white silk with a train of flowered shot silk trimmed with white silk ribbon and swansdown.  The parade ended in a field in the grounds of Westwood House, where there was dancing around the maypole and the Rose Queen was crowned by the vicars wife, Mrs Taylor.  Each of the children was given a bun and an orange."

Platt Brothers Moston Colliery Band

See: Platt's Moston Colliery Band

Platting Public Band

Active in 1883 and 1887

Platt's Moston Colliery Band

Active in the 1940s6

Plean Colliery Band (Stirlingshire)

Active in 1928, conducted by Charles Wright

Plymouth Brass

Formed in the 1980s. Merged with Tavistock Town Band in the late 1980s to form Tavistock Brass

PMG Heart of England Band

See: Heart of England Band

Pocklington Boys Band

Active in the early 1900s

POEU Brass Band

See: Stockport Telephone Band

Pogmoor Band (South Yorkshire)

Merged with the Cawthorne Brass Band in 1984

Pollokshaws Brass Band

Welcomed the Prince of Wales to Pollokshaws in August 1859. Competed in a contest at the Gilmorehill Gardens, Glasgow in August 1863, and led the procession at the annual Weavers' Society meeting at Pollokshaws in August 1873.

Pollokshaws Silver Band

See: Pollokshaws Brass Band

Polton Mills Band (Loanhead)

Won the Scottish Championship title in 1904 and disbanded at the start of World War 1

Polypipe (Rossington) Band

See: Rossington Colliery Band

Pomfret Victoria Brass Band (Pontefract)

See: Pontefract Victoria Brass Band

Ponden Band (Haworth)

Active in 1854, founded by John Heaton of Ponden, who owned the cotton mill and the corn mill. The band had the job of playing at a celebration in Haworth at the conclusion of the Crimean war. The band moved to Dry Clough (just north of Pickles Hill) later in the 1850s for the convenience of some of the members. This "Dry Clough Band" then split up by the end of the 1850s, some members going to the Springhead Band, others to the Lumbfoot Band.

Ponden Mill Band

See: Ponden Band

Ponders End Mission Band (Enfield)

Active in 1905

Pontefract Borough Band

Active in 1880, 1891

Pontefract Brass Band

Active in 1880

Pontefract Victoria Brass Band

Active in 1900

Pontrhydyfen Band (South Wales)

Pontyberem Band (Wales)

Active in 1948

Pontyclun Brass Band

Active in the early 1900s

Pontyclun Silver Band

In 1914 Mr Godfrey Clark presented a Silver Cup for competition in the Silver Band contest which was won by the Pontyclun Silver Band. When the people left the sports field on this occasion they were greeted with a placard "War declared on Germany". The band regularly practised in a wooden hut at the end of School Street called the Ping Pong Hall. The village supported a Brass Band also.

Pontycymmer Town Band

Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s, still active in 1948

Poole Town Band (Dorset)

Active in 1928 when conducted by Mr E.L. Green.

Poolsbrook Miners Welfare Band (Chesterfield)

Poplar & Bromley Tabernacle Band

Porritt and Whitham's Band (Leeds)

Port Glasgow Band

members

Port Kembla Town Band (Australia)

Active in 1950s

Port of Hull Society's Orphan Home Band (Hull)

Active in 1885.

Port Talbot and District Workmen's Prize Band

See: Port Talbot Workmen's Prize Band

Port Talbot Town Band

Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s.

Port Talbot Workmen's Prize Band

Played at the ceremonial opening of Port Talbot Memorial Park on the 27th June 1925 at 3p.m.

Portdinorwic Brass Band (Caernarvonshire)

Active in 1865 to 1872

Porth & Cymmer Silver Band (Porth Rhondda)

Portland Social Centre Band (Dorset)

Portland Town Band (Australia)

Formed around 1905, with the local cement company supplying most of the uniforms and music, and it became known as the Commonwealth Portland Cement Company's Employees' Band.

Portland Town Band (Dorset)

Active in 1904 and 1937

Portmadoc Band

Active in 1928 and 1933

Portmadoc Town Band

See: Portmadoc Band

Portmadoc Volunteer Brass Band

Active in 1887

Portobello Ex-Members B.B. Band (Edinburgh)

Active in 1928, conducted by Thomas Williamson.

Portslade Town Band (Sussex)

Active in 1911

Portsmouth Blue Jackets Band

See: Royal Navy Portsmouth Barracks Band

Portsmouth City Band

Active in the 1970s

Portsmouth City Fire Brigade Band

Active in 1944 and 1957

Portsmouth Fire Services Band

See: Portsmouth City Fire Brigade Band

Possilpark Brass Band (Glasgow)

Active in 1928, conducted by W. Curtis

Post Office Engineering Union Brass Band

See: Stockport Telephone Band

Potters Bar Town Band

Formed in the 1850s and then disbanded in 1895. Band of the same name later formed in 1948

