IBEW - Extinct Brass Bands

Extinct Brass Bands

Extinct Brass Bands

Of the many brass bands that have flourished in Britain over the last 150 years very few have documented records covering their history. This page is an attempt to collect together information about such bands and make it available to all. Over 3,900 extinct bands are recorded here. Where "active" dates are given these indicate documented appearances - the bands may well have existed beyond those dates quoted. Any contributions of material, information, pictures, or suggestions, references etc. are more than welcome. Where the material warrants it, a separate page or archive will be established for particular bands.
For the purposes of this list any bands which amalgamate are both regarded as having "ceased" to form the new band. Also any band with a significant gap in its activity and a subsequent reformation is regarded as having folded at that point. Where the results are a band that still exists, this is noted.
Various bands have changed their names several times over the years, which makes tracking them down more difficult. Any details of "family tree" relationships between bands and their names will also be welcome. Finally, if any band appearing on this list is still active, please let me know!

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

Please send any additions, corrections, comments or material to

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S.H. & W.R. Wallsend Shipyard Band
Sabden Public Band: Active in the 1960s
Sacriston Colliery Band: Formed before 1900 and active up to 1939. Probably folded thenabouts. A successor band was formed in 1967
Saddleworth Band (Yorkshire)
Saddleworth & Haybottoms Band: Active in 1853
Saddleworth Rifles Band: Active in 1872
Saffron Walden Town Band: Active in 1887
Saffron Walden Excelsior Band: Active in the late 1800s, formed by Fred Pitstow, the first bandmaster, who was succeeded by his brother Ernest Pitstow. The band folded in the early 1900s.
Sailors' Orphans Band (Newland, Hull): Active in the late 19th century. The band was composed of children from the Port of Hull Society's Sailors' Orphans' Homes, a forerunner of the Newland Orphan Homes which was in existence in the 1920s. Today the Sailors Families Society seems to be the descendant of those earlier Orphans societies.
St Albans City and British Legion Band: Active in 1953
St Andrews Band (North Shields): Formed in the 1900s and folded around WW2
St Andrews Brass Band (Fife): Active in 1928, conducted by John Faulds
St Andrews Junior Prize Band (Hull): Formed in 1914 and active in the 1920s. A postcard was published with the following rhyme on it: "Hail to St Andrews Junior Band! Which side by older players take a stand; 'Tis wonderful that boys so young as these should play so well, as e'en to critics please. Diligence and good tuition tell the reason why they do succeed so well; for each lad tries to do what he is told - the Band thus helps the character to mould. 'Twas in November, nineteen-fourteen, in West Hull that its humble birth was seen, but, like the acorn in the wayside sown, it now has to a health sapling grown. Large sums for charities their help has raised, For which they have been well and duly praised; the widows and the orphans' hearts are full of thanks to these little boys of Hull. No sect or section has the slightest claim, except the good of mankind be the aim - for each and all the Band has freely played; no charge, except expenses, has been made. If of assistance you should be in need, at times when you're engaged in noble deed, and helpfully you find the band could use; invite them. They're not likely to refuse."
The band won first prize in the Boys Sections, with the Wood Challenge Cup, at the National Brass Band Festival at the Crystal Palace in September 1920.
St Ann's Band (Leeds)
St Anne's Band (Lytham): Active in 1938
St Anne's Subscription Band: Active in 1930
St Augustine's Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
St Bartholomew's Band (Wilmslow): Active in 1933
St Bede's Band (South Shields): Active in 1877. Came third in a contest in North Shields, £3, conducted by Mr Moyneugh
St Bees Brass Band (Cumberland): Founded about 1860, ceased to play about 1930. Perhaps because of the many miners in the village, St. Bees had its own brass band. At its peak it had about 20 players and played for village fetes and dances. In 1917, fearing that the instruments might be split up, the Band made the Parish Council the trustees of the instruments and the "Band Room". However, interest was not sustained, and by 1924 the Parish Council was enquiring if the band was still functioning. In 1929, after a silver cornet was stolen, the band was dissolved, and the Council stored the instruments under the stage in Hodgetts Club upper room, where they gathered dust. The Band Room was a corrugated iron shed built in 1914 down Gas House Lonning. After 1929 it lay unused, until in 1933 the St. Bees Unemployed Men's Club and the St. Bees (pigeon) Flying Club used it for their meetings. There were several requests to use the instruments but the Trust agreement stipulated that they could only be used by the St. Bees Village Band. Since this was defunct, they could not be used at all. The instruments were preserved; but in silence. The sad end of this story of village music making was in 1947, when the instruments were finally sold for ś50 to Boosey & Hawkes, the money raised going to the Pagan Trust fund. A year later the redundant Band Room was disposed of for ś23.
Thanks to Douglas Sim, doug.sim@btinternet.com, for these details
St Blazey and District Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
St Buryan Independant Brass Band (Cornwall)
St Cleer Brass Band (Cornwall): Active in 1905
St Columb Band (Cornwall): Active between 1912 and 1923
St Columb Major Town Band: See: St Columb Band
St Columb Minor Band (Cornwall)
St Cyprian's Brass Band (Manchester): Active in 1926
St Dennis Temperance Brass Band: Active in 1910
St Edmund's Bury Brass Band (Bury St Edmunds): Active in 1833
St Erth Independant Brass Band (Cornwall)
St Erth Silver Band (Cornwall): Active in the 1920s
St Francis Band (Gorton)
St Francis Silver Band (Glasgow): Active in 1928, conducted by W. E. Anderson
St George's (Pendleton) Band: Active in 1883, when some of its members played at the funeral of John Leah, trombonist in the Pendleton Brass Band.
St George's Church Institute Band (Chorley): Formed in 1900 and set to work at once to buy a set of instruments at a cost of over £200 and also a complete set of uniforms. It seems that the band was a highly successful part of the Church's life but unfortunately the group was later disbanded and the instruments sold.
St George's Old Band
St George's Silver Band (Hull)
St George's Temperance Band: See Lilleshall Colliery Band
St Giles Church Band (Killamarsh)
St Helens (Ore) Band (Hastings): Active in 1933
St Helens Town Band
St Hilda Band: See: St Hilda Colliery Band
St Hilda Colliery Band (South Shields): Formed in 1869 by John Dennison of the 3rd Durham Artillery Volunteers Band, at the request of a group of miners, under the name of St Hilda Colliery Brass Band. In the early years the band was also known at times as, "Dennison's Family Band", "Dennison's Borough Band", and "South Shields Borough Band". Financial help was obtained from the St Hilda Miners' Lodge in 1905 and the band was renamed St Hilda Colliery Silver Band, appointing JA Greenwood as its conductor - the first of several professional conductors to lead the band to the very top. Contest successes prior to the First World War and thereafter in the early 1920s demonstrated their position as one of the leading bands of the day. When the colliery closed in 1925 the band continued under the name of St Hilda Band, but with the members relying on the engagements and contest wins for their living. This resulted in them being barred from contesting as a "professional" band. After ten years as a professional band St Hildas Band folded in 1937. See also a fuller article here.
St Hilda Colliery Band (2) (South Shields): Another band was formed in 1930, achieving success at several local contests, but was disbanded 1940
St Hilda Colliery Brass Band: See: St Hilda Colliery Band
St Hilda Colliery Silver Band: See: St Hilda Colliery Band
St Issey Silver Band (Wadebridge): Active in 1930
St Ives Town Band (Cambridgeshire): Active in the 1970s
St Ives Town Band (Cornwall): Formed in 1879, disbanded in 2004 - the remaining members forming St Ives Concert Band with the addition of woodwind and electric instruments.
St Issey Brass Band (Cornwall)
St James Band (Doncaster)
St James's Birch Brass Band: Active in 1902 when it led the Fallowfield Parochial celebrations for the coronation of Edward VII
St James Church of England Brass Band (Rusholme, Manchester): Active in 1897
St James Band (Gorton): Active in 1884/1886
St John Ambulance Band (Bentley Colliery): Active in the 1930s
St John Ambulance Band (Castleford)
St John Ambulance Silver Band (Weston-Super-Mare)
St John Ambulance Silver Band (Southport): Active in 1991
St John's Band: Attached to Farnworth Parish Church in the early 1860s. Several of its members joined the Barnes Band (Farnworth) around that time.
St John's Brass Band (Irlam): Formed in 1880s
St John's Cathedral Brass Band (Manchester): Provided musical entertainment and accompanied a ceremony to cut the sod for the new St James' Catholic Church School, Seedley, on 20th August 1910
St John's (C. of E.) Brass Band (Weston, Runcorn): Active in the 1860s
St John's Church Mission Brass Band (Workington): Active in 1892 when it took part in a concert with Workington Vocal Union Voice Choir
St John's Parish Church Band (Roughtown, Mossley): Active in the 1930s and 1940s
St John's Port Glasgow Band
St John's Prize Band
St Josephs Brass Band (Dumfries): Active in the late 1800s
St Josephs Brass Band (Bedford, Leigh): The band organised a contest in September 1884 at which the St Thomas' Band Bedford competed. The event was well reported in the both the Leigh Chronicle and the Leigh Journal with the St Thomas' Band under their conductor, Mr. J Frost, claiming the third prize of ś2. The first prize going to Atherton Volunteers and the second to Farnworth Public. For the full press report of the contest click here
St Just Boys Silver Band (Cornwall)
St Just Old Town Band (Cornwall)
St Lawrence Silver Prize Band (Longridge, Scotland): Active around 1905
St Lawrence's Subscription Prize Band: See: St Lawrence Silver Prize Band
St Leonard's Silver Band (Newark)
St Luke's Brass Band (Bolton)
St Margaret's Old Brass Band (Dundee): Active in 1899 when they met at Wilson Street, Lochee
St Martin's Town Band (Cornwall): Active in 1913 through 1962
Saint Mary's Parish Brass Band (Melbourne, Australia): Active around 1900
St Mawgan Band (Cornwall)
St Merryn Band (Cornwall)
St Mawnan Band (Cornwall)
St Michael & All Angels' Brass Band (Poplar)
St Michael's Church Band (Manchester)
St Minver Brass Band (Cornwall): Attended their first contest by motor coach in 1921
St Pancras (M.R.) Prize Band (London): See: St Pancras Midlands Railway Prize Band
St Pancras Midlands Railway Prize Band (London): Active in the early 1900s
St Paul's Band (Hyde): See: St Paul's Catholic Brass Band
St Paul's Brass Band (York): Known to be active between 1900 and 1904, later known as St Paul's New Silver Band
St Paul's Catholic Brass Band (Hyde, Manchester): Active in 1863. Was founded and encouraged by Father Hill, whose musical abilities had been of great use in training the boys in the use of their instruments. On 17th October 1870 a concert was given in the St Paul's school, to raise money for the purchase of new instruments and the repair of existing instruments for the St Paul’s Catholic Brass Band. Under the leadership of Mr J R Kilroy, the Band played a selection of Irish Airs, whilst Misses Georgeson, Wilson, and Carroll sang sentimental ballads, such as ‘I’m lonely since my mother died’. In 1872, the annual concert in aid of the Brass Band funds was held on the 30th September, and the audience overflowed, and a repeat performance was promised to satisfy the clamour. In 1877 the band played 'The Dead March of Saul' at a funeral in Dukinfield. In 1885 the band played at the opening of the new town hall in Hyde.
St Paul's Church Band (Stratford, London)
St Paul's New Silver Band: See: St Paul's Brass Band
St Peter's Band: Cardiff, 1911
St Saviour's Silver Band (Splot, Cardiff)
St Stephen Town Band (Cornwall)
St Teath Brass Band (Cornwall)
St Thomas' Band Bedford: See: Bedford (Leigh) Band
Saltcoats Burgh Band: Founded in 1903. In August 1903 a cycle parade on behalf of the Band fund raised Ł14. In April 1904 the bandmen made their first appearance in their new uniforms. On July 22, 1904 a musical fete and promenade concert, organised by Mr Walter Freer on behalf of Saltcoats Burgh Band Fund, took place in the Holm Plantation on Saturday afternoon. In October 1904 Saltcoats Burgh Band's three-days bazaar realised Ł476!
Sale & Ashton-on-Mersey British Legion Band: Active in 1949
Salem Chapel Silver Band: Active in the 1930s
Salem Mission Band (North Shields): Active in the 1900s/1910s
Salford and District (Temperance) Silver Band: Formed on 18th March 1909.
Salford Band: Active in 1944
Salford Cottage Homes Band (Manchester): On a picture of the band (probably from the early 1900s) are the lines: Here at the Homes, there is a band. And the way they play is something grand; There's many a band, that I can tell, Older and bigger, don't play so well.
Salford Docks Mission Band
Salford Iron Works Band: Active in the 1880s. Supported by Messrs. Mather and Platt's Ironworks in Salford. Conducted by James Holgate in 1884.
Salford Police Band: Active in 1903 when it played at the first municipal concert in the Teneriffe Street Hall, Salford. The audience was estimated at over 1,000 and many were unable to get in.
Salford Silver Band: Active in 1910, when it "relieved the tedium" by playing for the crowds awaiting the return, at Salford Station, of two Salford Rugby Union players from a tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Salford Workhouse Band: Active in 1880
Salisbury City Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Salt Union Brass Band(Weston Point, Cheshire): Active in the late 1800s - may be the same as the Salt Union Ltd. (Winsford Works) Band?
Salt Union Ltd. (Winsford Works) Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Saltash Town Band: Formed in 1919 at the Working Men's Club in Saltash. The band was active until the outbreak of the Second World War. Unfortunately, all the band's instruments and equipment were placed on a barge moored in the River Tamar and were lost during a bombing raid! Thereafter the band folded. [A new Saltash Town Band was formed in 1975]
Saltaire Band: Formed in 1855 by Titus Salt for his employees at the Saltaire Mill, its first conductor was Joseph Paley whose son, John, became a legendary cornet player, playing with bands as diverse as Black Dyke, situated on the other side of Bradford and Patrick Gilmore's Band in America. It was also conducted at one time in its early years by Richard Smith who launched the Champion Brass Band Journal in 1857 and then his music publishing business R Smith & Co. in 1878. A number of local contests were attended up to 1869, bringing in a few prizes. The band then appeared in the Belle Vue September contests of 1872-1974 conducted by John Gladney, gaining a 2nd prize in 1872 and a 5th in 1874. After this it assumed the status of an ordinary village band, though the mills still owned the instruments. Brass Band News reported in March 1894: "Many old contestors will learn with regret that the once famous Saltaire Brass Band is no more, the instruments and all properties having been called in by the Company. So passes away the remains of one of the best bands Yorkshire ever produced."
Saltaire Mills Band: See: Salts Silver Band
Saltaire Subscription Band: See: Salts Silver Band
Saltcoats Burgh Band: Active in 1907
Salts Silver Band: Formed in 1932, by Herbert Bowdin Hawley (MD of Hammonds Sauce Works Company, at Shipley). It competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. Brass Band News reported in March 1932: "Salts Silver, under the tuition of Mr H B Hawley, are making remarkable progress. This is a newly-formed band of 24 enthusiastic performers who mean business. Their practice-room is in the Royal Café, Saltaire, kindly provided rent-free by Messrs. Salts of Saltaire. Mr Hawley has gradually built up this combination to his own liking, and is taking them to their first contest at Pudsey on March 25th. Mr Hawley is a local organist and composer, and will not be satisfied with his band until it sounds like his organ. A prize at Pudsey is their determination." The band became a member of the Harrogate & District Brass Band Association, of which Mr Hawley was an official. It was at one of the Association's contests, held in Saltaire in May 1934, that the new band achieved its first win. The band played in the first section, which had an entry of 12 bands, so this was quite an achievement for a two-year-old band. It regularly changed its name, appearing not only as Salts Silver, but also as Saltaire Mills, Saltaire Subscription and Salts (Saltaire). It was offered a broadcast engagement by the BBC in November 1936, when Frank Haigh, a noted Bradford cornet player was playing principal cornet. In 1937 Salts Band provided music for the visit to Shipley of the King and Queen and by now its conductor, 'H B', was proving to be something of a composer, with a number of published marches to his name. In the latter part of 1940 Mr Hawley engaged Noel Thorpe as professional conductor, and in 1945 Harry Grace, a successful Bradford brass band conductor succeeded Noel Thorpe. Early in 1946 HB Hawley decided to form a new junior band. For a short time the juniors and the older band existed side by side, but without Mr Hawley's drive, interest at Salts waned and the band completed its last engagement in July 1946. Several of its members joined the new group, which also acquired the old band's music library and some instruments. This junior band was to become the Hammonds Sauce Works Band
Salts (Saltaire) Band: See: Salts Silver Band
Sam Smiths Old Brewery Band: Active in the 1980s
Sandbach Volunteers Band (Cheshire): Active in the early 1900s. Formed by William Bagnall, also known as Bagnall's Band, or "Baggies Band".