Potters Wood Kingswood Hill Bristol Silver Band

See: Kingswood and District Band

Potterspury Excelsior Prize Brass Band

The village band was in existence in the late 1800s, and in 1904 entered a contest organised by the Gentlemen of Dunstable. The band travelled to the contest on a horse-drawn cart and won the first prize - a silver plated cup. The contest was never held again, so the band held the cup which is now kept with the church plate for safe keeping. Between the wars, in the summer, the band would give regular Sunday evening concerts on the green by the cross-road on Watling Street, opposite the Anchor pub. Band practice was held in the Cock club room (now the restaurant). A popular story of the time related how, arriving late for practice one night, one of the bandsmen was so impressed with the sound of his colleagues playing that he went into the practice room and said, 'That sounds great - come outside and listen'. Whereupon they all put down their instruments and went outside! The band ceased to play during the Second World War but started again in 1946. By 1953, with Reg Atkins as conductor, the band was very active, playing at numerous village fetes in the area and leading church parades for Remembrance Sunday services, when they would march four abreast via Sanders Lane, Blackwell End, Watling Street, High Street and Church Lane (with no parked cars in the way!). Another old village tale recalled that when Pury band marched by the pigs were sat on the wall to listen. (This tale was well known in all the surrounding villages!) The Coronation parade through the village in 1953 was led by Syd Holloway pushing a model of 'The Pig on the Wall'. There was of course much rivalry between Pury and Yardley bands and Pury used to say that one Christmas when Yardley Band went round playing carols they played outside one 'house' where the collectors could not find the door. They walked round it several times before they realised it was a hay rick! [Note: similar stories are told of Stinchcombe Band and Woodchurch Bands]. As the number of bandsmen from the village dwindled, more and more had to be transported to practice from the surrounding area. By 1961 it became beyond the financial means of the band to continue to transport the players to practice and the band had to close down. Some of the bandsmen went on to play with Wolverton Band and the remains of the band's funds were paid over to the Parish Council for the general benefit of the village. (Source: Potterspury - the story of a village and its people)

Potton Brass Band (Bedfordshire)

Active around 1904

Powder Cotton Works Band (Kent)

Disbanded in the 1930s

Powell Tillery Colliery Band

Active in 1905

Poynings Brass Band (Sussex)

Active in the early 1900s

Pratt's Brass Band (Brighouse)

Active in 1865

Prees Brass Band

Folded in the 1930's. Prees is between Wem and Whitchurch. The instruments were sold to pay for the funeral of Tom Moore and were sold to Mr Denny and shipped to his band in Devon. Coincidentally his son ended up running the Shropshire Schools Brass band in the 1980's, 50 years after his dad took the instruments from Shropshire to Devon.

Prescot Band

Active in 1972

Prescot Cables Band (Lancashire)

Formed 1890. "Cousins" to the famous Callenders Cable Works Band. When the latter disbanded in 1961 the Prescot Cables Band received their redundant uniforms.

Prescot Parish Church Band (Lancashire)

Active around the 1920s/1930s

Pressed Steel Company Limited Works Band (Oxfordshire)

Formed in January 1941 as a military band for the Pressed Steel Company Home Guard. Reformed as a brass band in December 1944. Achieved the Championship Section in 1947.

Presteigne Town Band

Active in 1907 and 1937

Preston Borough Brass Band

Active in 1877

Preston Britannia Brass Band

Active in 1861, conductor Thomas Marginson, also in 1867, 1877

Preston Brook & District Prize Band (Cheshire)

Active shortly after WW1 when the band took part in the Runcorn Festival which was held to raise funds for the hospital.

Preston Clarion Band

Active around 1911

Preston Corporation Tramways Band

Active in the early 1900s

Preston Excelsior Band

Active in 1872, the 1930s and up until the 1970s

Preston Model Brass Band

Active in 1882

Preston Silver Band

Active in 1950s

Preston St David's Band

Active in 1951 when they competed in the 4th section North West regional championships at the Victoria Hall, Bolton.

Preston Temperance Band

Formed in 1874 and disbanded in 1907. A contemporary report states: "It having been decided for various reasons to bring the 32 year career of the Preston Temperance Brass Band to a close, the members on Wednesday met at the White Horse Restaurant for supper afterwards transacting some important business. Mr R Sanders presided, and on the motion of Mr H Parkinson, seconded by Mr Wm Ogden, a resolution was passed agreeing that the band should no longer exist as at present constituted. A handsome marble clock was then presented to the conductor, Mr H Parkinson, the silver plate on the front bearing the inscription "Presented to Mr H Parkinson by the members of the Preston Temperance Brass Band on the occasion of his retirement, as a token of their respect for his faithful services as bandmaster during the past 30 years." In making the presentation the Chairman recalled the interesting fact that the band was formed in August 1874 and had been entirely self-supporting. They had occupied one practice room for 30 years and a proof of their efficiency was that they had played for one Preston church on 25 sucessive Whit Monday mornings, and for another one 23 Whit Monday afternoons. Best wishes were expressed for Mr Parkinson's future welfare, and in his reply the conductor was much affected by the tributes paid to him."

Preston Town Band

Active until the mid 1960s, rehearsing in an old gymnasium on Saul St. in Preston and conducted by Tom Mitchell who then went on to found Preston Youth Band around the same time.

Preston United Independent Harmonic Brass Band

Active in August 1836, when it played at the regatta at the Bridge Inn

Preston Victoria Brass Band

Active in 1878

Prestongrange Band

Active in 1925, and in 1928, conducted by Jas. Jardine.

Prestongrange Colliery Band

Active in 1925, conducted by Mr R Malcolm, was fifth in a contest for the championships of Scotland.

Prestongrange Silver Band

See: Prestongrange Band

Prestonlinks Colliery Band (Prestonpans)

See: Monktonhall Colliery Silver Band

Prestonpans & District Silver Band

See: Monktonhall Colliery Silver Band

Prestwich Borough Band

Active in the 1940s. Folded in 1992. 4 remaining members joined Radcliffe Band, bringing with them music and instruments, which was then renamed the Radcliffe & Prestwich Band for a few years.

Pride of the Valley Brass Band (Tongwynlais?)

Active in 1877

Primitive Methodist Mission Gospel Band (Llwynpia)

Active in 1909

Primo Windows Band (Grimsby)

Active in the 1980s

Prince's End Prize Band (Staffordshire)

Active around 1899

Prince's End Temperance Prize Band

See: Princes End Prize Band

Prince-Smith & Stells Silver Band (Keighley)

Active in the 1950s. Prince-Smith & Stells were worsted machine manufacturers, who Prince-Smith produced over 1.1 million bayonets during WW2.

Princess Royal Brass Band (Gloucestershire)

Active in 1903

Princess Street Mission Brass Band (Huddersfield)

Active in 1894 & 1896

Priory Foundry Band

See: Steel and Garland Priory Foundry Band

Prittlewell Brass Band (Essex)

Active around 1900

Providence Congregational Church Brass Band (Uxbridge)

Formed as a drum and fife band in the 1880's, and in 1898 it became a full brass band. It seems to have ceased on the outbreak of war in 1914.

Prudhoe Colliery Band (Prudhoe)

Formed in the 1900s and did not survive beyond 1914

Pudsey Borough Band (Yorkshire)

Pudsey Fartown Band (Yorkshire)

Founded in 1876

Pudsey Union Brass Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1856

Pudsey West End Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1856

Puhoi Town Band (New Zealand)

Active in 1913

Pullars Band (Perthshire)

Purbrook Industrial School Band (Hampshire)

Active in the early 1900s

Purton Congregational Brass Band

Active in the early 1900s

Putney Brass Band

Active in 1885 when it took part in the United Phoenix and Temperance Societies' first annual Temperance Friendly Societies' demonstration in Lambeth on 31st May, together with Wandsworth Brass Band.

Pwllheli Brass Band

Active in 1949

---

Q

Quaker House Colliery Band (Wigan)

See: Standish Band

Quarndon Brass Band (Derbyshire)

Active in 1887

Quarrington Hill Temperance Band (County Durham)

Formed in the 1890s, probably folded in the 1920s

Quarter Brass Band (Glasgow?)

Active in 1892 when it presented a box to Mrs Blair.

Quebec and Hamsteels Band (County Durham)

Active in 1905

Queen Street Mission Band (Bolton)

Active in 1923

Queen Victoria Seamen's Rest Brass Band

Queensbury Band

See: Queensbury Music Centre Band

Queensbury Music Centre Band

Active in the 1970s and 1980s

Queensferry Brass Band

Active in 1896 following an attempt to resuscitate it.

Queenstown Brass Band (Australia)

Active in 1897 when it won the Intercolonial Contest in Sydney. Members of the band at that time were: Cornets - N.Harris, H.Partington, Drew, Jacobs, C.Hill. Tenor Horns - Maddern, Rosman, Paul. Baritones - A.Steven, Bennett. Trombones - W.M.Partington (Bandmaster),Daly, Rowland. Euphonium - A.King. Bass - Whitting, J.Partington, F.Hopkins. Mr A.Douglas, secretary and Mr W.G.Rogers, treasurer were unable to attend.

Quorn and Sileby Band (Leicestershire)

Active before 1880.

---

R

R. Johnson & Nephew Works Band

See: Richard Johnson & Nephew Ltd Band

R.A. Lister Silver Band

Competed in the 1962 West of England Regional Championships (2nd Section), conducted by E. Williams

R.O.F.S.A. (Chorley) Band

See: Royal Ordnance Factory Social Association Band

Radcliffe & Pilkington Public Brass Band (1) (Northumberland)

Active in 1884 when it competed in the Southport contest

Radcliffe & Pilkington Public Brass Band (2) (Northumberland)

Formed in 1893, later known as Radcliffe Colliery Band, and then Radcliffe Netherton Band. Merged with Amble Town Band in the 1930s to form Amble and Radcliffe Colliery Band. A member at one time was Edward Thirtle, who started his playing career in the North Seaton Band and went on later to be bandmaster of the Broomhill and Chevington Collieries Band. A selection of his family and band photographs have been lodged with the Woodhorn Colliery museum in Ashington, Northumberland. Bandmaster of Radcliffe Colliery Band at one time was William Oswald Pearson, who worked at Hauxley Colliery.

Radcliffe Colliery Band

See: Radcliffe & Pilkington Public Brass Band

Radcliffe Netherton Band

See: Radcliffe & Pilkington Public Brass Band

Radcliffe Old Band

Active in 1885

Radcliffe Prize Band

Active in May 1930, when it won second place in a contest at Salford

Radcliffe Temperance Band

Active in 1882 and 1885

Radcliffe-on-Trent Temperance Band

Active in 1902

Radford United Methodist Brass Band (Nottingham)

Active in 1886

Radlett Band

Active in 1938

Radley Band (Oxfordshire)

Active in 1894 when it played at a May Day celebration at Wick Hall, Radley. Still active in 1900 when it played at the Appleford Flower Show in August.

Radnor Street Schools Mission Brass Band (London)

Active between 1883 and 1904

Radstock Coal & Wagon Works Brass Band (Somerset)

Active in 1884, bandmaster Mr. Clark.

Radstock Silver Prize Band (Somerset)

Active in 1928, folded before 1980.