Sandford Brass Band (Australia): Formed around 1881 - due to the musical stimulus brought to the district by the talented Holmes brothers who were operating the local Flour Mill. In 1888 the band combined with the Casterton Brass band and changed its name to the Glenelg Brass Band, with John Holmes as Bandmaster.
Sandiacre Brass Band: Active in 1926, when it entered the Spondon Contest, conducted by W. Wells
Sandown Prize Band (Isle of Wight): Active in the 1920s
Sandye Place School Band: See: Sandye Silver Band
Sandye Silver Band (Bedfordshire): The origins of the Band go back to 10 March 1962, when a quartet of musicians at Sandye Place School played for morning assembly under the direction of the music teacher, Peter Kneale. Within a year this grew into Sandye Place School Band, consisting of pupils and teachers. In 1966, when several members of the Band left school, Peter Kneale formed the Sandye Place School Band. In October 1967 the first committee was formed to run the band and in July of the following year the name was changed to Sandye Silver Band. In July 1969 the Band left the further education system and became a fully independent self-supporting organisation. Also in 1969 the Band affiliated to the London and Home Counties Brass Band Association so that band contests could be entered. In 1971, after only two years of competition, the Band qualified for the finals of the National Brass Band Championship (Fourth Section), and finished in eleventh position. On two occasions, in 1968 and 1975, the Band won the Brass Band Class at the Bedfordshire Music Festival. During the early 1970s the Band performed many engagements, both at nearby and distant venues. In 1973 the founder Peter Kneale left and was succeeded by Duncan Wells of Dunstable, a player with Hendon Band. The number of players declined, and with them the number of engagements, but the 1980 season proved to be the busiest to date. In the previous April the Band moved from its birthplace at Sandye Place School to the new Sandy Upper School where rehearsal facilities were more convenient. During the 1980s the Band enjoyed continued success, but following the loss of number of key members in 1989 the decision was made to suspend activities and put all equipment and assets into storage. The Band Trustees continued to meet, however, but at the seventh annual general meeting, in March 1997, it was decided that there was no realistic chance of the Band reforming and that the remaining assets should be sold and the Band dissolved At the final AGM, on 16 March 1998, it was reported that the sale of the instruments and music had raised Ł3,065. At the same meeting it was decided to lodge the Band's records with the Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Record Service.
Sankey's Castle Works Band: Active in 1937. Disbanded in 1961. For more information see Web Link
Saracen Brass (Cornwall): Formed by former pupils of Penryn School to continue playing after leaving school. Active in the 1980s and folded in the late 1980s.
Sawley Brotherhood Band: Active in 1926, when it entered the Spondon Contest, conducted by F. Yeomand
Sawley Excelsior Band: Active in 1935
Sawston Brass Band (Cambridgeshire): Looking remarkably smart in their new uniforms, welcomed returning soldiers from the Boer War at Linton in July 1901, and headed their village Friendly Society parade in July 1902.
Saxthorpe and Corpusty Band (Norfolk)
Saxthorpe Village Band: See: Saxthorpe and Corpusty Band
Scalford Brass Band (Leicestershire): Active in the 1900s
Scapegoat Hill Band (Huddersfield): Founded in 1854 and still active in 1979, though it probably folded in the following year (1980). That year saw the birth of Vintage Brass - a band originally consisting of members of the Scapegoat Hill Band. Competed in the Junior Shield in 1962, conducted by F. Gledhill. At one time the band had attended a musical competition and was successful in gaining first prize. Celebrations followed and the band returned home to the village. Not wanting to disturb the residents, they removed their boots and tip-toed along. However, they continued to play their instruments at full blast! In an Huddersfield Examiner article of 11 June 1938, the legend is similarly described by James Walton, with the added detail that the band was playing 'See the Conquering Hero Comes' as they tip-toed.
Scarborough Borough Prize Band: Active in 1926
Scarborough Postmen's Band: Formed shortly before 1887
Scarborough Town Band: Active in the 1970s
Scarcliffe Brass Band (Derbyshire): Active in the early 1900s
Scholes Band (Yorkshire)
Schreiber Band: Active in 1978
Scotter Silver Band: Active in the 1940s
Scottish Dyes Band (Grangemouth): Band linked to the Scottish Dyes company, set up in 1919 by James Morton. In 1928 the company's assets were acquired by the British Dyestuffs Corporation, which became the Duestuffs Division of I.C.I. The band was later known as I.C.I. Recreational Band
Scottish Gas Board Band: Active in 1964
Scotswood Band (Newcastle): Active in 1906
Scotswood Temperance Band (Newcastle): Active in 1933
Scunthorpe Borough British Legion Band: Took part in the Scunthorpe coronation celebrations of 1937.
Scunthorpe District Total Abstinence Prize Brass Band: Active in 1907
Seacombe Victoria Band: Active in the early 1900s
Seaham Colliery Band: Active in 1880
Seaham Ex-Sailors and Soldiers Band (County Durham): Active in 1882
Seaham Harbour Catholic Band (County Durham): Active in the 1900s.
Seaham Harbour Town Band (County Durham): Active in 1914.
Seaham Harbour Bottle Works Band (County Durham): Active in the 1900s.
Seaham Philharmonic Brass: See: Seaham Town Band
Seaham Town Band (County Durham): Formed in 1985, changed name to Seaham Philharmonic Brass in 1989. It twice qualified for the National Finals before folding in 2004
Seaham Volunteer Band (County Durham): Active in 1906
Seaton Burn Colliery Band: Played for the cutting of the sod at a new colliery at Dinnington in August 1867, also active in 1869
Seaton Delaval Colliery Band: Formed in the 1890s and folded in the 1950s
Seaton Hirst Excelsior Band (Ashington, Northumberland): Formed 1906. Later known as North Seaton Colliery Band and North Seaton Workmen's Prize Band
Seaton Silver Band (Cumberland): Active in April 1930, when it held a "sacred quartette contest" for band members. "The test piece was The Evening Prayer, and each quartette was under the conductorship of Mr. Wm. J. Smith. The judging was by popular card vote, the result of which was: 1. John Donnelly, jnr. (flugel), Donald Coulthard (repiano), Wm. Banton (baritone), 101 points. 2. W. Bell's B. Quartette, 92 points. No one was successful in the competition for placing the first five, but Messrs, Harry Donnelly and Wm. Osborne returned the best cards, and the prize was divided between them".
Seaton Town Band (Devon): Active in 1912
Sebastopol Brass Band (Australia): Formed in 1880 under bandmaster Sammy Prout. Still active in 1890
Sedlescombe Band (Sussex)
Seghill Temperance Band: Active in 1915
Selby Shipyard Brass Band: Active in 1924, when on 20th December the County Chief Constable's Office, East Riding of Yorkshire, granted the Band permission to play and make collections in the surrounding villages.
Selby Rifle Volunteer Band: Active in 1897 when they performed at the Eastrington Show.
Selkirk Band: Formed in May 1883 and commenced contesting in 1887, during which first year of competition entered three contests and won three prizes.
Selkirk Borough Band
Selston United Brass Band (Derbyshire): Active in the early 1900s
Settle Brass Band: The first recorded event of the Settle Band was Thursday August 10th 1854, at North Craven Horticultural Society Flower Show, but it is thought to have been in existence long before this. During its time it has been a Town Band, a Temperance Band and a militia band. At some point, Langcliffe Band amalgamated with the Settle musicians. The band amalgamated with the Giggleswick Band in 1952 to form the Giggleswick & Settle Band.
Severalls Institution Band (Essex): Formed by patients and staff at the Severalls Hospital in Colchester, a large psychiatric hospital. It was active prior to WW1 and was still active after WW2, in 1946. Took part in the Colchester Carnival in 1934, conducted by Charles Hammond.
Seven Sisters Band (Glamorgan): Active in 1948
Seybormen Temperance Band: Active in 1892 when it gained third prize in the Neath Eisteddfod brass band contest.
Shaddongate Wesleyan Methodist Brass Band: (Carlisle)
Shaftesbury Crusade Band (Bristol): Possibly active in the early 1900s and 1920s. Active in the 1960/70s. They were Championship Section in the late 1970s and came in the top 4 in the National Finals. By the end of the 70s the band had lost a lot of players to Sun Life and Soundwell the two main top section bands in Bristol at that time. The band folded in early 1980s.
Shaldon Temperance Band (Devon): On 22 June 1848: "Shaldon Regatta took place on the 15th inst, when flags of all colours were hoisted the whole length of the Strand facing the water, and also on the vessels and boats in the harbour, having a pretty appearance. The Shaldon Temperance Band was in attendance."
Shanklin Town Band (Isle of Wight): Formed before 1895, and also known as the Rylstone Band at one point, it disbanded in the 1930s
Shap Silver Band: Active in the 1930s, probably did not survive WW2.
Sharlston Brass Band: See: Sharlston Colliery Band
Sharlston Colliery Band: Active in the 1980s. Merged with Yorkshire Evening Post Band, but then disbanded in 2002
Sharnbrook Brass Band: Was "reformed" in 1904. Took part in the Coronation parade in 1911. Records of the band, from 1903-1935, are held by Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Record Service
Sharpness & District Prize Band: Sharpness Temperance Band was formed before 1900. It had its problems - the bandsmen, many of whom were port workers at the local docks, used to practise at the Sharpness Union Church. They liked the odd tipple or two and an old minute book disclosed that this was classed as breaking temperance, and many of the band members were asked to leave the band; soon membership became nearly nonexistent - more of the bandsmen were to be found at the pub instead of at the rehearsal! An extraordinary meeting was called and it was decided that the Band's name needed to be changed, and it was renamed the Sharpness & District Prize Band. The start of World War I saw the Band disperse with many of the players playing in military bands, but after the War they reunited and became even stronger; a big attraction was a man named Jack Portlock He was the Band's drummer and was known for the way he used to throw his batons when he marched; this earned him the name "Gentleman Jack". This band finally gave way to another band under the baton of Matt Francis and then Fred Smith. Many of the existing players stayed, including Cliff Priday on solo cornet and the masterly euphonium player George Short. The band was enjoying local success when the outbreak of World War II saw the group disband. The instruments and the band room were sold and Ł600 was invested in War Bonds until a new band could be formed. After the war, many attempts were made to reform the band, but they were all doomed to failure. A new Sharpness Band was eventually formed in 1970
Sharpness Temperance Band: See: Sharpness & District Prize Band
Shaw Mills Brass Band: Formed in 1885 with some of the members of the disbanded Burnt Yates Old Band. Folded in 1900.
Shaw's Excelsior Brass Band (Horncastle?): Report from August 1888: "Horncastle Horse Fair - On Monday evening Shaw's Excelsior Brass Band played in the Bull Ring, and the Rifle Corps Band under Robert Nicholson gave a promenade concert; there was dancing in Major Armstrong's grounds in South Street (later Hamerton Gardens)."
Shawbury Industrial School Band (Fillongley): Active in 1911
Shawclough & Spotland Band: Active in the 1930s
Sheen Band (Staffordshire): Active in 1860 until at least 1887, when it played at the Sheen celebrations for Queen Victoria's jubilee of 1887
Sheen and Longnor Brass Band (Staffordshire): Active in 1867
Sheepbridge Coal and Iron Works Band: See: Sheepbridge Works Band
Sheepbridge Works Band: Active in the 1920s and 1952
Sheepscar Band (Yorkshire)
Sheepscombe Brass Band: Formed around 1900
Sheffield Borough Band: Active in 1883
Sheffield Corporation Band: Active in 1936
Sheffield L.M.S. Railway Band: Active in 1948
Sheffield Police Band: Formed in the 1870s, disbanded in the 1930s
Sheffield Recreation Brass Band: Active in 1905 and in the 1960s
Sheffield Transport Department Band: Active in 1938
Sheldon Silver L.N.E.R. Band: Formed in January 1937, attained 2nd place in the 3rd section National Championships in 1938, conducted by T. Collinson.
Shelley Band: Active in 1850s
Shepherd's Bush Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Shepley Band: Formed in the late 19th century, the band foundered in the early 1990s. It was reformed as a concert (brass/wind) band.
Sheppey Boys Silver Prize Band: Active in 1930
Sheppey Silver Band (Sussex): Took part in the Royal Tunbridge Wells & District Band Federation 27th Annual Band Festival (3rd Section), 14th May 1955, gaining 2nd place and £5, playing Overture: Lustspiel by Keler Bela, adjudicated by Harry Mortimer. At one time the bandmaster was Mr. Noakes (of the garage family; having as a showroom and workshops the old music hall next to the Crown Pub).
Shepreth Brass Band (Cambridgeshire): Formed in 1923 by Stephen Buller, a local nurseryman. Its first engagement was the opening and dedication of the War Memorial at Meldreth. The band, which consisted of all local people and practised in the school, was particularly busy at harvest-time when they would be performing around the farms in the area and at thanksgiving services. Disbanded prior to the Second World War. An earlier band began in the 1880's as a military-style band with woodwind as well as brass. This band may have been the direct forerunner of Shepreth Brass Band.
Shepshed Town Prize Band: Active around 1913
Shepton Mallet Excelsior Band (Somerset): Active in 1924, when the Bandmaster was Mr. H. Rowsell.
Shepton Mallet Town Band (Somerset)
Sherborne Excelsior Band (Somerset ): Active in 1888.
Sherburn Brass Band: Active in 1905, bandmaster, W. Pinkney
Sherburn Hill Colliery Band (County Durham): Formed in the 1890s, folded in the 1960s
Sherburn-in-Elmet Band: Active in the 1970s
Sheringham Temperance Band (Norfolk): Formed in 1923. Merged with Cromer Boys Band in 1956 to form Cromer and Sheringham Silver Band
Sherston Town Band (Wiltshire)
Sherwood Rangers 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.
Shettleston Brass Band (Glasgow): Around 1872 Shettleston had a first class Brass Band. It was called "Pricky Mair Band". It was composed of Lawsons, Cunninghams, Allans, McBride, Dick, Carey, etc. "Dandy Allan", as he was styled, was a handsome man over 6 ft, wore a Glengarry bonnet and the ribbons hanging down his shoulder with a staff he looked like a Drum Major, and he followed the Band everywhere. The band were in great demand at that period for excursions, etc. but it took a day and a half for an excursion. They had to leave at 5 a.m. in the morning, play in Bridgeton, through Glasgow Green to the Broomielaw and return about 11 or 12 at night. No conveyance of any kind then. On the first day of the year 1900 and the new Century, the Shettleston Band arranged a march through the town and the Bells struck 12, the Band marched through the Main Street, etc. from the reminiscences of Dan McAleer - October 1930.
In 1879 it took part in a procession in August to inaugurate the Kilmarnock Burns Monument and Kay Park, accompanying the Foresters Lodge.
Sheviock Prize Band (Cornwall): Active in 1913 - it folded about the end of the first war when the vicar who inspired it and trained it left the parish.
Shieldhill Silver Band (Falkirk): Formed prior to 1900 and still active in the 1950s. Walter Heeps was the principal cornet player in 1901.
Shilbottle Colliery Band: Formed in 1891
Shildon British Railways Band (County Durham): Formed in in the 1840s? Later it became Shildon LNER Works Band and then Shildon British Railways Band. In 1937 the President of the band was W. Wells Hood D.S.O., and the Musical Director was T. Collinson B.B.C.M. During 1937 it won 10 first prizes, 6 challenge cups and 11 medals. A report in 1848 noted that a Shildon Works Band was "supplying music at a social function which included influential people such as Timothy Hackworth and Henry Pease." The band had folded by the early 1980s when the Shildon Works was closed.
Shildon LNER Works Band: See: Shildon British Railways Band
Shildon L.N.E.R. Works Silver Band: See: Shildon British Railways Band
Shildon Saxhorn Band: See: Shildon Town Band
Shildon Town Band (County Durham): Formed in 1890s as Shildon Saxhorn Band. When a debt of the band was paid off it changed its name to Shildon Wesleyan Band. Renamed as Shildon Town Band in 1937. Folded in the late 1990s.