Radstock Town Band (Somerset)

Active in 1888

Ragley Band

See: Ragley Sunday School Band

Ragley Sunday School Band

The old Ragley Band, formed in 1848, was broken up in 1850. Resuscitated in 1851 by Mr Briggs of Darwen, but again fell by the wayside. Then Messrs. Chadwick Brothers, sewing cotton manufacturers, came to the rescue and provided all expenses and funded new instruments in 1882. Started contesting in 1887 and in that first year attended 5 contests winning 4 prizes, value £50

Railway Associated City Brass Band (Nottingham)

Active in 1906 and 1910 when it played at the Lenton Flower Show.

Railway Servants' Brass Band (Newcastle)

Active in 1896

Railway Servants' Brass Band (Sheffield)

Active in 1889

Rainham Working Men's Club Band

Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s

Rainow Brass Band (Cheshire)

Active in the early 1900s

Ramsbottom Band

Active in the 1860s

Ramsbottom Rifle Band

Active in 1933

Ramsden Band (Oxfordshire)

In the minutes of the Ramsden Vestry and Parochial Church Council for 1913 they record agreement that there should be a Garden Fete to raise money for the Church. "The Ramsden Band was asked to provide the music". At the following meeting it was agreed that the "Ramsden Band should be paid 30/- for their services with their playing commencing at 4.30 pm and that they should provide their own refreshments"! In earlier years there were allegedly two bands in Ramsden - from a pamphlet 'RAMSDEN - The Story of a Wychwood Village' [The Witney Press 1961] D.A.Allport, referring to Club Feasts which took place at Whitsun every year, says "There were stalls and a band playing - there were two bands in Ramsden then - and dancing in the street. Ramsden Feast was held in October and was similar". (Source: Dick Williamson]

Ramsey Amateur Brass Band (Isle of Man)

Active in 1886

Ramsgate Silver Band (Kent)

Rathmell Brass Band (Settle)

Active in 1868

Ravengill Brass Band (near Settle)

Active in 1869

Ravensthorpe Subscription Band (West Yorkshire)

Active in 1896, 1905 and the 1920s, still active post WW2

Ravensworth Colliery Band (Lamesley)

Formed in the 1890s. Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. Disbanded in the 1960s

Rawdon Silver Band

Active in the 1940s and 50s

Rawmarsh Prize Band (South Yorkshire)

Active in the 1960s. Competed in the Senior Cup in 1962. Wound up in the courts as of 23rd December 1970

Rawtenstall Band

Active in 1885 and 1926

Rawvards Silver Band

Active in 1964, conducted by R Connell.

Read & Simonstone Band

Active in 1923

Read Brass Band (Padiham, Lancs)

Active around 1910 and the 1930s

Reading and Wokingham District School Brass Band

Active in 1894

Reading Mechanics Band

Active in 1900.

Reading N.U.R. Band

Active in 1921

Reading Temperance Prize Band

Founded in 1852. Won the Crystal Palace Challenge Cup and the Southern Counties Shield in 1901. Conductor was T.B. Wicks when it played at the Forbury Gardens during the period of the Royal Agricultural Show on 6th-10th July 1926. At that time they were winners of 43 first prizes and four gold medals and winners of the Southern Counties Band Association Championship for 6 years in succession and Winners again in 1924 and 1925. Still active in 1938. James Henry Lowe played for them during the 1920s and 1930s.

Reading Wesleyan Band

Active in 1905

Reapsmoor Club Band (Fawfieldhead - Staffs)

The club was established at the Butcher's Arms in 1835. The band was active in 1862, playing at the club's annual feast in June

Rechabites Brass Band

See: Hoyland Town Silver Prize Band

Red Cliffs Brass Band (Sunraysia area, Australia)

Founded in 1925

Red Street Brass Band (Talke, Staffs)

Active in the 1930s

Redcar Rolling Mills Band

Formed in the 1890s and folded in 1905. Its instruments were sold to Cockerton Band fro £250.

Redcar Steelworks Band

Formed in the 1900s and still active in the 1920s

Redcar Works Band

See: Redcard Steelworks Band

Reddish Prize Band

Formed in 1897 and folded in the 1960s. A successor band was formed in 1991

Redgate Boys Silver Band (St Helens)

Formed in 1949 by Mr Leo Murphy for boys between the ages of 12-21(ish). Active throughout the south Lancashire / Cheshire area, the band often entered International Music Festivals in Holland and Germany in the 1960's / 70's and appeared on 'Opportunity Knocks' in 1967(?). Still playing in 1994, two years after Leo Murphy died. Their last official appearance was at the funeral of Leo Murphy December 1992, when past members joined up with existing members to play together one last time in his memory.

Redheugh Colliery Band (Gateshead)

Formed in the 1890s, but folded in the late 1920s

Redhill Town Band

Active in 1913. Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s

Redland Brass Band (Bristol)

Active in 1864, when they took part in the processions celebrating the official opening of the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.

Reepham Town Band

Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s

Reeth Saxhorn Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1869

Regents Park Road Home Band

See: Camden Boys Home Band

Reid Memorial Band (Belfast)

Formed in 1912 (another source quotes the formation date as 1933). Competed in the Senior Trophy in 1962, conducted by G Corbett. Amalgamated with Hillsborough Silver Band in 1990 to form Downshire Brass

Reid Memorial Silver Band

See: Reid Memorial Band

Reid Silver Band

See: Reid Memorial Band

Reigate Silver Band

See: Reigate Town Silver Band

Reigate Town Silver Band

Active in the 1920s and 1930s. They performed on Saturday nights in Market Square, by the Old Town Hall. Their rehearsals were held in one of the caves off Tunnel Road. Competed in the SCABA contest in Chichester in April 1927.

Renfrew and Dumbarton Artillery Volunteers Band, 1st

See: 1st Renfrew and Dumbarton Artillery Volunteers Band

Renton Brass Band (Scotland)

Resolven Brass Band (Neath)

Active in 1948

Retford Brass Band

Active in 1862

Retford Town Band

Revelstoke Band

Active in 1940

Revo Electric Works Band

See: Revo Works Band

Revo Works Band (Dudley)

Formed in 1880 as Tipton St Martins Band, later known as Dudley Port Prize Band (active in 1897). Became associated with the Revo Works and took their title in 1928. The band's first broadcast, in 1929, was of two hours in length - a record at that time.

Rhayader Town Band

Active in 1880s

Rhiwlas Brass Band (Caernarvonshire)

Active in 1877, 1881

Rhodian Brass (Chesterfield)

Active in 1980s and 1990s

Rhondda Tramways Silver Band

Active in the 1920s

Rhosgadfan Brass Band

Formed in the early 1900s. Later, this band became known as the Moeltryfan Silver Prize Band. During the years following the first world war the noted musician Maw Cadfan (popularly known as Dolo) took charge of the band, and in a very short time the quarrymen of Rhosgadfan had a band of which they could he justly proud. Apart from being a keen bandsman, Alaw Cadfan was also a composer, a fine accompanist, and choir conductor. At the time of the depression in the early 1930s most of the men of Rhosgadfan were unemployed, but that did not prevent the villagers from building a Village Hall on a plot of land between Rhosgadfan and Penyffridd, mainly through voluntary labour. These were the band's best years; the gloom of poverty could not diminish the men's enthusiasm. They had plenty of time to practise during the day and there was no difficulty in getting a full rehearsal almost every night of the week. The hall would be full of keen supporters listening intelligently to the strains of 'Recollections of Verdi'. `Dawn of Spring' or 'Happy Memories'.

Rhosllannerchrugog Brass Band

Otherwise known as Rhos Brass Band, a former name of the current Wrexham Band

Rhymney Band

Gained 3rd prize in a lower section contest at the Crystal Palace in 1910

Rhymney Silver Band (Wales)

Active in 1969 when conducted by Richard Nash. Probably renamed as the Hymac Rhymney Band, which went on to win the Welsh Regional Championships (3rd Section) in 1976

Rhymney Workmen's Institute (Hymac Works) Band

See: Rhymney Silver Band

Ribblesdale Brass Band

Active in 1838 and re-established in 1853

Ribchester Brass Band

Active in 1906

Richard Johnson & Nephew Ltd Band

Active in the 1930s and 1940s

Richardshaw Lane Band (Stanningley)

Richmond (Yorks) Silver Band (Yorkshire)

Richmond Amateur Brass Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1875

Richmond Corporation Brass Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1894

Rickmansworth Town Band

Active in 1907

Ricklinghall Brass Band (Suffolk)

Active until 1950 when the remaining members joined the Gislingham Band.

Riddings Band (Derbyshire)

The village is famous for its two windmills (no longer standing), whose named Sarah and James after the children of the man who built them. The band was formed in the 1970s and rose all the way to the Championship section. It folded in 2007.

Riddings Prize Band (Derbyshire)

Active in 1899

Ridgeway Brass Band (near Sheffield)

Founded in 1888, some seventy pounds was spent on the instruments and equipment and the Church School was their headquarters. Mr John Keeton was the first conductor, followed by his son-in-law, John Taylor, and then finally by Charles E. Fisher, when the band subsequently folded from lack of recruits.

Rifle Volunteers Royal Scots Band, 4th

See: 4th Rifle Volunteers Royal Scots Band

Rillington Brass Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1891 and 1912

Ringley Church School Band

Active in 1873, when they headed a procession in June of 1873 to celebrate a Royal visit to Bolton.

Ringwood Citizens Brass Band (Australia)

Ripley Primitive Methodist Brass Band (Derbyshire)

Active in 1896

Ripley Silver Prize Band (Derbyshire)

Ripley Town Brass Band (Derbyshire)

Active in 1899

Ripley United Band (Derbyshire)

Took part in the 44th Annual Temperance procession on Whit Monday in 1915. Starting from Somercotes, a sea of banners, flags and gaily decorated floats proceeded through Leabrooks and Riddings, gathering strength as it marched, and parading the village of Ironville before winding its way up to the Jessop Monument in Codnor Park. Won the Crystal Palace Shield in 1922 and 1923. By then they had won 17 firsts, 11 seconds, 3 thirds and 20 special prizes. Under the name of Ripley United Silver Prize Band (conductor W.J. Saint) it entered the Spondon contest in 1926. Winners of the 'Daily Sketch' Cup and Junior Championships, 3rd Section, at the Crystal Palace on 27th September 1930.

Ripley United Silver Prize Band

See: Ripley United Band

Ripon Excelsior Brass Band

Active in 1868

Ripponden Brass Band

Active in 1856. Merged with Hudderfield Brass in 2006 to form Huddersfield & Ripponden Brass

Risca North Colliery Band

Formed in 1871, with William Palmer as bandmaster. The colliery itself was only opened that year and continued to produce coal until 1963. Some of its members went on to found the Crosskeys Prize Band in 1902

Risca Town Military Band

Some of its members went on to found the Crosskeys Prize Band in 1902

Rise Carr Rolling Mills Band

Disbanded in 1905. Its silver-plated instruments were purchased by the Cockerton Brass Band, which then renamed itself the Cockerton Silver Band.