Shildon Wesleyan Band: See: Shildon Town Band
Shildon Works Brass Band: See: Shildon British Railways Band
Shiney Row Band: See: Shiney Row and District Silver Prize Band
Shiney Row and District Silver Prize Band (Co. Durham): Active in the 1900s and through to 1929
Shipley Brass Band: Active in 1894 andn 1905
Shipston-on-Stour Brass Band: Active in the 1900s
Shipton Brass Band (Gloucestershire): Active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Shire Oak Brass Band: Active in 1979 - Shire Oak School
Shirebrook Adult School Band: See: Shirebrook Silver Prize Band
Shirebrook Silver Prize Band (Nottinghamshire): Formed September 1903 as the Shirebrook Adult School Band
Shireoaks Colliery Band
Shireoaks Prize Band: Active in 1910
Shoeburyness Boys Band: Active in 1922
Shoreditch Borough Silver Prize Band: Active in the 1900s
Shoreditch Borough United Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Short Heath Brass Band (near Walsall)
Shotley Band: Suffolk
Shotton Colliery Band (County Durham) [1]: Active in early 1900s, probably disbanded at/during WW1
Shotton Colliery Band (County Durham) [2]: Founded in 1920, disbanded in 1972. Also known as Shotton Model Silver Band. Competed in the Junior Cup in 1962, conducted by W. F. Buckley.
Shotton Colliery Band (County Durham) [3]: Reformed in 1981and disbanded around 1995
Shotton Model Silver Band: See: Shotton Colliery Band (2)
Shotts Foundry Band (Scotland): Active in 1933
Shotts Iron Works Silver Band: See: Shotts Foundry Band
Shrewsbury Amateur Promenade Band: Active in 1873
Shropshire (Wellington) Volunteer Band
Sibford Band (Warwickshire): Active around 1900
Sible Hedingham Brass Band (Essex): Active in the early 1900s
Silchester and District Temperance Band: Won the Holbrook Cup in 1921
Sileby Adult School Brass Band (Leicestershire): Won a contest at Humberstone Hall in 1902
Sileby Imperial Band (Leicestershire): Active in 1910 - having been formed after the Sileby Temperance Band folded. It took part in a procession for the Adult School's 3rd Annual Parade together with the Sileby Town Band in July 1910. In 1925 they won the Leicester Mail Challenge Cup under their conductor, Billy Iliffe, and changed their name to Sileby Imperial Silver Band. The band folded at the outbreak of the Second World War.
Sileby Imperial Silver Band: See: Sileby Imperial Band
Sileby Imperial Silver Prize Band: See: Sileby Imperial Band
Sileby Temperance Band (Leicestershire): Formed in 1888 by the Primitive Methodist Chapel.
Sileby Town Band (Leicestershire): Formed before 1880. Folded in 1967. A complimentary benefit concert was given by the band in 1911 on behalf of Mr "Tricker" Preston who had played with the band for 30 years. Before that he had been a member of the Quorn and Sileby Band. In 1937 the band won two first prizes in the Leicestershire Brass Band Association contest under their conductor, Mr C Anderson, winning the Hawkes Challenge Cup and the Boosey Challenge Shield.
Sileby Town Silver Prize Band: See: Sileby Town Band
Silloth Artillery Brass Band: Active in 1895, when Joseph Wilkinson was appointed Bandmaster
Silver City Ladies Band (Australia)
Silverdale Temperance Band: Active in 1888
Silverdale Town Prize Band (Staffordshire): Active in 1898
Silverton Town Band (Devon)
Silverton Temperance Band (Devon)
Silverton Tramways Band (Australia)
Silverwood Colliery Band (Rotherham): Formed May 1909. See website
Single Hill Silver Prize Band: Active in 1917, when it took part in the following celebration: "On Wednesday evening there was a large gathering of inhabitants of Shoscombe, Wellow and the district including several miners employed at the Braysdown Colliery who met to show their appreciation of the heroic conduct of a Wellow man named Herbert Golledge, a miner employed at Braysdown Colliery, who upon a recent occasion performed a daring deed while at work in the colliery, and rendered very timely and valuable aid to the under manager Mr George Weeks, who had met with a serious accident while riding in the cage in the shaft of the colliery. The gathering took place in the Shoscombe Church Schools, which had kindly been placed at the disposal of the promoters by the vicar of Wellow, the Rev L.G.G. Horton and the managers. In honour of the occasion the Single Hill Silver Prize Band, under Mr George Montague's conductorship turned out and in addition to rendering suitable music in the open air before and after the proceedings played two selections in a highly creditable manner in the school-room, where a glee party, under Mr James Maggs, also gave a couple of glees."
Singlehill Brass Band: See: Single Hill Silver Prize Band
Sirdar (Wakefield) Band: Active in the 1970s/80s.
Sittingbourne and Murston Band (Kent): In 1908 it had about "thirty capable musicians" and it rehearsed at the New Inn, Murston. Bandmaster, F. Hinkley; Sub-Bandmaster, S. Bills.
Six Ways Mission Band (Smethwick, Birmingham): Active around 1900.
Skaife's Band (Middleton): Active in 1897
Skegness Boy's Brigade Band: Formed in 1908 under the direction of J. Hudson but had to disband on the outbreak of hostilities in 1914, since most of the men were territorials. A new Skegness Town Band was formed in 1928.
Skelmersdale Old Band: Active in 1913 and 1938
Skelton Old Band (Cleveland): Active between 1900s and 1920s. Also known as Skelton Volunteer Band
Skelton Volunteer Band: See: Skelton Old Band
Skewen Band (Neath)
Skinningrove Iron and Steel Works Band (North Lofthouse): Formed in the 1890s. Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. Folded around WW2
Skinningrove Miners' Band (North Lofthouse)
Skipton Mission Band: See: Skipton Properties Band
Skipton Prize Band: See: Skipton Properties Band
Skipton Properties Band: Formed around 1870 as Jack Guy's Skipton Mission Band, later named Skipton Prize Band in 1919, it disbanded in 2002.
Sladesbridge Band (Cornwall)
Slaithwaite Union Band (Yorkshire)
Sleaford and District Band: Formed by the amalgamation of Sleaford Town Band and Heckington Band, probably in the late 1940s? Active in the 1950s and 1960s. Some members of the band went on to form Sleaford Vintage Brass.
Sleaford Town Band: Probably formed in the early 1900s, is was active through to the late 1930s, becoming the Sleaford Homeguard Band during WW2, and amalgamating with the Heckington Band after the war to form Sleaford and District Band.
Sleetburn Colliery Band (Willington): Formed in the 1890s, later known as New Brancepeth Colliery Band. Still active in 1914
Slindon Brass Band (near Chichester): Active around 1870
Slough & Chalvey Brass Band: Active in 1896 when it played a promenade concert at the Dolphin Ground in Slough on July 15th
Slough Town Band
Smallthorne Excelsior Band: Active in 1933
Smallthorne Public Band: Active in 1930s
Smethwick Foresters Brass Band (West Bromwich): Active in 1866
Smith & Ashby Foundry Band: Robert Smith was a talented musician. He encouraged an interest in music among a number of his workmen and organised them into a brass band. They first performed at the showroom's opening concert and by December 1855 they were thought proficient enough to give their first public concert. The firm provided the instruments and uniforms, at a total cost of Ł200, but the band members had to undertake to purchase them from their weekly wages. It was serious commitment for men who probably not well paid. Throughout the following years the Foundry Band, as it came to be called, became a popular ingredient of the Stamford social scene. Regular concerts were given and the band took part in the celebrations to mark the end of the Crimea War. Smith's Works Band still active in 1923.
Smith's Band: See: Smith & Ashby Foundry Band
Smith's Band (Leeds)
Smith's Dock Brass Band: North Shields
Smith's Works Band: See: Smith & Ashby Foundry Band
Smyllum School Band (Lanark): A band formed at the Smyllum Orphanage School in the 1940s/50s
Snibston Colliery BandSee: William Davis Construction Group Band
Snibston Colliery Silver Prize Band: See: William Davis Construction Group Band
Snitterfield Band (Warwickshire): Active around 1885
Soham Brass Band: Formed by 1853 - it gave outdoor gala concerts, still attended by up to 1,500 people up to the 1880s.
Soham Excelsior Band: Formed 1910. Amalgamated with Soham Town Band in 1920 to form Soham Comrades Band.
Soham Town Band: Formed 1890. Amalgamated with Soham Excelsior Band in 1920 to form Soham Comrades Band.
Soho Iron Works Band (Bolton): Bolton Free Press 23rd August 1845. - "John Hick's Esq, Band. The admirable full brass band of individuals employed in the Soho Iron Works, in this town, belonging to John Hicks have been on a pleasure trip to Liverpool, Bangor and North Wales. The band excited much attention in consequence of their unique and elegant uniform, which consists of a rich full braided coat, black trousers, with two-inch gold lace down the sides and blue cap with gold band. They played several airs through the principle Streets of Bolton last Saturday in full dress; and their appearance and performance called for general admiration of the public". The band continued to have annual dinners through the 1850's, but no references to the band later than the 1870's have been found.
Solent Brass: See Southampton Air Training Corps Band
Solihull Brass Band: Active in 1887
Solway Band: Active in 1933
Solway Silver Band (Maryport, Cumbria): See: Solway Band
Somersham Town Band: Formed in 1919 but folded in 1962. A successor band was formed in 1981
Sonning Silver Band (Berkshire): Active in 1938, conducted by R. Lambden.
Soundwell Band (Bristol): Active in the 1970s. Also known as Swanbrook Soundwell Band.
South Cave Brass Band: See: South Cave Subscription Silver Band
South Cave Subscription Silver Band (Humberside): Active in 1925
South Derwent Band (Annfield Plain): Formed in 1891, still active in the 1930s
South Derwent Colliery Band: See: South Derwent Band
South East London Mission Brass Band: Active in 1907
South of England Temperance Band: Active in 1903
South Kirkby Band: Active in 1932
South Kirkby Colliery Brass Band
South Leicester Welfare Band: Active in 1972
South Moor Colliery Silver Prize Band (County Durham): Formed in the 1890s. Won the "Grand Shield" in the Crystal Palace Championships of September 28th 1907, and achieved 3rd place in the National Championships, behind Irwell Colliery and Marsden Colliery Bands in 1925, under the baton of Joe Dyson. Folded in the 1960s
South Norwood Band
South Notts Silver Band: Won the "Iles Challenge Shield" in the Crystal Palace Championships of 1926
South Notts Temperance Band: See: South Nottinghamshire Temperance Silver Band
South Notts Temperance Prize Band: See: South Nottinghamshire Temperance Silver Band
South Nottinghamshire Temperance Silver Band: Active in the 1880s and 1912
South Ormsby Band (Lincolnshire)
South Pemberton Brass Band: Founded in the late 1920s it was formally set up in 1932. An account book records the following example items of income: from the crowds watching Wigan Athletic in the autumn of 1933: 20 Sept, Wigan Athletic 7s. 0p. 14 Oct, Wigan Athletic v Lytham 9s. l0p. 25 Nov Wigan Athletic 6s. 11/2p. The band's surplus for that year appears to have been just over Ł2. They performed in Mesnes Park, Wigan, and at church walking days and field treats. In 1934: 3 June - St Johns Pemberton Field Treat Ł7-0-0, 1 July - St Lukes Orrell Field Treat and Sermons Ł10-11-4, 8 July - St Matthews Highfield Field Treat and Sermons Ł9-0-0. The Band also entered local Band contests at Standish, Atherton, Skelmersdale and, on at least one occasion. in 1934, the prestigious contests held at Belle Vue, Manchester.
South Petherton British Legion Band
South Petherwin Band (Cornwall)
South Queensferry and Dalmeny Brass Band: Active in 1904
South Salford Prize Band (Manchester): Active in 1920 when it performed at the first of a series of public dances in Ordsall Park, Salford in June. "Crowds gathered to watch the spectacle. The dances consisted of only waltzes, one-steps and two-steps. 'Jazzing' was banned, though many couples branched off into solo figures." In June 1922, conducted by William Owen, it took part in a musical festival in aid of Salford Royal Hospital, which attracted some 30,000 people to the Castle Irwell Racecourse.
South Salford Silver Band (Manchester): Active in 1900 - "The seventh annual treat to the poor children of South Salford took place when 438 boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 12 were taken to Blackpool. The streets were thronged with spectators as the large party marched to the Racecourse Station, Trafford Road, behind the South Salford Silver Band. On arrival at Blackpool's South Shore Station they again marched behind the Silver Band along the promenade to the South Shore. (August 1900)"
South Shields Borough Band (1): See: St Hilda Colliery Band
South Shields Borough Band (2): Formed in 1888
South Shields Garibaldi Band: Formed in 1899 and still active in 1907
South Shields Harmonic Band: Formed in 1889 and still active in 1914
South Shields Model Band: Active between 1931 and 1934
South Shields Police Band: Active between 1908 and 1915
South Shields Temperance Band: See: Marsden Colliery Band
South Shields Transport Band
South Shore Subscription Band: Active around 1910
South Side Brass Band (Glasgow)
South Street Baptist Band (Wellington, Somerset): Active in from the early 1900s until it was disbanded in 1937. Bandmasters included A. Winter, S Lewis, A.H.Good, Robert Morgan, H. Peek, E. Parker and Mons. Kukearts.
South Street Mission Brass Band (Hammersmith): Active in 1914
South Sydney Silver Band (Australia): Active in the 1920s
South Tanfield Band: Active around 1892
South Tottenham Primitive Methodist Brass Band: Active in 1908
Southall Brass Band (Middlesex): See: Ealing Central Band
Southall Gasworks Brass Band (Middlesex)
Southall Wesleyan Mission Boys Brigade Band: Active in the 1900s
Southam Town Band: Active in 1924
Southam Works Band: Active in 1924. Belonging to the Kaye & Co. Lime and Cement Works.
Southampton Air Training Corps Band: Formed just before World War 2. and developed into a 'mature' band when the young cadets became too old for the Corps. After the War the Band's membership was increased and enhanced by returning ex-servicemen, and became known as the Bitterne and West End Band, as its location base had changed to the eastern part of the city. 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. It changed its name again in the early 1970s to Solent Brass. In 1993 Solent Brass was employed to provide music for a scene in the film The Browning Version, starring Albert Finney (released 1994), resulting in a mention in the film's credits. As membership declined in the 1990s, the band amalgamated with the Southampton Central Band in 1998 to form Ocean Brass.
Southampton Central Band: Formed in the 1960s by a group of dedicated youngsters who wished to continue playing after leaving school. Under the baton of it's founder Gordon Cutler, it was based at the Central School (Further Education Centre) it quickly expanded into a full sized band. Within a short period of time a competent band had emerged and the Southampton Central (FEC) Band was officially registered as a contesting band in 1970, entering its first contest later that year. By 1979 the Band had gained promotion to the Championship Section, but by 1998 found itself back in the second section with its membership declining, prompting the amalgamation with Solent Brass to form Ocean Brass.
Southampton Town Band: Active in 1913
Southborne Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Southbourne Silver Band: See: Winton British Legion Silver Band
Southdown Brass Band (Burgess Hill): Active in 1912
Southend-on-Sea British Legion Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Southend-on-Sea Gospel Mission Band
Southend Borough Military Band: Bandmaster: Fred Green. Between the Wars a band used to practice at the Drill Hall, near the Railway PH at Prittlewell. They used to wear Army uniforms, being associated with the Territorials and they went to Camp with the 2nd Essex Infantry Regiment. The last camp they attended was circa 1932. Philip William Laflin, a trombonist, took over as Bandmaster in 1936, when, under the shadow of impending war, it was renamed Southend Local Defence Volunteer Band. During the War it continued as a brass and reed "military" combination under the title of the 16th Essex Home Guard Band. PWL remained Bandmaster, though not without some wrangling which made it to the national papers. "Army versus Pansies" was the headline in the Daily Mirror, because the Borough Parks Dept. were loathe to release Mr Laflin from his duties as Priory Park Head Gardener.
Southend Temperance Band
Southend United Football Supporters Club Band: See: Southend United Supporters Club Band
Southend United Supporters Club Band: Active in the late 1950s and 1960s. Conductor in 1955 was Wally Baldwin.