Riseley Brass Band (Bedfordshire)

Active in 1910

Rishton Brass Band (Preston)

Lancashire Quarter Sessions - Preston, Midsummer 1904 - "Notice and grounds of appeal of Walter Albert Duckworth, weaver, and Secretary of Rishton Brass Band Institute, and Joshua Duckworth, steward, against order that the club be struck off the register of clubs following complaint of John Smith McKeand of Church, superintendent of police" Then, "Order of the Court of Summary Jurisdiction that Rishton Brass Band Institute be struck off the register of clubs for habitually contravening the rules"

Rishton Subscription Band

Active in 1875, 1884 and 1889

Rishworth and Ryburn Valley Brass Band

Won third place in the Junior Cup at the Crystal Palace in 1906

Rishworth Brass Band (Ripponden)

Active in 1878

Rising Sun Colliery Band (Wallsend)

See: Wallsend Colliery Band

Rist's Cable Works Band (Newcastle-under-Lyme)

Active in 1952, when they organised their own slow melody contest. Still playing in the early 1960s, conducted by William Skelton.

Rist's Wires & Cables Band

See: Rist's Cable Works Band

Riverside Brass (Glasgow)

RNR (Tay Division) Brass Band

Active in the 1970s. Won the 4th Section National Championships in 1973

Roade Brass Band

Active in 1863 when it took part in a summer festival in July in the village. There may also have been a band around 1937 connected to the local manufacturer - "Pianoforte Supplies Ltd"

Roadwater Brass Band (Somerset)

Formed in 1878 and were still active in 1933. Mark Bodenham recounts, "my great-grandad, Tom Ridler, was the bandmaster and I have a few pictures of the band including one with my grandad, Reg Ridler, with his father and 7 brothers!" In 1933, The father, Mr. T. Ridler, who was in his 69th year, was the conductor. The youngest member was 12, and was a cornet player, like his father. The other playing members of the family were T. Ridler, jun., solo cornet; R. Ridler, second cornet; B. Ridler, baritone; W. Ridler, euphonium; C. Ridler, bombardon; and S. Ridler, drums. All were taught by their father. Bandmaster Ridler, as a young man, joined the once famous Bridgtown Brass Band, of whom he became conductor. He played also in Dulverton and Bampton Bands, and was a founder of Roadwater Band.

Robin Hood Band (Burton-on-Trent)

Active in the 1890s

Robin Hood Band (Cinderford)

Active in mid 1850s

Robin Hood Band (Wakefield)

Robin Hood Brass Band (Chester)

Active in 1878 to 1887

Robin Hood Rifles Band

Active in 1907

Rocester Band (Staffordshire)

Active in the 1950s

Rocester Saxhorn Band (Staffordshire)

Active in 1867

Rochdale Amateur Band

Instituted in 1879

Rochdale Borough Band

Active in 1877 and 1885

Rochdale Borough Prize Band

See: Rochdale Borough Band

Rochdale British Legion Band

Active in the 1940/50s

Rochdale Healey Hall Band

Active in 1867

Rochdale Old Band

Active in 1880s to 1900s, and 1932

Rochdale Platting Public Band

See: Platting Public Band

Rochdale Police Band

Active in 1882

Rochdale Public Prize Brass Band

Active in 1929

Rochdale Scout Band

Active in 1918

Rochdale Wilsons Band

Rochester City Band (Kent)

Roding Valley Band (Essex)

Active in 1907

Roffey Mission Band (Sussex)

Rolls Royce (Northern Factories) Band (Barnoldswick)

Had a brief but successful existence during the 1950's and 60's competing at Belle Vue on numerous occasions (Senior Trophy).

Romford Band

Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s

Romford Borough Band

See: Romford Band

Romford Silver Prize Band

Active in 1928, and in 1935, when it provided a wreath to the funeral of James Hawkins, founder of Romford Town Band.

Romford Town Band

Founded by James Henry Hawkins (1856-1935) and Councllor Poole. Hawkins was the Bandleader for many years. From the Police Review Newspaper, 19 Nov 1909: "Essex Constable appointed Bandmaster.- The Romford Town Band Committee have appointed PC Dawkins, of the Essex Constabulary, to be their bandmaster. PC Dawkins is already conductor of the Romford Orchestral Society, a large flourishing body." He had a musical training at Kneller Hall, the Military College of Music, and retired from the Army with the rank of band corporal. He saw service in Egypt, and was the holder of the Khedive Star with bar and the Queen's Silver Medal. He was in the battles of El Teb and Tammaai. Altogether he was thirteen years with the Hussars. On leaving the Army he joined the Essex Constabulary, and in 30 years' service was stationed at Southend, Collier Row, Harold Wood, and Romford, where he was divisional clerk for 15 1/2 years. In 1915 he retired on pension. He was passionately fond of music, and with the late Mr. W. Poole, J.P., inaugurated the Romford Town Band. For 25 years he was bandmaster, and was succeeded by his son, Mr. H. C. Dawkins"

Romsey Town Band (Hampshire)

Active in the early 1900s

Roneo Alcatel Band

See: Hanwell Band

Roneo Vickers Band

See: Hanwell Band

Rookhope Band

See: Upper Weardale Band

Rootes Royal Band (Goudhurst?, Kent)

In existence before and after 1887. Legend has it that they gained their "Royal" title by coming first in a band competition in 1872, in front of Prince Alfred, the first Duke of Edinburgh. The mainstay of this particular band was William Rootes and five of his sons, although there were other non-family members.

Rosedale Abbey Brass Band

Active in 1888

Rosedale Abbey Temperance Band

See: Rosedale Abbey Brass Band

Rosedale 'Blue Ribbon' Temperance Band

Active in 1895

Rosedale Brass Band (Yorkshire)

Active in 1886 and 1900

Rosedale Temperance Band

Active in the early 1900s

Rosehill Band of the Salvation Army Assurance Society (Reading)

Formed September 1939.

Rossington Colliery Band (Doncaster)

Records of the band from 1922-1931 are held by the Lincolnshire Archives. Known as Rossington Colliery Welfare Silver Prize Band in 1959, and later known as Polypipe (Rossington) Band.

Rossington Colliery Welfare Silver Prize Band

See: Rossington Colliery Band

Rossington Main Colliery Welfare Band

See: Rossington Colliery Band

Rosslyn Hill Brass Band (Hampstead)

Founded as early as 1866, played on summer Saturday evenings on Hampstead Heath in the 1880s/90s

Ross-on-Wye Town Band (1)

Formed in the 1850's, it played at the opening of Ross Railway Station in 1855. It probably folded during the Great War.

Ross-on-Wye Town Band (2)

Formed in 1924. There was a break in 1940 for the duration of the war and the band folded in 1973. A successor band was formed in 1985.

Rotherham and Masbro' Band

Active in 1871

Rotherham Borough Band

Active in 1892, the 1900s and 1926

Rotherham Main Brass Band

Active between 1905-1915

Rotherham Temperance Band

Active in 1894. In 1897 won the quickstep march contest held in Doncaster, as part of the Agricultural Show at the Racecourse, on 30 June 1898 (yielding the test piece and own choice contests to Besses and Black Dyke Bands)

Rotherham Town Band

Active in the 1980s. Merged with the Whiston Brass Band in 1989.

Rothwell Haigh Band

Active in 1878

Rothwell Model Band

See: Rothwell Old Band

Rothwell Old Band

Originally Rothwell Model Band until 1881, it was still active in the 1960s

Rough Lea Colliery Band (Hunwick)

Formed in the 1890s and still active in 1915

Rowlands Gill Band (near Newcastle)

Probably associated with the Lilley Drift mine at this village. Formed in the 1900s.

Rowledge Brass Band (Surrey)

Active in the early 1900s

Rowsham Brass Band

Active in the 1920s. A successor band was formed in 1999, active in the local community playing at fetes, garden parties and the like.

Royal Asylum for the Blind Brass Band (Glasgow)

Active in 1863 and 1908, based at 100 Castle Street, Glasgow. Still active in 1928, conducted by Thomas Scott

Royal Blind Asylum Band (Edinburgh)

Active in the 1940s/1950s. Probably folded in the 1960s.

Royal Doulton Band

Formerly known as the North Staffordshire Concert Band (to 1973), it disbanded in 1995

Royal Earlswood Hospital Brass Band (Redhill)

Active in 1885 - a list exists of members of the brass band (surnames and instruments) with a note that they are to be paid £2 per annum in addition to their ordinary wages. Also known as the Royal Earlswood Hospital Patient's Band

Royal Eastern Counties Asylum Band

See: Band of the Royal Eastern Counties Asylum

Royal Engineers (Chorlton-cum-Hardy) Band

Active in the 1930s

Royal Flying Corps Aircraft Park Band (Ascot)

Active in 1917

Royal George Brass Band (Oldham)

Active in 1886 and 1965

Royal George Prize Band

See: Royal George Brass Band

Royal Gloucestershire Hussars (T.A.) Band

Competed in the 1962 West of England Regional Championships (4th Section), conducted by E. Hopkins

Royal Leamington Spa Silver Band

Formed around the end of 1954, when the Kenilworth Town Band folded and some of its players set up this band. Around 1957 the remaining members of Cubbington Silver Band amalgamated with the band, together with some members from the Bishops Itchington Imperial Band. It went into decline from 1960 and ceased as a band in 1972. A successor band was formed a year later.

Royal Naval Volunteer Band (Bristol Division)

Royal Navy Portsmouth Barracks Band

Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. Still active in 1947. Also known as the Portsmouth Blue Jackets Band

Royal Navy Torpedo Factory Band (Newark)

Active in 1917

Royal Ordnance Factory Social Association (Chorley) Band

Competed in the First Annual Brass Band Contest organised by Wigan Borough Prize Band in 1943 (conducted by W. Haydock).

Royal Penrhyn Brass Band

See: Penryhn Quarries Brass Band

Royal Spa Band (Leamington)

See Royal Leamington Spa Silver Band

Royal Tunbridge Wells and District Federation Band

Active in 1930

Royal Vaynol Brass Band

Active in 1884, when it won first prize in the Festiniog Eisteddfod brass band contest.

Royal Yacht Club Brass Band (Sunderland)

Active in 1859, when it was disqualified from the band contest at Felton for having some professional members.

Royston Colliery Prize Band

Active in the 1900s

Royston Drift Mine Band

Active in 1978

Royston New Monckton Colliery Institute Band (South Yorkshire)

Active in the 1920s to 1960s. Active in 1962, when it competed in the Senior Trophy, conducted by J Armstrong.