Southern Railway Works Brass Band (Lancing)
Southowram Prize Band: Formed in 1901, disbanded in 1927 (or 1938?). The band won a special prize for cornet playing at Crystal Palace in 1923, and was one of the best bands in Calderdale in the early 20th century.
Southowram Subscription Band: Letters of the band (1869-1870) held in Halifax Public Library
Southport Corporation Band
Southport Rifles Band: Had William Rimmer as a cornetist c.1880
Southport Special Constabulary Band: See: Tudor Silver Band
Southwick Public Works Band (Sunderland): Active in the 1900s
Sowerby Bridge Subscription Band (Yorkshire)
Spalding Silver Prize Band: Active in 1904
Spalding Town Band: Disbanded in 1959. Some members went on to form the Royal British Legion (Spalding) Band in 1960 or 1962
Speedwell Colliery Band: Active in the early 1880s. Amalgamated with the Berry Hill Temperance Band to form Berry Hill Silver Band in 1911.
Spenborough Band: Competed in the Junior Cup in 1962, conducted by M. Mervin.
Spenborough Victoria Band: Active in the 1920s
Spencer's Steelworks Band (Newcastle): Played at the Manor of Newburn Show in August 1853. Active in the National Championships in the early 1900s
Spennymoor Brass Band: See: Whitworth Band
Spennymoor Silver Model Band: See: Whitworth Band
Spennymoor Silver Prize Band: See: Whitworth Band
Spennymoor Sons of Temperance Band: Active in 1887, still active in the 1930s
Spennymoor Temperance Band: See: Spennymoor Sons of Temperance Band
Spennymoor Town Band: See: Whitworth Band
Spillers (Gainsborough) Band: See: Gainsborough Britannia Works Band
Spilsby Brass Band (Lincolnshire): Active in the 1920s
Spink Well Mills Band (Dewsbury)
Spondon Grange Brass Band (Derbyshire): Active in 1926 when it organised its fifth annual brass band contest for the Finney Challenge Cup, on June 5th 1926. "Admission to the Ground" was 1/- "including tax", and twopence for the programme and further twopence for a chair. The test piece was "Melodious Gems" and ten bands entered: Heanor Miners Welfare Band (F. Beecroft, Esq), Ripley United Silver Prize Band (W.J. Saint, Esq), Middleton Victoria Silver Band (H. Holmes, Esq.), Sandiacre Brass Band (W. Wells, Esq.), Dove Holes Public Prize Band (J.W.Greenwood, Esq.), Long Eaton Silver Prize Band (H. Evetts, Esq.), Stapleford Silver Band (W. Wood, Esq.), Pleasley Colliery Band (H. Lambeth, Esq.), Sawley Brotherhood Band (F. Yeomand, Esq.), Swadlincote Town Silver Prize Band (A. Hilton, Esq.). The Middleton Victoria Silver Band won the contest; with Dove Holes Public Prize Band winning the subsequent own choice march contest. Long Eaton Silver Prize Band was second and Pleasley Colliery Band third in each contest.
Spriggs Brass Band (Scunthorpe)
Springbank Orphan Home Band (Hull): Active in 1885.
Springburn Silver Prize Band (Glasgow): Active around 1890 to 1910. James Reid's gift of a bandstand to the people of Springburn in 1891 had highlighted the absence of any recreational area and led to the creation of Springburn Park. The bandstand, manufactured by Walter McFarlane's Saracen Works, was erected in May 1893 and was the park's original centrepiece. Performances by groups such as the Springburn Silver Prize Band took place twice weekly from May to December and were intimated by the Union Jack flying from the nearby flagpole. Up to 2000 people attended the summer concerts. The bandstand was later moved and placed in an amphitheatre and surrounded by railings, before being removed altogether in the early 1960s due to increasing maintenance costs. The unicorn fountain now sits on the old site of the bandstand.
Springfield Brass Band (Bexhill, Sussex): Active in 1911
Springfield Hall Brass Band
Springfield Working Men's Club Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Stafford Borough and British Legion Brass Band: See: Stafford Brass Band
Stafford Brass Band: Formed at the English Electric Lichfield Road works during World War II. In the late 1940s the band moved to the Royal British Legion headquarters in Eastgate Street and became Stafford British Legion Band. The band was also later known as the Stafford Borough and British Legion Band and Stafford Concert Brass, and was still active up to the late 1980s. Competed in the Junior Cup in 1962, conducted by S. Hartshorn.
Stafford British Legion Band: See: Stafford Brass Band
Stafford Concert Brass: See: Stafford Brass Band
Stafford Street Mission Band (Mansfield)
Staffordshire Special Constabulary Band: Active in 1946
Stagsden Brass Band (Bedfordshire)
Staindrop Band: Active in the 1900s and into the 1930s
Staines Town Band: Active in 1885
Stainforth Brass Band (Doncaster): Active in the 1890s
Stainland Brass Band (Yorkshire): Active around 1842 when Thomas Hinchcliffe was Bandmaster
Stalybridge Borough Band: Formed in March 1871, holding its first rehearsals and meetings at the Moulders Arms, Grasscroft Street, Castle Hall. The band was known as the 4th Cheshire Rifleman Volunteers (Boro' Band) until 1896. The founder and first conductor was Alexander Owen who conducted the band until at least 1907. Active through to 1930s/40s
Stamshaw Brass Band (Portsmouth): Active in the 1990s - it folded around 2000.
Standard Ironworks Band: See: Davey Paxman Standard Ironworks Band
Standfast Works Band (Lancashire): Active in the 1930s
Standish Band (Wigan): Formed in 1873 as a village band by the name of Crooke Band. Crooke is a small village about 2.5 miles to the north-east of Wigan. Following WW2 it was reformed as Crooke Miners Welfare Band in 1950. As Wigan Collieries closed down, the Band again changed names to Kirkless (NCB) Band. In 1987 it became the Quaker House Colliery Band. In 1990, the mine closed and with it went the sponsorship and Standish Band came into being. It mergerd with the Coppull Subscription Band in 2005 to form the Coppull and Standish Band.
Standish Subscription Band (Wigan): Competed in the First Annual Brass Band Contest organised by Wigan Borough Prize Band in 1943 (conducted by F. Wilson).
Standlake Brass Band (Oxfordshire): During the 19th century entertainment became more organised with concerts and dramatic activities proving very popular. Standlake had had its own Annual Fair from the mid 1800s, later becoming a pleasure fair with stalls along the High Street and in 1881 the Flower Show was established, eventually developing into a large village fete. These both survived until after the Second World War. Towards the end of the 19th century the Standlake Brass Band was started by a retired schoolmaster and lasted some ten or fifteen years. It was not universally popular and was described not too long ago by an older resident as "that terrible band". It also was said to have had a "mixed reputation"! Still active in 1907.
Standlake Village Band: See: Standlake Brass Band
Stanhope Saxhorn Band: Competed in July 1860 at the Crystal Palace, London, conducted by Mr de-Lacey, they had massive success with their placement being 5th out of 15 bands! The band declined until 1881 when new instruments were purchased, however after 1895 interest again died down.
Standon Farm Brass Band (Staffordshire): Active in the late 1800s & early 1900s. The band was formed from boys who were resident at the Standon Farm Home For Boys. The instrumentation was largely brass with a few woodwind instruments. The Standon Home was established in 1885, as only the second boys’ home in the Waifs and Strays' Society (later The Children's Society). Standon Farm initially housed fifty boys (aged 10-14), reaching 90 boys in a few years and also increasing the age range to 16 in 1908. Its primary purpose was to provide education and specifically agricultural training. The home closed in 1947.
Stanford-le-Hope Band (Essex): Active in 1928
Stanley Colliery Band (West Stanley): Active in the 1890s and still active in 1938
Stanley Common Band (Ilkeston)
Stanley Dry Soap Works Band (Liverpool): Active in 1885
Stanley Methodist Mission Band (Co. Durham): Active in 1893
Stanley Subscription Prize Band: Active in 1921
Stanley West Temperance Band
Stanley West Town Band
Stanningley and District Subscription Band: Active in the 1950s
Stanningley Band (Leeds): Active in 1872
Stanningley Old Band (Yorkshire)
Stanningley Primitive Methodists Band (Yorkshire)
Stanshawe (Bristol) Band: See: Stanshawe/Sun Life Band
Stanshawe Band: See: Stanshawe/Sun Life Band
Stanshawe/Sun Life Band (Bristol): The band was founded as the Stanshawe Band (1968) and modified its name to Stanshawe (Bristol) Band (1972). On receiving sponsorship from Axa Sun Life they changed again to Sun Life Stanshawe Band (1978) and finally to simply the Sun Life Band (1983). They disbanded in January 1997. For more information see Stanshawe/Sun Life Band - unofficial historical site
Stanton and Staveley Band
Stapenhill Band (Staffordshire): Active in the 1900s
Stapleford Silver Band: Active in 1926, when it entered the Spondon Contest, conducted by W. Wood
Stapleton Brass (Bristol): Active in 1864, when they took part in the processions celebrating the official opening of the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
Star of Temperance Brass Band (Widnes): Report of the Penketh Methodist Church School in 1880: "For many years the Good Friday Tea Meeting was a great day in the School's year. Its origin is interesting. It had become the custom for a fair to be held at Fiddler's Ferry on that day and crowds came by train from Widnes and Warrington to enjoy a day in the country. The affair usually ended in alcoholic disorder and riot. It was, of course, a great attraction to the youth of the village and non-conformist consciences were deeply troubled. In 1880, in an attempt to provide a counter attraction, the first Tea Meeting was held. The Star of Temperance Brass Band from Widnes paraded through the village beforehand to publicise it, and played at the Penketh Methodist Church School during the evening."
Star of the West Band (Crewkerne)
Starbeck Brass Band (Harrogate): Formed by Samuel Day in 1904 and , after rehearsing in a house on Stonefall Avenue, found a more permanent home on Back Regent Place in 1906.
Staveley Brass Band: See: Staveley Silver Band
Staveley Volunteers Band (Cumbria)
Staveley Iron & Chemical Works Band: See: Staveley Works Band
Staveley Silver Band (Cumbria): Active in the 1950s
Staveley Works Band (Derbyshire): Formed 1895 as Barrow Hill Prize Band, later Barrow Hill & Staveley United Prize Band, Barrow Hill & Staveley Works Silver Prize Band. The band was attached to the Staveley Works Ambulance Corps. Active during the 1950s. Active in 1962, when it competed in the Senior Trophy, conducted by A.H. Dawes.
Staveley Works Band (Sheffield?): Active in 1866
Stawell Brass Band (Australia): Active in 1922
Steel and Garland Priory Foundry Band (Worksop): Conductor was Mr E. Russon in 1910. On November 18th 1910, the Worksop Old Soldiers Association held their Annual Church Parade, and the Priory Foundry Band took part in the procession, along with the Worksop Town Band and Shireoaks Band. In the evening a concert was given at the Gaiety Theatre. The Priory Foundry Band played selections. Bandsman Craven of the Priory Foundry Band received first prize for the smartest Bandsman.
Steel, Peech and Tozer Phoenix Works Band (Rotherham): Active in the 1930/40s. Based at Phoenix Hall, Ickles
Steel Company of Wales Band: Competed in the 1964 West of England Regional Championships (2nd Section), conducted by H. Nuttall
Stella Colleries Workman's Band: Active in the 1900s and folded after WW1. Stella Company owned several collieries near Durham.
Stenalees Band (Cornwall): Active in 1928.
Stevenage Band (Hertfordshire)
Stevenson Box Works Band (Manchester): When it disbanded its instruments helped to form the Central Manchester Band.
Steventon Band (Oxfordshire): Active in 1933
Stewarton Brass Band
Stewartry Brass Band
Steyning Brass Band (Sussex): Formed c.1874 and was still active in 1944.
Steyning Town Brass Band: See: Steyning Brass Band
Stibbard Silver Prize Band (Norfolk): Founded by John Abram
Sticker Brass Band (Cornwall): Active in 1887. Records of the band, from 1914-1928, are held by Cornwall Record Office
Stinchcombe Silver Band: Founded as a Brass Band in 1898 by Anthony Williams and continued for over 75 years. During World War II it suffered from a brief suspension of activities, but resumed its charitable and social activities until the nineteen-eighties. It gained a high reputation for its musicianship under Mr. D. Smith who died in recent years. In its heyday it used to provide an annual Christmas concert with a supper and food parcels for the elderly. It also toured the village playing carols outside groups of houses or actually playing inside the larger houses. These were very convivial occasions and one can say that a high note was struck. It also played in Dursley in the festive season and gave concerts and competed, with success, in competitions for local bands. There is a story about the band playing one Christmas to a haystack in the late evening during one of its tours through the lanes, until a walker going in the band's direction called out "that aint a 'ouse - it's a 'aystack". [Note: similar stories are told of Potterspury Band and Woodchurch Band!]. It is sad that this feature of Stinchcombe life has disappeared. Among the village names which figured among many others are; Attwood, Burcombe, Clark, Summers, Woodward, and the members of the band were ably supported by their wives who undertook the catering for the Christmas party for the pensioners and similar duties for other occasions. (Source: Stinchcombe Parish Magazine)
Stirling Burgh Band: Active in 1928, conducted by W. Drummond.
Stirling Public Band
Stockfield Mission Band (Birmingham)
Stockingford Brass Band (Nuneaton)
Stockport Borough Silver Band: Active in 1937
Stockport Brass: See: Stockport Telephone Band
Stockport C.M.S. Band: Active in 1936
Stockport Telephone Band: Formed in 1967, later known as POEU (Post Office Engineering Union) Brass Band (to 1987), British Telecom Band, BT Band (to 2007) and finally Stockport Brass until its demise in January 2009. Most of the original bandsmen were members of that union, being telephone engineers employed at the time by the General Post Office (GPO). In recognition of this support, the band changed its name to the POEU Brass Band. It later became supported by the employer, British Telecom and the name changed to reflect that. In 1992 it became the first ever winners of the newly formed First Section of the National Championships. The band was promoted to the Championship Section in the North West of England and appeared at the British Open in 1998 (coming 9th), 1999 (16th) and 2000 (23rd). As with most bands there were periods of ups and downs and in January 2001 the band was down to about 10 players. With MD Michael Fowles taking up the challenge, within a few weeks they came 5th at the North West Area. This was the start of a partnership between MD and band that saw the band become a consistent performer at major contests - especially at the Regionals.
Stocksbridge Band: Instituted in 1871. Over the next 17 years attended 52 contests winning 43 prizes, value £336. Conductor in 1888 was Charles Marsden. Also known as Stocksbridge Works Band, associated with the Stocksbridge Steel Works, it folded in the early 1980s
Stocksbridge Old Prize Band: Active in 1920s
Stocksbridge Works Band: See: Stocksbridge Band
Stockton Borough Band: Active in 1910
Stockton Catholic Band (Stockton-on-Tees): Formed in the 1890s
Stockton Druids Band (Stockton-on-Tees): Active in 1906
Stockton Malleable Band (Stockton-on-Tees): Active in 1876 when it competed in a contest at Hartlepool on 6th June. Still active in 1947
Stockton Malleable Institute Band: See: Stockton Malleable Band
Stockton Model Band (Stockton-on-Tees): Active in the 1890s
Stockton Municipal Band (Stockton-on-Tees): Active in 1937
Stockton Simonettes Volunteer Band (Stockton-on-Tees): Formed in the 1890s and active in 1911
Stoke Excelsior Band (Ipswich): Active in 1887.
Stoke-sub-Hamdon Band: Formed in 1891 and disbanded around 1930. A new band was formed in the village in 1945.
Stone Volunteer Band (Staffordshire): Active around 1890, it was formed by Band Sergeant H. Wood from members of Stone's battalion of volunteers. Several of Sergeant Wood's sons served in the company and played in the band. The band was very popular and played at numerous events and dances throughout the area. On Whit Monday 1889 they had the honour of being the first band to play on the bandstand in Longton Park.
Stonehaven Town Band (Aberdeenshire): Active in 1913
Stonehouse Silver Band: Active in 1928
Stoney Stanton Silver Band (Leicestershire): Active in the 1930s
Stoneyburn and District Collieries Band: See: Stoneyburn Brass Band
Stoneyburn and District Public Brass Band: See: Stoneyburn Brass Band
Stoneyburn Brass Band: For a mining community to be without a band was unthinkable, and so, in September 1923 a meeting was held in Paton's Picture Palace to consider the formation of a brass band. Joseph Colquhoun chaired the meeting and it was agreed that a band should be formed. A committee was set up with Mr George McDougal as President, Messer's Alex Geddes and Hugh Crawford as Vice-Presidents, John Paton as Secretary and John Murphy as Treasurer. It was proposed that, in order to start raising money for the venture, all the miners were to be asked if they were willing to have a penny deducted from their wages each week. This was agreed, even by the men who came from Blackburn to work in the 'Foulshie'. By November of that year enough money had been raised to get the band started even though they had to hire their instruments. Their first big public appearance was, when as Stoneyburn Brass Band, they proudly led the Gala Procession in July 1924. This band continued to play for many years, apart from the war years, giving pleasure to many and winning several competitions on the way. It was referred to by various names over the years, the Public Band, the Silver Band, the Colliery Band or The Stoneyburn & District Public Brass Band. It was finally disbanded in the early 1960's, and its instruments were handed over to the West Calder Band. Over the years the band had many outstanding conductors, the first being a Mr Wardrope. In 1927 the post was given to a Mr Robert Gillies from Fife and the following year a Mr Williamson took over. Over the next twenty years there is no information about the conductors, but in 1949 a Mr Kirsley was the leader. Played at the Loganlea Gala, Addiewell, Midlothian in 1949.
Stoneyburn Colliery Band: See: Stoneyburn Brass Band
Stoneyburn Public Band: See: Stoneyburn Brass Band
Stoneywood and Auchmull Union Band (Aberdeen): Formed in 1850 by George Gibb together with John Beveridge and ten others. Auchmull was the earlier name from the village now known as Bucksburn,and the term 'Union' appears to have been adopted simply to signify that the two villages were united in the band. New instruments were purchased for the twelve original members, but their ownership was vested in a trust as the public property of the two villages. A letter, that was circulated to local gentlemen in an effort to secure funding for the band, read ".... we trust, that through the liberality of the friends of progress, we will be enabled to bring it within the reach of all who have a desire for the cultivation of Music, Thus forming a source of harmless recreation to us, and a pleasing gratification to the community generally". In 1908 the band was given a new constitution under the name of The Stoneywood Brass Band. A formal link was now established with Alex Pirie & Sons Paper Mill and band practices were held in The Works Hall. It soon became the best known band in the North East of Scotland. By the end of the Second World War the name had been changed to Stoneywood Silver Band. In the post war years the band travelled widely to take part in contests - this included several trips to London for national finals. By the 1980's the link with the mill was finally severed. New rehearsal accommodation was offered by UDI, an off-shore services company with premises in Bridge of Don, and the band changed its name to UDI Brass. In 1997 UDI Brass merged with Aberdeen City Band.
Stoneywood Brass Band: See: Stoneywood and Auchmull Union Band
Stoneywood Silver Band: See: Stoneywood and Auchmull Union Band
Stoneywood Works Band: See: Stoneywood and Auchmull Union Band
Stony Stratford Band: Formed in the 1860s and lasted until 1929
Stourbridge Iron Works Band: Active in 1864
Stourton Memorial Public Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Strand Union Band (Tottenham): Active in 1905
Strandtown Silver Band (Northern Ireland): Active in 1962, when it competed in the Senior Trophy, conducted by J. Burch.
Stratford Co-operative Employees Band: Active in 1910
Stratford-upon-Avon Brass Band: Active in 1865. From the Petty Sessions Court - "Agreement between Thomas Hutchings of S/A, Captain, 4th Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, and the Executive Committee of the Stratford-on-Avon Town Band for the purchase of instruments and uniforms, 5 May 1893."
From the Stratford Sessions Court - "notice of plaint in Henry Mathews (pro Stratford-upon-Avon Brass Band) Professor of Music v. William Mills, Stratford-upon-Avon, needle stamper, for recovery of instrument, music and uniform."
Strathfieldsaye Municipal Band (Australia): Had its origins in the late 1930s as a training band for the Bendigo Municipal Band. The band became known as the Bendigo Citizens and Boys Band before changing their name to the Bendigo Central Band in the early 1970s. In 1978 the band became the Strathfieldsaye Municipal Band after being adopted by the then Shire of Strathfieldsaye. Merged with the Marong (Hopetoun) Municipal Band in 1998 to form Greater Bendigo Concert Brass.
Stratton Brass Band (Cornwall)
Stratton Town Band (Cornwall): Formed 1846
Streetfold Band (Manchester): Formed in 1919 as the Streetfold Band, later known as Streetfold 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. Competed in the Senior Cup in 1962. The following account is provided by Arthur Hall as he neared his 93rd birthday in 2000.
"By tradition Streetfold Methodist Church took part in the Whit Friday Procession of Witness following the Beswick Prize Band, who charged a fee. My father, George Hall, who was the Sunday school secretary, collected a penny a week from the members of the church, so that the cost was spread over the twelve-month's period. The Primary Sunday school led the way followed by the church banner with the senior girls holding the banner ropes. The banner depicted Holman Hunt's "The Light of the World". Behind this walked members of the Sunday school followed by the church members. After the First World War, although some of the young men had died in action, a number returned and felt that if other churches, for example Culcheth, had bands, they could found a similar band. It was decided to contact Boosey & Hawkes to find out how much a complete set of instruments would cost. The figure was a little frightening but my father and some like-minded folk said they would raise the money. Each member of the group provided an interest free loan of Ł10 (which was approx. 1 month's pay for a manager and 6 week's pay for a labourer). The loan raised rather more than Ł2000 and it took four years to raise the capital. Not only did this money but the instruments, but it paid for the church to be wired for electricity and coke-fired central heating to be fitted. The last Ł500 paid for the installation of the organ, a gift from the family of a young man from Chester, Lt. Smith (?) who was killed in the Great War. On the front of the organ, behind the pulpit, was a panel of eleven dummy pipes which, with a brass plate, constituted the War Memorial to the eleven soldiers from Stretford who were killed in action between 1914 and 1918. Having got the instruments, the problem remained to find teachers. Because of the long association with Beswick Band, and appeal was made for help. Mr. Nelson and Mr. Cartwright came to take on the job. It is not clear if they got paid or just got expenses, but they were good at the job. Mr. Nelson became bandmaster and Mr. Cartwright his assistant. Mr. Cartwright had special responsibility for the trombone section. On the night that the instruments were issued I was at the Manchester College of Technology following a course in building and quantity surveying. However, I became the temporary owner of a Flugel horn whilst Donald Whittaker and Eddie Bethell were in the trombone section. Mr. Youd, who was a very good player, led the cornet section. Having the instruments we now needed music stands which my father provided from 3 x 2 uprights and tongue and grooved floor boards, It was the job of the first members on the scene to see that the stands formed a square with Mr. Nelson in the centre giving encouragement and at times admonishing the naked but enthusiastic talent. The trombones were now joined by Fred Eastwood and they made good progress. We later found out that they had marked the notes on the slides with scratches. The band progressed and it was with some anxiety that the Whitsun walk approached. The band had no uniform so we decided to wear straw 'kaydees' which were in vogue as head gear (at this time Culcheth wore top hats and were known as the Culcheth Tall Hat Band). The band lined up for its first public appearance and as we moved towards the Ben Brierley Public House, at the corner of Kenyon Lane, the heavens opened and it was like hailstones beating on top of the 'kaydees'. Needless to say, we survived. On Saturday afternoons, those of us that could be present, used to go to Johnny Brook's farm near the Bluebell Hotel. There were only cows to complain if you played the wrong note. Mr. Youd was in charge of the motley but enthusiastic group of players. As time passed, the band became better and better and we started to enter band competitions. We were up against some of the top bands in the country who used the small events on their way home from garden parties to boost their prize money. However, the day arrived when in competition we won the contest and became Streetfold Prize Band. Someone had fixed a sign on the front of the big drum and Mr. Nelson was presented with a bandmaster's coat by a firm who made band uniforms. At the same time, the euphonium player won the gold medal for his solo. The band had arrived. At this juncture due to pressure at night school, I had to withdraw from the band. It was good fellowship and whilst I maintained my friendship with individuals, the band had to take second place."
Street Fold Methodist Band: See: Streetfold Band
Street Fold Prize Band: See: Streetfold Band
Stretford Borough Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Stretford Old Prize Band (Manchester): Formed July 1877 as Stretford Church Band.
Stretford Village Band (Manchester): Active in 1884
Strood Gospel Mission Silver Band: Formed in 1898, attached to the Strood Gospel Mission Church in Brompton Lane, Strood. During the inter-war years the Band took part in contests at the Crystal Palace in London and had a small measure of success at these events. After the war the Band continued to play in the Mission Hall but ceased contesting. The numbers steadily fell until in the late eighties there were only 12 or 13 members. The Band ceased to be associated with Strood Gospel Mission in 1996 at the same time changing its name to The Master's Brass and moving to the new venue of St Nicholas's Church Hall in Strood. The Band celebrated its centenary in 1998 with a membership of 25. In 2001 the Band again changed its name to City of Rochester Brass. Over the succeeding years the number of adult players gradually declined and the band was unable to recruit new players, finally ceasing in 2009. The remaining members devoted their efforts to forming and tutoring a new junior training band - North Kent Youth Brass Band
Strood Mission Band: See: Strood Gospel Mission Prize Band
Stroud District Band: Formed March 1945 from the 7th Battalion Gloucesters Home Guard Band
Stroud Town Band: Active in around 1910
Stubbins Vale Band: Active in the 1940s
Stubbs Band (Sunraysia area, Australia): Founded in 1907, merged with the Irymple Brass Band in 1909 to form the present-day Mildura District Brass Band
Stubshire Cross Brass Band (Manchester): Active in the 1950s
Summer's Steel Works Band (Shotton, Chester): Active in 1927, 1948, 1958
Summerseat Brass Band (Lancashire): Active in the 1920s
Sun Life Band: See: Stanshawe/Sun Life Band
Sun Life Stanshawe Band: See: Stanshawe/Sun Life Band
Sunderland Borough Police Band: Formed 1866, still active in 1940
Sunderland British Legion Band: Formed after 1918
Sunderland East End Band: Formed in the 1890s - may have folded during WW1
Sunderland Highways Silver Prize Band: Formed August 1946
Sunderland Naval Band: Active between 1899 and 1916
Sunderland Orphan Asylum Band: The asylum was located on Sunderland Moor, and the band was tutored by Edward Sanderson. The boys gave regular concerts on the moor.
Sunderland Police Band: See: Borough Police Band
Sunderland Sailor Boys Band: Active in 1904
Sunderland Shipbuilders Band: Active in 1923, possibly formed in the early 1900s
Sunderland Youth International Concert Band: Active in the late 1960s, early 1970s
Sunniside Colliery Band (Tow Law): Folded after WW2
Sunny Brow Colliery Band: See: Sunnybrow Colliery Band
Sunny Vale Brass Band: Active in 1935 when it played at the Brighouse Borough Jubilee Celebrations
Sunnybrow Colliery Band (Willington): Founded in the 1890s. Still active in 1938. Folded during/after WW2
Sunraysia District Band (Sunraysia area, Australia): Founded in 1929
Surrey Street Mission Band (Kings Lynn): Active between the 1890s and 1920s. Later known as Kings Lynn Imperial Silver Band
Surrey Street Silver Band (Kings Lynn): See: Surrey Street Mission Band
Sutton and Cherington Brass Band (Warwickshire): Active in 1935
Sutton and Hucknall United Band: Active in 1884, when it competed in a contest at Newcastle
Sutton Brass Band (Sutton-on-Trent): 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. The Sutton Band was still active in 1897 when it took part in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Winthorpe, and 1898 when they took part in the Newark celebrations of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.
Sutton-in-Ashfield Brass Band: Active in 1873 when it provided the entertainment commemorating a new club at the Pilsley Colliery Company on 6th September 1873.
Sutton Harmonic Band (Sutton-in-Ashfield): Active in 1894
Sutton Manor Colliery Band: Active in the 1930s
Sutton Old Band (Sutton-in-Ashfield): See: Sutton-in-Ashfield Brass Band
Sutton Scotney Brass Band (Nr. Winchester, Hampshire): Probably formed between the two world wars and folded in the early 1970s. Stuart Hay, a member of the band from 1954 through 1966, recalls: "At the age of 11 I was taught to play cornet by Fred Mathews - Euphonium, along with three other local kids from the village of Springvale near Kings Worthy. The band operated out of the local Springvale British Legion Club hall on Wednesday nights. At that time the band mustered about one dozen with two members from the village of origin Sutton Scotney - Fred Taylor - Tuba of Taylor Motors, and Stan ? - cornet. Other members came from Winchester and the surrounding villages as far out as Micheldever and a couple of Navy bandsmen from Worthy Down Fleet Air Arm Corps. Public performances were few, village fates, summer carnivals, Armistice Day parades and Christmas caroling - these events were augmented by musicians from Whitchurch and Andover Brass Bands. The three bands combined their forces for each others engagements and consequently were well travelled from Hungerford to Winchester and all places between. By the late 50's rehearsals had moved to the top floor of the Co-op Bakery in Winchester which happened to be directly opposite and in-the-line-of-fire of the belfry of Winchester Cathedral - rehearsals continued at the Co-op for several years until the Cathedral bell ringers decided to run their rehearsal at the same time at band practice - it was no contest so we moved to a room over the local Willow Tree Inn somewhat sheltered from the cathedral by the towering structure of the old bakery but never completely free of those infernal bells - on reflection I'd put it that they made a significant contribution to the bands demise. The band continued to operate into the early 70's - I'd estimate the band folded by 1973 and I believe the instruments were donated to the Hampshire Schools Brass Band"
Sutton Town Band: Active in the 1880s
Sutton United Town Band: Sutton-in-Ashfield, 1885
Sutton Village Brass Band (Cambridgeshire): Records of the band, from 1893-1906, are held by Cambridgeshire County Record Office, Cambridge
Sutton-on-Trent Brass Band: See: Sutton Brass Band
Swadlincote Town Silver Prize Band: Active in 1926, when it entered the Spondon Contest, conducted by A. Hilton. Competed in a brass band contest at Overseal, Leicestershire in July 1921, under conductor C. Sharpe (drawn 9 of 11 bands, they were not placed)
Swaffham Town Band: Active in the 1920s
Swainby Village Band (Yorkshire): Active in 1905
Swalwell Band (Gateshead): Formed in the 1890s, folded in the 1920s
Swan Foundry Band: Active in the 19th century. The works band of the W.J. Hillson Swan Foundry in Langley, Worcestershire.
Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson Band: See: Swan Hunter Band
Swan Hunter Band (Tyneside): Formed in the 1900s, later known as Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson Band (1937). Folded in the 1950s
Swan Hunter Silver Prize Band: Active in 1977
Swanage Brass Band
Swanage Town Band
Swanbourne Excelsior Band: Active in the 1900s
Swanbrook Soundwell Band: See: Soundwell Band
Swanbrook Transport Band: Active in 1979/80
Swanscombe Brass Band (Kent): Active in the early 1900s
Swanscombe Brotherhood Band (Kent): Active in 1918
Swanscombe and Greenhithe Band (Kent): Formed in the late 1920s
Swansea National Fire Service Band
Swanwick Collieries Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. Conducted from 1926 by Edward P. Snook, b. 1888, who had been a highly regarded bandmaster in the Royal Marines. Known as Swanwick Collieries Silver Prize Band in 1914
Swanwick Collieries Silver Prize Band: See: Swanwick Collieries Band
Swanwick Colliery Band: See: Swanwick Collieries Band
Swindon Prospect Band
Swindon G.W.R. Staff Association Band: Active in 1938
Swindon R.A. Association Band
Swingfield Brass Band (Kent): Active around 1895
Swinstead Brass Band (Lincolnshire)
Swindon Prospect Silver Band: Formed in 1908 at the Prospect Methodist Church, their object was to support as far as possible every charitable cause in Swindon. It was still active in 1933.