Royston Silver Band

Active in the 1940s

Royston Subscription Band

Active in the 1930s

Royton Brass Band (Oldham)

Active in 1900

Royton Prize Band (Oldham)

Active in 1932

Royton Public Prize Brass Band

See: Royton Brass Band

Ruardean Village Band (Gloucestershire)

Formed around 1900, reformed in 1945 after the War and disbanded 1959-60. Band and choir contests were held in the village from before 1910 until the late 1970s.

Ruddington Prize Silver Band (Nottinghamshire)

Active around 1890s, 1900s

Rudgwick Band (Sussex)

Competed in the SCABA contest in Chichester in April 1927. Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s.

Rudgwick Silver Band

See: Rudgwick Band

Rufford Brass Band (Lancashire)

The band came into existance in the late part of the nineteenth centuary as Rufford Temperance Band and survived until the early 1950s. At the turn of the 20th certury the band rehearsed in the Hesketh Arms, which probably explaines the loss of the 'Temperance' part of their name! Photographs show the band leading such events as the village Summer Gala (1910) and the Annual Rufford Tea Party (1930s). In 1911 the Bandmaster was James Southworth, in 1919 it was Tom Salthouse and at its demise it was Harry Draper.

Rufford Brass Band (Nottinghamshire)

Active in 1859, 1862

Rufford Colliery Band

Rufford Temperance Band

See: Rufford Brass Band

Rugby Steam Sheds Band

Active in 1912 and 1936

Rugby Steam Sheds Prize Band

See: Rugby Steam Sheds Band

Rugby Town Band

Active in 1897. Was entered in the Overseal Brass Band Contest in 1921, under conductor Roscoe Walters, but withdrew without playing. Played at the Rugby Police Charity Sports Day, Clifton Road, Rugby, on 17th September 1921. Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s.

Rugeley Band

See: Rugeley Silver Band

Rugeley Company Band, 2nd Volunteer Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment (Rugeley)

Active between 1883 and 1908

Rugeley Comrades Band

Formed after the end of WW1. Later became the Rugeley Progressive Working Men's Club Band, active in the 1930s.

Rugeley Progressive Working Men's Club Band

See: Rugeley Comrades Band

Rugeley Silver Band

Active in the 1890s

Runcorn Harmonic Band (Cheshire)

Active in the 1860s and 1890s

Runcorn Pioneer Band

See: Runcorn Pioneer Prize Band

Runcorn Pioneer Prize Band (Cheshire)

Active shortly after WW1 when the band took part in the Runcorn Festival which was held to raise funds for the hospital. Still active in 1933 and also the 1960s

Runcorn Silver Band

Active in the 1930s

Runcorn Volunteers Band

Active in 1883

Runnymede Brass

Originally a breakaway group from Egham Band in the 70's, they achieved some successes with David Baker then David Lancaster at the helm, reaching the top three in the first section London Area Contest in 1995. The band then broke up and the brief emergence of Thames Brass from the ashes was also, sadly, short lived.

Rush Green Band (Essex)

Rushall and Charlton Silver Band (Wiltshire)

Active in the 1950s, disbanded some time after the 1960s

Rushden Colliery Band

Active in 1953

Ruskington Band (Lincolnshire)

Rustington Silver Band (West Sussex)

Active in the early 1900s

Ruston & Hornsby Band

Active in the 1920s and 1952. Ruston & Hornsby Ltd. were engine builders and boilermakers

Ruston Engineers Silver Prize Band

See: Ruston & Hornsby Band

Rutherglen Burgh Band (Scotland)

Active in 1905 through 1933. John Keith was a member during that period.

Ruthin Borough Band

Active in 1933 - probably the same as Ruthin Town Band

Ruthin Town Band

Active in 1914, and folded around 1958. The band was officially disbanded by the Ruthin Town Council in 1962 when it was resolved that all instruments etc., be donated to the Brynhyfryd School, Ruthin for the benefit/use of its pupils.

Rutland Mills Band (Wakefield)

Founded in 1874

Rutland Police Band

Ryburn & Blackburn Valley Band

Active in the 1980s

Ryburn Brass Band

Active in 1988

Ryde A.T.C. Band

Competed in the 2nd Annual Open Brass Band Festival at the Wesley Central Hall, Portsmouth (organised by the Portsmouth City Fire Brigade Prize Band), on Saturday 16th September 1950.

Ryde Town Band

Active around 1900

Rye Hill Mission Band (Slaley)

Active in the 1900s

Rye Town Band

Took part in the Royal Tunbridge Wells & District Band Federation 27th Annual Band Festival (4th Section), 14th May 1955, gaining 1st place and £10 and the Wimshurst Challenge Cup. Playing The Chieftain by J.A. Greenwood and adjudicated by Harry Mortimer

Ryhill & Havercroft Band (Yorkshire)

Active in the 1970s

Ryhill Silver Prize Band (South Yorkshire)

Active in the 1950s. Competed in the Junior Cup in 1962, conducted by F.T. Smith.

Ryhope Colliery Band (1)

Active in 1883 and 1898, but probably folded before or during WW1.

Ryhope Colliery Band (2)

Formed in 1921. In the 1980s changed its name for a period to Echo Ryhope Colliery Band with sponsorship from the Sunderland Echo newspaper. It had folded by 2000.

Rylstone Band (Isle of Wight)

See: Shanklin Town Band

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