Swinton and Pendlebury Borough Band (youngsters)
Swinton Concert Brass: Started life as a local Scout and Guide Band many years ago. It didn't really have a proper name then but developed into "Youth Town Brass" when local schoolchildren began joining. Eventually, they all grew up and some older people joined and it was decided that the 'Youth' wasn't really suitable, so the committee decided on Swinton Concert Brass. Sponsorship changed the name to "Kennedy's Swinton Concert" and they went on to win the British Open in 1989. When the sponsorship ended it went back to Swinton Concert Brass. (source: Heather Smyth- one of the two founder members)
Symington's Brass Band (Leicestershire): Active in 1874 - possibly related to the Syminton's soup powder factory in Little Bowden. May be the same band as "Little Bowden Brass Band"
Syston and Thurmaston Silver Band: See: Syston Silver Band
Syston and Thurmaston Silver Prize Band: See: Syston Silver Band
Syston Silver Band: Formed in the 1870s as Ellmore's Can and Basket Works Brass Band, later known as Syston and Thurmaston Silver Band (1890s), Syston and Thurmaston Silver Prize Band (1900s) and finally Syston Silver Band (1950s). It disbanded in 1957. A successor band was formed in 1971

T
T.D.S. Lancashire Brass Band: See: Lancashire Brass Band
Taber Mineworkers' Band
Taber United Mineworkers Band
Tadley and Ashford Hill Silver Band: Active in the 1920s. One of the bandsmen was Benjamin Miles.
Tadley Gospel Temperance Band (Hants)
Tadmarton Band: Active in the 1910s
Taff Merthyr Colliery Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Talk o' th' Hill Band: Competed in the British Open in 1871.
Tanfield Lea Colliery Band (Beamish): Formed in the 1890s, folded in the 1950s
Tarrant's Band (Byfleet): Active in 1906 and closely associated with Tarrants the builders in Byfleet. W.G. Tarrant had quite a business and built many houses in the area including many on St George's Hill. His yard stood in Chertsey Road and the site has recently been built over with new houses, which is quite an irony! Mr Tarrant seemed to be quite a character, and was involved with the invention of the Jim diving suit, the first articulated deep sea diving suit - the prototype of which was tested in a large tank in his yard. He was also involved with the Tarrant Tabor triplane, an ambitious project to build a long range bomber, which unfortunately crashed on its maiden take off.
Taunton Town Band (Somerset): Active in the 1890s
Tavistock Brass Band: Active in the late 1800s
Tavistock Rifle Volunteers Band: Formed in 1859 and still active in the 1880s.
Tavistock Town Band (1): Formed in 1897 by George Williams of the Tavistock Mercantile Association. However it soon ran into trouble. The administration was apparently poor and the finances also - the rumour that this was the result of bandsmen receiving free drinks at the Queen's Head after band practices was hotly denied! In 1900 an opposition band was launched amid stories that the Town Band was facing collapse. They managed to keep going, but finally folded in 1912. [a history of the Tavistock Town Bands has been written by Chris Northey of the current Tavistock Town Band]
Tavistock Town Band (2): Formed in 1937. Again there seemed to be problems with the band's administration and various controversies, leading the band to disband in July 1939, on the face of it due to the "crisis" i.e. WW2. They reformed after the war, in 1946, winding up in June 1964, and the town council agreed to store the instruments, along with uniforms and money pending a revival. A successor band was formed in 1974.
Tayport Instrumental Band: Formed at the end of the 19th century, but folded between the two World Wars. The current band was formed in 1970
Tayside Silver Band (Fife)
Teams Euphonic Brass Band (Gateshead): Active in 1887
Tebay Brass Band (Cumbria): Active in 1905
Tebay Temperance Band
Teesside Brass: See: North Skelton and District Band
Teesside Bridge Band
Teesside Silver Band
Teesside Temperance Band: Formed in the 1890s, also known as North Skelton Band, folded in the 1950s
Teignmouth Temperance Band: Active in 1853
Telford Band: See: Dawley New Town Band
Terrington Brass Band (Yorkshire): Active in the early 1900s, and survived until the 1960s
Tetbury Institute Band (Gloucestershire): Active in 1910
Tetford Band (Lincolnshire): Active in the 1900s
Tewkesbury Town Band: In 1838 the Town Band led a procession through the town to celebrate the coronation of Queen Victoria. In 1860 there was a Tewkesbury Rifle Corps Band, with a uniform of salmon-coloured trousers, scarlet-faced tunics and plumes. 1874 saw the appearance of the Tewkesbury Philharmonic Band. In 1887 the town band appeared again in the records, giving a concert at the Philharmonic Hall (now the Watson Hall). In May 1900 the Tewkesbury Bugle Band headed a parade to celebrate the relief of Mafeking Queen?s birthday. 1900-1941 saw the town band at it's peak, proving to be very popular in and around Tewkesbury, averaging eight public appearances a year. In 1904 the band gave a concert to raise funds for a new bandstand to be erected in Victoria Gardens. In order to ensure a quality bandstand their target was to raise ś50! In November 1918 there was an amalgamation of the Town Band and the Territorial Band under the baton of Mr A C Collins. Practises took place at the "White Bear" public house in Tewkesbury. The Band played at the unveiling of the abbey war memorial in 1920, and in 1922 at the Tewkesbury war memorial at the Cross. There were some 55 public appearances between 1922 and 1934. May 5th 1937 saw the Town Band heading a parade to celebrate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and playing for public dancing in the streets. This was the last public appearance of the band however as by September 1937 the band had ceased to be. The lack of funds and an increasing popularity of the radio were given as the prime reasons. A successor band was formed in 1974
Thackley Band (Yorkshire)
Thame Band (Oxfordshire)
Thames Brass: See: Runnymede Brass
Thames Iron Works Band: Active in the 1860s and 1901
Thames Ironworks Band: See: Thames Iron Works Band
Thatcham Band (Berkshire)
Thatto Heath Band: Active in 1932
Thirsk and Sowerby Band: Formed in the 1900s. Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. The band was suspended during WW2 and several unsuccesful attempts were made to reform it when the war was over. It was finally disbanded in 1950. In the 1920s its president was Sir Edmund Turton, who home was Upsall Castle.
Thirsk and Sowerby Prize Silver Band: See: Thirsk and Sowerby Band
Thistle Instrumental Band (Glasgow)
Thomas Wilson, Sons & Company Prize Brass Band (Hull ?): Active in the early 1900s
Thornaby Borough Band: Active in 1923
Thornaby Colliery Band: Active in 1889
Thornaby District Soldiers Band: Formed in the 1890s
Thornaby People's Mission Band: Active in 1905
Thornaby Temperance Band: Active in 1913
Thornbury Baptist Prize Band: Active in 1910
Thornbury Band: Formed in 1974, by the remaining members of disbanded Hambrook Silver Band. Disbanded in November 2004.
Thorne Christian Temperance Brass Band
Thorne Colliery Band (Doncaster): Formed in 1927, the first conductor was Mr. P. Stapleton (formerly conductor of the East Yorkshire Band). In 1950 the conductor was T. Richard, secretary T.L. Sellars. Still active in 1964, when they held a slow melody contest.
Thorne Colliery Silver Prize Band: See: Thorne Colliery Band
Thorne Excelsior Temperance Brass Band
Thorne Town Brass Band (Doncaster): Active in 1936 and the 1970s/80s
Thornhill Band (West Yorkshire): Also known as Tingley Thornhill Band and Home Charm Paints Thornhill Band
Thornhill Colliery Band (Dewsbury)
Thornhill Prize Brass Band: Active in 1913
Thornley Colliery Band (County Durham): Founded in 1870, then disbanded in 1914. New band formed in 1919 and active through to 1960s
Thornsett Band: Active in 1884
Thornton Band (Yorkshire)
Thornton Heath Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Thorpe Brass Band (Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex): Active in 1911, bandmaster Mr Henley. Still active in the early 1950s. For more details, see Grandad Played The Cornet: A History of Brass Bands in North East Essex, by David Cawdell.
Throckley Colliery Band (near Newcastle): Founded in the 1890s, but folded during/after WW2.
Thurgoland Silver Band: See: Wortley, Forges & Thurgoland Brass Band
Thurnscoe Band (Yorkshire)
Tibshelf Ambulance Band: See: Tibshelf St John Ambulance Band
Tibshelf St John Ambulance Band: Active in 1891-6
Tibshelf Colliery Band (Derbyshire): Active in 1879, when it performed at the Tibshelf Flower Show, in July
Tibshelf Prize Brass Band (Derbyshire)
Tibshelf United Brass Band (Derbyshire): Active in 1879, when it performed at the Tibshelf Flower Show, in July
Tickhill United Band (South Yorkshire): Existed in the 1890s
Tickhill Jubilee Brass Band (South Yorkshire): Formed in 1887, superseding the prior Tickhill Victoria Brass Band, lasted until 1939
Tickhill Victoria Brass Band (South Yorkshire): Gave its first concert in February 1866 and lasted for about 20 years
Tickhill Band
Tillery Collieries Band (Abertillery): Active in 1894 when it came third in a brass band contest at Porth, conducted by Mr. John Griffiths. Active in 1900s
Timaru Artillery Band (New Zealand): Winners of First Brass Band Contest in New Zealand at Christchurch Exhibition, 2 May 1882. Two players at the times were Benjamin Pascoe and William Williams.
Timperley and District Band: See: Timperley Band
Timperley Band (1): Folded in the 1950s. A first successor band was formed around 1999
Timperley Band (2): Formed in 1999, but folded in 2004. A successor band was formed in 2005. During that time, awards achieved included: North West Area Champions (Fourth Section) 2002; Tamesdie Open Champions (Fourth Section) 2001; 3rd prize Brass at the Guild (Fourth Section) 2001; Wilkinson Northern Open Champions (Fourth Section) 2000; Widnes Open Champions (Fourth Section) 2000; Buxton Entertainment Contest Champions (Fourth Section) 2000
Timperley Band (3): Formed in 2005, folded in April 2010. Between 2006 and 2008 were one of the top bands in the North West winning many honours. North West Counties Brass Band Association Championship Section Champions 2007/08; 3rd prize Fleetwood Contest October 2008; Tameside Open Champions 2008; 2nd prize Brass at the Guild 2008; Wilkinson Northern Open Champions 2007; Tameside Open Champions 2007; North West Area Champions (First section) 2007; 2nd prize Tameside Open Championships 2006;
Tingewick Brass Band (Buckinghamshire): Founded in 1908. Active in 1923 when it played at the celebrations for the 60th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. John Moss (with their surviving four sons and two daughters, 43 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren!)
Tingewick Excelsior Band: Folded before 1908, when the successor White Hart Band (Tingewick Brass Band) was formed, including some of the old Excelsior band members.
Tingley Thornhill Band: See: Thornhill Band
Tipton St Martins Band: See: Revo Works Band
Tiptree Brass Band: Active around 1910, once competed in the Crystal Palace contest. Also known as Tiptree Silver Band and Tiptree Excelsior Band. The president at one time was CJ Wilkin of the Tiptree jam factory. The band folded just prior to WW2. For more details, see Grandad Played The Cornet: A History of Brass Bands in North East Essex, by David Cawdell.
Tiptree Excelsior Band: See: Tiptree Brass Band
Tiptree Jam Factory Band: See: Tiptree Brass Band
Tiptree Silver Band: See: Tiptree Brass Band
Titan Works Band (Stourbridge): The foundation stone of Stourbridge Public Baths was laid on 2nd August 1900 by Isaac Nash, Chairman of the Council. The building was designed by Frederick Woodward, the Council's Surveyor and cost about ś4,500. Thomas Vale was the builder. On 23rd May 1901 local dignitaries met in the Town Hall and then went in procession, headed by the Titan Works Band, to the Baths which were opened by Joseph Wooldridge, Chairman of the Baths Committee. The water for the baths came from a well sunk in the sandstone.
Toddington Brass BandThe first reference to the band was in an 1856 issue of The Dunstable Chronicle. In 1910 is the first reference to the band under the name of Toddington Town Band, when it was under the baton of Mr James Hyde. Mr Hyde conducted the band for 41 years until his death in 1951. Under his leadership Toddington Town Band achieved competition success many times including a contest win at Reading in 1937, a second in the Area Contest in 1947and a 3rd in the Belle Vue Contest, Manchester. When James Hyde died, his son Dennis took up the baton and led the band until his death in 1982, when the band folded. A successor band was formed in 1987.
Toddington Town Band: See: Toddington Brass Band
Tondu & Aberkenfig Coronation Band: See: Tondu & Aberkenfig Silver Band
Tondu & Aberkenfig Silver Band (Glamorgan): Active in 1940, at which time the principal cornet was Henley H. Jenkins. Henley went on to create the Bridgend and District Brass Band and also a dance band which played in the Bridgend Palais for a number of years. Other players included James Croft who went on to join Bridgend Band, Frank Able (cornet) who played in Ogmore Valley Silver Band until he died in the 1990s and Frank Merchant (euphonium) who also played in Bridgend Band in the 1950s and Ogmore Band back in the 1960s/70s. Band still active in 1948
Tong Church Silver Band: Active in 1926
Tonypandy Hibernia Silver Prize Band: Active in 1909. Won a section in the Crystal Palace National Championships. Bandmaster in the early 1900s was G. Thomas.
Tonyrefail Workmen's Silver Band (Glamorgan)
Tonyrefail Silver Prize Band (Glamorgan): Active in 1894 when it won a brass band contest at Porth, conducted by Mr.Thomas Lewis. Also active in 1905 and 1948
Tooth's Brewery Band (Sydney, Australia): Originally formed during the latter part of the nineteenth century as the Paddington Brewery Band or Marshall's Paddington Brewery Band. The Marshall's brewery was located firstly on the corner of Oxford and Dowling Streets, Paddington and later moved to a premises in Short St., Leichhardt. They are recorded as having taken part in a band contest held as part of a Fire Brigade demonstration at Albury in southern New South Wales in 1895. Marshall's brewery was taken over by the larger Tooth's Brewery, located at Broadway, which also took over Marshall's neighbouring Brewery, Resch's. During the early twentieth century the band became known as the Tooth's Brewery Band and was located at the Kent Brewery Broadway. The band seems to have reached the peak of its popularity during the reign of a Mr. Tom Watson as general manager of the brewery, 1929 to 1970. (Tooth's and Resch's were later taken over by Fosters/Carlton United Brewery, urrgghh!) The Tooth's Brewery Band competed at the New South Wales (NSW) State Band Championships of 1929 under bandmaster S. Thomas. They were placed 2nd in C grade and unplaced in B grade. They were also unplaced in the marching contest. In NSW State Contest of 1930, this time under bandmaster H.J. Cocks, they entered only B grade and the result is unknown at this stage. They did, however, win the march contest. In 1931, under bandmaster W. Cocks, they were 2nd place in B grade and won the marching contest. In 1933 they were equal 3rd in B grade and equal 2nd in the marching. The early 20th century was one of the periods of expansion in banding in Australia that was unfortunately curtailed by the depression in 1933. The NSW championships had expanded to 3 grades with at least 10 A & B grade bands and a lesser number in C grade. There were still more country bands that competed on a localised basis. In 1933 C grade had disappeared and A & B grades were down to 4 or 5 bands. The brewery band is one of the limited number of works bands in Australia. Australian bands tended to be more locality based although one works band, the Newcastle Steelworks Band of the 1920's, had great success over a short period. It was, in reality, a professional band.
Thanks to Mark Pinner, mark.pinner@bigpond.com, for these details
Tooting and Mitcham Silver Band: Thomas Draper may have been bandmaster at one time.
Topsham Silver Band (Devon): Combined with the Lympstone Band for a period after WW2, then had a further separate existence at least until 1960, until it disbanded some time later. It competed in 1964 under the name of Topsham and Lympstone Silver Band under the baton of R. May
Torpichen Brass Band: Active in 1884
Torquay Subscription Band (Devon): In 1857 St. John's Masonic Lodge, Torquay built the Temple in Park Hill Road, allowing the Torquay Natural History Society to use the ground floor as Torquay's first Museum. At the laying of the Foundation Stone, special trains were laid on to bring brethren from all over the Province, and preceded by the Torquay Subscription Band, and accompanied by the Band of The Royal Dragoon Guards, in a procession more than a quarter of a mile long, over 300 Freemasons, including Grand Officers & Provincial Grand Officers marched in full Regalia from the Town Hall to Park Hill Road, through streets lined by cheering crowds, a public holiday having been granted for the occasion.
Tottenham Borough Silver Prize Band: Active in 1947
Torrington Band: Active in 1909
Tottenham Military Band (North London): "This was still operating in the 1970's. The secretary, Fred Hands was a co-worker. They played fetes and hospital garden parties. They weren't a marching band, for parades they used a float."
Thanks to David Dunton (Canada) for these notes
Tow Law Colliery Band (Co. Durham): Formed in 1860
Tow Law Wesley Mission Band: See: Tow Law Wesleyan Band
Tow Law Wesleyan Band (Co. Durham): Active in the early 1900s
Towednack Band (Cornwall): Active in 1901
Townfoot Band (Auchinleck): Active around 1880
Townhill Silver Band (Scotland): Active in 1928
Towyn Brass Band: Active in 1948
Towyn Silver Band: Active in the 1890s. Competed in the Junior Trophy in 1962.
Trafalgar Colliery Band (Gloucestershire): Formed in the 1880s. One source has it forming before 1866 and still active in the early part of the 20th century.
Trafford Band (Manchester): Originally the Urmston and Davyhulme Silver Band. Folded in the late 1990s?
Trafford Park Public Prize Band (Manchester): Formed in 1919
Tranmere Gleam Silver Prize Band (Birkenhead): Active in 1900 when it featured in a contest in Brighton: "The result of the Brighton Contest is particularly gratifying to the temperance bandsmen of England. Besides a big money prize, an immense challenge cup goes to the winning hand. The cup stands 3ft, high, and is of sterling silver. Black Dike (J. Gladney, conductor), Tranmere Gleam (J. Gladney, conductor) and Wyke Temperance (E. Swift, conductor) tied for first place With ninety-four points each. Wylie and Dike are recognised worthy rivals of each other, but the Gleam, a temperance band, furnished a mighty surprise. Sixteen bands competed. The judge was Mr. F. Haines, L.R.A.M. and bandmaster of The King's Own, Aldershot." Also Liverpool and District Champions in 1908.
Transport & General Workers Band
Trawden Band: Active in the 1860s/80s
Trealaw Brass Band: Active c.1890
Trebanos Silver Band: Active in 1902 and 1912
Trefor Silver Band: Active in 1929 and 1958
Tregony Brass Band (Cornwall): Active in September 1846, when they headed the local Friendly Society parade
Treherbert U.N. Band: Active in 1938
Treviscoe Band (Cornwall)
Trevor Silver Band (North Wales): Active in 1964, conducted by E.P. Hughes
Tring Silver Band: Disbanded in 2003?
Trinity Brass (Maidstone): Amalgamated with Elliot Concert Brass in 1985 to form G.E.C. Maidstone Band.
Troedyrhiw Brass Band (Troiderhiw, Merthyr Tydfil): Active in 1928
Troon Reed and Brass Band: Active in 1890
Trumpington Brass Band (Cambridgeshire): Flourished from the 1860s
Truro Home Guard Band
Truro Town Silver Prize Band
Tudhoe Colliery Band: Active in 1876 when it competed in a contest at Hartlepool on 6th June
Tudor Silver Band (Southport): Formed 1937 as Southport Special Constabulary Band. Became Tudor Silver Band in November 1949
Tunbridge Wells Borough Band: Active in the 1890s
Tupton Brass Band: Active c.1890
Turner's Hill and Worth Band (Crawley): Active in 1933
Turner Village Band (Essex): Formed by patients and staff at the Turner Village Hospital in Turner Road, Colchester.
Turriff British Legion Silver Band: Active in 1954
Turton Church Brass Band (Bolton): Active in January 1866 when they placed a newspaper notice thanking the local gentlemen for their generosity over the Christmas period.
Tutbury Silver Band (Staffordshire): Formed around 1895, with around 21 players. It was disbanded in 1914, but reformed immediately after the war ended in 1918. It gained at least one prize at the Crystal Palace Championships which led to it being renamed Tutbury Town Silver Prize Band. Wallace Young conducted the band after 1918, when the uniform was mid-blue with a silver stripe down each trouser leg, and a tunic with brass buttons and a blue peaked cap. The people of Tutbury, who had received a leaflet titled "Band or no Band", raised the money for the uniforms. It headed a Coronation Procession in May 1937. It finally disbanded in 1939, and did not reform. Its instruments, uniforms and music were sold to an unknown band in Scotland. For a history of the band, see: Tutbury's Variations - A History of wind and brass bands in a Staffordshire village, by David Kennedy, published by D. & T.P Kennedy, Burton-on-Trent, 2002. For copies, contact tda.kennedy@tesco.net. A successor wind band was formed in the town in the 1980s.
Tutbury Town Silver Prize Band (Staffordshire): See: Tutbury Silver Band
Tuxford Temperance Band (Nottinghamshire)
Tweedales & Smalley (1920) Ltd. Band (Rochdale)
Twizwell Colliery Band (Grange Villa, County Durham): Formed in the 1890s, disbanded in the 1930s
Two Bridges Brass Band (Gloucestershire): Formed 1900. Disbanded 1952
Tycroes Brass Band: See: Tycroes Silver Band
Tycroes Silver Band: Active in the early 1900s. Tycroes Prize Silver Band played at the Llanwrtyd Wells Cycle and Pony Races held at Abernant Pleasure Grounds in August 1904, conducted by Mr David Williams. (from the Brecon & Radnor Express, Sept 1st 1904).
Tyne Dock and Jarrow Temperance Band: Active in 1887 when it led a procession for Queen Victoria's Jubilee celebrations in Jarrow - "June 21st this being Jubilee Day the town of Jarrow and surrounding district celebrated the day in right loyal style. Upwards of 7,000 children gathered at the educational centres to be regaled with buns, spice loaf, milk and tea. The masters attended the little folks and mistresses of the schools assisted by a number of ladies and gentlemen volunteers as waiters. After the tea the children prepared to start for the Recreation Ground where sports and entertainment were to be provided for them. Before the start was made each child received a present of a Jubilee Mug. On each of them were portraits of the Queen representing her in 1837 and the present year.. Each mug bore the words "Jubilee 1887 Jarrow on Tyne". The tea finished the young folk set off in two processions one headed by Hendersons Brass Band and the other by the Tyne Dock and Jarrow Temperance Band." Still active in 1913.
Tyne Dock Temperance Band: See: Tyne Dock and Jarrow Temperance Band
Tynedale Band: Founded in 1860s. Merged with Ovington Band in 1980 to form Ovington Tynedale Band
Tynemouth Royal and Union Band: Formed in the 1900s and still active in 1948
Tysoe Temperance Brass Band (Warwickshire): Active in 1893 and 1897 when performing at a Baptist Sunday School Treat

U
U.C.B.S. Brass Band: See: U.C.B.S. Prize Silver Band
U.C.B.S. Prize Silver Band (Clydebank): Active in 1908. The United Co-operative Biscuit Society Ltd. Band. Won the Iles Cup 1st Class in 1908, the 2nd Class Championship in 1908, and the Iles Cup 2nd Class in 1906, 1907 and 1908. Famous biscuits were advertised as "The men of Clydebank have been responsible for world famous feats in shipbuilding and engineering, but what is to be said of those who are responsible for the care of the "inner man"? To the housewives of Clydebank equal praise is due, for good work cannot be accomplished without good food. The choice of Clydebank housewives has always been unanimously U.C.B.S. - Baking of Quality".
UDI Brass: See: Stoneywood and Auchmull Union Band
Uffculme Town Band: Active in 1896, when it gave a concert in Wellington, conducted by Mr. Vickery
Uley Brass Band: Active in the 1920s and amalgamated with Uley Silver Band in the 1930s. The combined band folded in the Second World War. The instruments were subsequently stored in the village until the fifties when they were donated to Dursley Modern school where the music master was forming a brass band. When the school closed and was integrated with Dursley Grammar School to create Rednock Comprehensive School Dursley the band was transferred and it is believed to still be in existence to the present day.
Uley Silver Band: Active in the 1920s and amalgamated with Uley Brass Band in the 1930s. See also Uley Brass Band.
Union Foundry Band (Wakefield): Founded in 1854
Union Place Military Brass Band: Competed in a brass band contest at Bedworth in 1888
United Asbestos Company Band: See: Harefield Asbestos Works Band
United Co-operative Biscuit Society Ltd. Brass Band (Clydebank): See: U.C.B.S. Prize Silver Band
United Christian Army Band (Malton, North Yorkshire): Formed in 1883 and disbanded in 1888 when their premises were sold to become the Liberal Institute.
United Independent Harmonic Brass Band (Preston): Active in 1840
Universe Works Band (Birmingham): Active in 1871
University Volunteer Band: See: Cambridge University Volunteer Band
Updale Mission Band (Seacombe): Active in the early 1900s
Upleatham Mines Band: Formed in the 1890s, folded with the colliery around 1924
Upper Edge Band: Active in 1871
Upper Hulme Band (Staffs): Active in 1850
Upper Weardale Band: In 1835 there were five bands in Weardale: Wolsingham, Stanhope, Wolsingham and two in Rookhope. The bands became a prominent feature of village life, playing at all the local agricultural shows and on many other occasions. At some time during the second half on the 19th century the bands from Upper Weardale merged to form the "Upper Weardale Band" however this ceased after the Great War.
Upton Colliery Workpeoples Band: Formed around 1937/38 and wound up in 1976. Qualified for the National Finals on four out of five years in the late 60's, and early 70's and rose from the 4th to 2nd section during this time. Just being pipped to promotion to the then 1st section by Brodsworth Colliery Band. Competed in the Senior Cup in 1962.
Urchfont Prize Brass Band (Wiltshire): Active in the early 1900s
Urmston and Davyhulme Silver Band (Manchester): Later called the Trafford Band, folded in the late 1990s?
Urpeth Colliery Band (Beamish): Formed in the 1890s and still active in 1933
Ushaw Moor Colliery Band: Formed in the 1890s
Usk and District Silver Band (Monmouthshire): Formed in the 1970s when a group of players got together under the guidance of Jack Stradling. In addition to entertaining the community in and around Usk, it began competing and in 1982 won the Welsh Regional Championships (fourth section) under the musical directorship of Michael Pegram, which qualified the Band to play in the National Championships at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Also, in 1982 the Band made a highly popular visit to Usk’s twin town Graben-Neudorf in Germany with Nigel Weeks as conductor, who conducted the Band at various times in the late 1970's and through the 1980's. Other conductors in this period included Aubrey Brice and home-grown Mark Stones. Unfortunately, due to a lack of players, the Usk and District Silver Band folded in the late 1980’s,
Usk Brass Band (Monmouthshire): Active in the early 1900s. A successor band was formed in the 1970s
Usk Town Band: See: Usk and District Silver Band
Usworth Colliery Band (1): Active in 1873
Usworth Colliery Band (2): Formed in the 1890s and still active after WW2.
Uttoxeter Town Band: Formed in the 1930s and folded a few years after the end of the Second World War
Uxbridge and Hillingdon Band: Formed in 1882 by Mr W.J.D. Sheriff. He inserted an advertisment in the local paper calling a meeting at his house in Alexandra Road and there the band was started. The band's first Ł5 was donated by Lord Hillingdon. The first practices were held in Mr Sheriff's kitchen, later moving to the band room in the Old Chapel in Chiltern View Road. Prior to starting the Uxbridge Band, Mr Sheriff was bandmaster of the Hillingdon Drum and Fife Band, and later, in addition to the Uxbridge Band and the Middlesex Regiment, he was bandmaster of the City of London Imperial Yeomanry and of the Herts Yeomanry Bands. He was the composer of the military fantasia "A Soldier's Life". Ten of the Uxbridge Band's members were engaged in 1885 by Dr Drury Lavin, of Heatherden Hall, to form a ship's band on a cruise to the West Indies. The Band fulfilled several seasons of engagements on the Island of Jersey.

V
Vale of Lyvennet Silver Band (Cumberland): Active in the 1880s and 1890s. It seems to have been based at Crosby Ravensworth, but included members from Maulds Meaburn, also in the Lyvennet valley. John [Jack] Relph (born in 1871) was a member.
Vale of Pewsey Band: Competed in the 1962 West of England Regional Championships (4th Section), conducted by J. King
Valley Road Band (Bradford)
Vane Tempest Band (Seaham): Active in the 1950s - attached to the Vane Tempest Colliery.
Varteg Silver Band (Monmouthshire): Formed July 1914. Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. Still active in 1948
Vauxhall Motors Recreation Club Band (Luton)
Veryan and Portloe Band (Cornwall): Active in 1900
Vickers Armstrong (Barrow Shipyard) Band
Vickers Crayford Band (Kent): Active in 1920
Victoria Band (Wallsall)
Victoria Batley Band: Active in 1854
Victoria Brass Band (Kirkburton, Huddersfield)
Victoria Brass Band (Petersfield, Hampshire): Formed in 1904. Five or six instruments were purchased by Mr Kimber and Mr Gale and a band was formed under the tuition of Mr Stacey. The first practice was held in a wash-house in Swan Street. With further members joining, more adequate room was required and the band moved to Borough Hill for practices, being for a long time known as the "Borough Band". Their first appearance in public was on Easter Monday in 1906 under the lead of Mr Stacey. On this occasion the band paraded the town, playing what music they could manage. On Whit Monday 1906 a fete was held on the Heath by the Working Men's Association, this proving to be their first official engagement. With the outbreak of war in 1914, nearly all the members, who were Territorials, went into camp, afterwards being drafted to India and not returning until 1920. From the year 1908 to 1914 the band was under the baton of Mr. E. Lee, who held the office of deputy bandmaster. In 1921 a reconstruction of the band took place and Mr Walter Bone was appointed bandmaster, an office he still held in 1932. The band had the honour of performing before the Duke of York and also Princess Beatrice. It appeared with distinction at many places, including Guildford, Winchester and Gosport. It relies entirely on voluntary contributions for its upkeep of the instruments and provision of music, and is entirely self-supporting. The band disbanded after WW2, in the early 1950s.
Victoria Foundry Band: Active in 1855
Victoria Institute (Hartshead Moor) Brass Band: The Victoria Institute, at Hartshead Moor near Scholes, was established in 1868. This was largely on the intiative of Robert Firth Crosland (of the long-established local Quaker family). One of the Institute's first activities was to form a brass band. The institute folded around 1922.
Victoria Lochhead Band: Active in 1928, 1933
Victoria Lochhead and Earlseat Band: See: Victoria Lochhead Band
Victoria Mission Band (Kettering): Active in 1905
Victory Pit Crookhall Colliery Band: See: Crookhall Colliery Band
Volunteer Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers Band, 1st: See: Bury Public Silver Band
Vulcan Motor Works Band (Southport)

W
Waddeson Temperance Band (Leicestershire): Active in the 1890s and 1900s
Waddinton Brass Band (Clitheroe): Wound up in the courts as of 5th February 1923
Wadebridge Town Band: Active in the early 1900s and in 1938. A successor band was also active for a few years in the 1970s.
Wadhurst Band: Active in the late 1800s but disbanded after WW2. Current band formed in 1960 as a school band.
Waenfawr & District Band (Caernarvonshire): Active in 1948
Waihi Federal Band (New Zealand): Active in the 1900s
Waipawa Brass Band (New Zealand): Active in 1896
Wakefield City Band: Active in the 1980s
Wakefield Old Band: Active in the 1940s
Walkden Band: Formed in the early 1870s when the band had connections with the Duke of Bridgewater's Yeomanry Band in Worsley. Records of the band from 1937 to 1974 exist in the Salford City Archive Service. Known as Alvin Walkden Brass Band in 1989 when they were 3rd Section National Champions. A good example of the many dedicated and tireless people who support bands around the country is given in this obituary notice which appeared on 15 November 1995: "Tributes for bandsman Cyril - One of the vanguards of Walkden Brass Band has died at the age of 63. For more than 25 years, Cyril Wright, of Grosvenor Drive, Walkden, was a tireless worker behind the scenes. Band members said his musical contribution as third assistant percussion when he was needed in contests was always of the highest quality, which was his trademark on everything he was involved in. He will be most remembered for his administration role within the band. His infectious energy and dedication as treasurer, concert secretary and committee member meant the band was self-funding and able to weather the tough financial conditions of the brass band world. Since early retirement from Mellings Bakery at Farnworth, he became involved in transferring the band's music library system onto a computer data base. He leaves his son Alan - the band's assistant principal cornet player - and his wife Joan. She is a tireless member of the ladies' section who serves the band members with refreshments during rehearsals. Colleagues say Cyril was well known throughout the brass band scene and was one of the great characters in the musical world." Merged with Eaton Farnworth Brass Band in 2004 to form Eaton Farnworth & Walkden Band.
Walker Neptune Band: Active between 1900 and 1914
Walkers and Hardmans Works Band: Founded 1833
Walker's Brass Band (York, 1834-1852)
Wallaroo Mines Federal Band (Australia): Formed in 1897 with the assistance of the mining company which supplied funding for instruments and uniforms, and eventually a band rotunda. W H Woolcock, a talented musician, formed and lead the band throughout its existence. When the mines closed in 1923, the band was wound up. Some players, however, found places with the Excelsior Band in Kadina.
Wallasey Silver Band: Active in 1929
Wallasey Village Silver Band: Prior to 1939 the Wallasey Village Carnival was a spectacle of horse drawn floats covered with flowers and people. The floats being interspersed with bands and dancers of varying standards, Decorated bicycles, handcarts and even dressed up dogs had their part to play. The major float carried the Carnival Princess and her court, whilst the whole event was led with great aplomb by the Wallasey Village Silver Band (which used the Lighthouse Pub in Wallasey Village as its unofficial headquarters).
Wallsend Borough Band: See: Wallsend Colliery Band
Wallsend Colliery Band: Formed in the 1900s, still active in the 1930s, also known as the Rising Sun Colliery Band (Rising Sun pit at Wallsend). Later known as Wallsend Borough Band
Wallsend Miners' Band: See: Wallsend Colliery Band
Wallsend United Collieries Band: See: Wallsend Colliery Band
Wallsend Shipyard Band
Walsall Borough Prize Band: Active in 1912
Walsall L.M.S. Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. Formed by John Henry Cowley, who played Solo Trombone for them. (See also Brass Band People). The band were conducted at various times at contest by Harry Mortimer, Issac Perrin, Harry Hayes, and William Halliwell.
Walsall Police Band: Active in 1912
Walsall Temperance Band: Active in 1865, when they played at the Cottage Hospital Gala in August.
Walsall Town Prize Band: Active in 1912
Walsall Wood Institute Temperance Band: Existed in the early 1900s
Walsall Wood Olde Brass Band: Reference to this band in 1910
Walsham-le-Willows Temperance Band: Active in the early 1900s. An undated notice reads: "We beg to draw your attention to the above Band, and to say that we shall be pleased to serve your interests during the coming season in attendance at GARDEN PARTIES, SPORTS, FLOWER SHOWS, GALAS, FETES etc. We have a good variety of Music, including Selections, Marches, Dances etc. We should at all times do our best to meet your requirements in every particular. The Band provides its own Gas Light, to facilitate playing on grounds after dark, when required. For particulars as to terms, apply to either of the following: Wilfrid Y Nunn, Band Master - Harry W Hubbard, Hon. Secretary."
Waltham Band (Grimsby)
Waltham British Legion Band: Active in the 1940s
Waltham Cross Temperance Band (Herts): Active in 1949
Waltham Gospel Temperance Brass Band (Waltham Cross): Active around 1900
Walthamstow Town Silver Prize Band: Active in 1905 and 1911
Walton Brass Band (Warrington, Cheshire): Active in 1887
Wandiligong Brass Band (Australia): Formed in 1874, and it travelled around the district providing entertainment for the miners and their families.
Wandsworth Borough Band
Wandsworth 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 Putney Brass Band.
Wanlockhead Silver Band: Active around 1890. The Band would always appear on New Years Day and march around the Village 'weather and the roads permitting' to an enthusiastic local support. It also performed local concerts and parades and was in great demand. The coming of the railway and the 'new machines' enabled the band to travel further afield to play at engagements and enter National Contest where they frequently proved to be successful. Linked to the local lead mine. Active in 1928, conducted by John Faulds
Warburtons Bakery Band: See: Hoggarths Works Band
Wardley Colliery Band (Tyneside): Formed in the 1890s. Disbanded in 1939.
Wareham Silver Band
Wareham Town Band: Active in 1908 and 1938
Warialda Brass Band (Australia): Active in February 1899 when it played in the street every Saturday night. It ceased on several occasions only to be reformed again. Some of the bandmasters were: R.H. Stewart, E. Quickenden, J. Myers, Walter Davis and Tom Graham. An effort was made to reform the band under bandmaster T. Graham in May 1915. A number of instruments were available and it was hoped that a number of others would be purchased. The band was formed that year and played for a number of wartime functions including send offs for soldiers; the visit of the Kurrajongs from Inverell in January 1916 and the unveiling of the Honour Roll at the Public School. It continued for many years until the 1930s when it finally ceased.
Warleggan Brass Band (Cornwall): Active around 1904
Warley Town Band (Yorkshire)
Warmley Excelsior Brass Band
Warmley Military Band: Founded 1903, as Warmley Mission Reed and Brass Band, by the men of the Warmley Independent Methodist Church, predominantly from the Mill Lane and Cadbury Heath area, many of whom were from the Lovell Family. The Band had a membership of about twenty men, one of whom was George Webb, father of Bill Webb the cycle shop owner. The Warmley Military Band achieved a great deal in the world of music, a small dedicated band of men, whose fame spread to Minehead, Hereford and Berkeley, where they had regular engagements and the fact that the Band existed for 33 years is an achievement in itself. Perhaps their most frequent and enjoyable engagement was to lead the annual Whitsuntide parades through surrounding villages. George Webb was born in 1842 and at the age of eight started his working life in a nearby coalpit. Inspired by the sounds of brass band music, he taught himself to play the cornet and at the age of thirteen he left the pit. George was now in his element. In a very short time he was able to 'triple tongue' on his cornet and was capable of producing 700 notes to the minute. In 1862, he was the star player of 'The Christie Minstrels". From this time on he was often on tour but always returned to his roots where he had a wife and young family. Around 1882, George took part in a ceremony when the chimney stack at Haskins Pottery was heightened. When the chimney was completed George stood on the top run and played the National Anthem, God Bless the Prince of Wales and Auld Lang Syne. The cornet was not the only instrument George mastered as he was able to handle many instruments, particularly the trombone. His ability did not stop there as he also became bandmaster to numerous bands but, in particular, the Warmley Military Band. At the turn of the century George Webb had produced scores of compositions for brass bands and his name was familiar all around Britain as well as on the Continent. There is a story that the Black Dyke Mills Band were passing through Warmley station on their way to Bournemouth. They had persuaded the driver to stop the train so as they could meet their hero, George Webb. However, George had prepared a surprise for them and with the aid of a local brass band, the Black Dyke and Warmley Bands marched along the road, playing at full pitch and meeting in the middle of the village.
Warmley Tower Band (Bristol): Active in 1864, when they took part in the processions celebrating the official opening of the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol.
Warren Band: Active in the 1980s
Warrenby and Loftus Band: See: Warrenby Brass Band
Warrenby Brass Band (Cleveland): Formed in the 1900s. Also known as one times as Warrenby and Loftus Band. Did not survive WW1
Warrington Borough Band: Active in 1853 when it led the parade for the foundation stone laying of Christ Church, Pennington on 19th May 1853.
Warrnambool Brass Band (Australia): Active in 1990
Warsash Brass Band (1): Formed by the Rev Holt, vicar of St Mary's church at Warsash, and disbanded aound 1922
Warsash Brass Band (2): Formed in 1993 as an all-brass band, but now a concert band with reed instruments as well as brass, known as Warsash Band.
Warslow Brass Band: Active in 1873. It became a silver band in the early 1950s
Warwick Town Band: Active between 1895 and 1910
Washington and District Band: Active between 1907 and 1911
Washington Brotherhood Band: Founded in 1923 as a temperance band, and later known as Washington Colliery Band (or Washington F Pit Band) up to 1968, Washington Glebe Colliery Band, then Washington Welfare Band, led by Tyneside danceband leader George Rowell. Despite the closure of the Washington Glebe Colliery in 1972, band members had soldiered on and were determined to keep the music alive. The band competed in championship finals in London and Blackpool and won the trophy at the Bedlington Miners' Picnic in Northumberland eight years in a row. In 1997 they were finally forced to disband because of lack of funding and interest. A successor band was formed in 2007.
Washington Colliery Band: See: Washington Brotherhood Band
Washington F Pit Band: See: Washington Brotherhood Band
Washington Glebe Colliery Band: See: Washington Brotherhood Band
Washington Welfare Band: See: Washington Brotherhood Band
Watchet British Legion Band: Competed in the 1962 West of England Regional Championships (4th Section), conducted by J. Alexander
Waterfoot and Newchurch Band: Active in 1888 when it competed in a contest at Todmorden.
Waterhead Band (Oldham)
Waterloo Band (Brighouse): Active in the late 1800s
Wath and Bolton Band (Yorkshire)
Wath Town Band: Active in 1939
Watford Silver Band
Watford Artizan Brass Band: Active in the early 1900s, bandmaster R. Smith.
Watlington Excelsior Band (Oxfordshire): Active in 1917
Watney Band: See: West London Silver Band
Watney Mann Band: See: West London Silver Band
Watsonville Brass Band (California, USA): Formed in 1994 by Gonzalo Viales from a subset of the Watsonville Community Band, it sadly only lasted a few years.
Weardale Band: Active in the 1860s and the 1900s
Wearmouth Colliery Band (Sunderland): Active in the 1930s
Webbank Prize Band (Chorley)
Wedmore Brass Band (Somerset): Active in the 1880s
Wednesbury Band: Active in the 1860s/70s. Still active in 1887
Wednesbury Crown Tube Works Band: See: Crown Tube Works Band
Wednesbury Old Band: Active in 1873
Wednesbury Tube Works Band: Active in 1869
Week St Mary Band (Cornwall)
Welbeck Colliery Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Weld Bank Band (Chorley): Active in the 1920s/40s. Practiced on Weldbank Lane in Chorley. After it folded, its remnants formed the Chorley Silver Band.
Welford and District Band (West Berkshire): Officially founded in 1870 (although there is evidence to suggest it developed from an earlier fife and drum band). It seems to have petered out around the time of the Great War. It was quite well known in the West Berkshire/East Wiltshire area and the local Newbury and Marlborough newspapers regularly reported their concerts (aided, probably, by the fact that the Bandmaster was also the village Postmaster!). James Brown was the Bandmaster and several other members of the Brown family also took part in the band. (Source: Bob Chandler, great-grandson of James Brown)
Wellesley Colliery Band (Fife): Formed in 1919 and in 1920 they competed at their first competition in Methil where they took 3rd prize. In 1921 they won first prize at the open championships in Bathgate and took the cup for the best third section band. Promoted to second section in 1926 Wellesley had a run of bad luck that took them back down to third section. William Pegg was bandmaster in 1927. By 1930 at Stirling under George Hawkins they won the third section and were back up to the second section. It seemed Mr Hawkins gave the band the confidence they needed and they were promoted in 1934 at Leith to the championship section. By now they were progressing as a programme band and were asked to play at the empire exhibition in Glasgow. They won the Fife championships 1938, 1939 and 1940. In 1944 they won the Scottish championship and were runners up the following year. 1947 and yet another great result, first prize at the miners gala day in Edinburgh entitling them to compete at the miners festival in London representing Scotland. There finest hour was in 1964 when they won the second section daily herald British brass band championships in London. The band ceased to exist in 1976 when the remaining players amalgamated with the Buckhaven Town Band, to form the current Buckhaven & Methil Miners Band.
Wellesley Training Ship Band (Tynemouth): Reformatory School for boys. Active in the 1900s and closed with the school in 1914.
Wellingborough L.M.S. Band: Active in 1933, and 1937 when it marched in the Wellingborough Hospital Parade.
Wellingborough Town Band: Active in 1900/1912
Wellingborough Volunteer Band
Wellington (Somerset) Town Band: Active in 1938
Wellington Street Mission Band (North Shields): Formed in the 1890s, became Wellington Silver Band in the 1920s, but did not last much beyond then.
Wellington Street People's Mission Silver Band: South Shields, 1920
Wellington Silver Band: See: Wellington Street Mission Band
Wellworthy Works 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.
Wem Silver Band: Formed in the 1930s? Folded at the start of WW2. Competed at Belle Vue.
Wensley Brass Band (Derbyshire): Active in the early 1900s
Werneth & District Silver Band: Active in the 1930s
Wernos Colliery & District Silver Band: Active in the 1960s
Wessex Royal Artillery (TA) Band, 256th: See: 256th Wessex Royal Artillery (TA) Band
West Ardley United Band (Yorkshire)
West Ardsley Prize Brass Band
West Auckland and St Helen's Silver Band: See: West Auckland and St Helen's Temperance Band
West Auckland and St Helen's Temperance Band (Co. Durham): Formed on Good Friday 1909 by the Independent Order of Good Templars and Rechabites. Later known as West Auckland and St Helen's Silver Band
West Auckland Town Band (Co. Durham): Active between 1928 and 1936.
West Auckland Band (Co. Durham): Active in the 1970s
West Bergholt Brass Band (Essex): Active in the 1890s. For more details, see Grandad Played The Cornet: A History of Brass Bands in North East Essex, by David Cawdell.
West Bromwich Borough Band: It started its life with William (Billy) Goodwin, who ran a coffee shop in Bull Street, who in 1908 secured from Boosey & Sons several instruments with which to start a band - Goodwins Silver Band. It was short lived under his influence and nearly folded but for the enterprise and dedication of half a dozen players who struck their own terms with Boosey & Son to continue with the instruments. They named their band the West Bromwich Borough Band, soon becoming quite proficient and winning prizes in competitions. The various band members combined their skills to erect a wooden structure in Beeches Road as a temporary practice room; prior to that their practice was on an ad hoc basis using various pubs and members houses, etc. In 1935 Alderman Jesse J Grant, of Grants Bakery, built Grant Hall primarily for the band, and was to be a lifelong benefactor and President. The band then had its first permanent Headquarters in September 1935. The band was still active in 1962, when it competed in the Grand Shield, conducted by G.A. Morris. Won the Grand Shield in 1964.
West Bromwich Borough Silver Prize Band: See: West Bromwich Borough Band
West Bromwich Excelsior Band
West Bromwich New Town Band: Active in 1866
West Calder Brass Band: Active in 1891(when it performed on a Sunday - shock/horror!]. Was in financial trouble in 1896, trying to raise funds. Active in 1920/1933
West Calder Instrumental Band: Active in 1879, when it played a "musical extravaganza" on 21 June 1879
West Calder Public Band: Formed in 1919. Won third prize in the final of the Edinburgh Charities Band Association contest in April 1931. Won two trophies at the West Lothian and District brass band contest in September 1932, still active in 1946, still active in 1984
West Crawley Band (Surrey): Formed in 1900 and still active in 1933
West Crawley Temperance Band: Active in 1912
West Ham Crusaders Temperance Band: Active in 1894
West Hartlepool Borough Band (Hartlepool): Formed in 1890
West Hartlepool Old Operatic Prize Silver Band (Hartlepool): Formed in 1851. Also known as West Hartlepool Operatic Band. Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. Known as the 4th Durham Artillery Band until it resigned its connection with the corps in 1875. Folded in the 1950s
West Hartlepool Operatic Band: See: West Hartlepool Old Operatic Prize Silver Band
West Hull Excelsior Silver Band
West Hull Prize Band: In 1937 the West Hull Prize Band was at a stage of collapse owing to lack of funds and support. Major G Thompson and the Adjutant, Captain H Potter, of 150th (Northumbrian) Division, Royal Army Service Corps, persuaded the Band members that by joining the unit, they could retain their instruments and continue playing. This suggestion was readily accepted and the Unit was now in possession of an official Band under Bandmaster Keenan. Many of the instruments were in poor condition but thanks to the support of the Officers, improvement was effected and the Band was able to give inspiring performances on parades and on route marches. The Band was known as 150th (Northumbrian) Column Territorial Army Band and players were also recruited from the ranks of 522, 523 and 524 Companies Royal Army Service Corps (Territorial Army).
West Lancs Home Guard Band: See: Farnworth Old Band
West London District Band: Active in 1890
West London Silver Band: Formed in 1937 and loaned its instruments to the Home Guard during the War, reforming in 1946 as Borough of Barnes Brass Band. Became the Watney Band in 1959. Jimmy Edwards, the comedian, once played tenor horn with the band. In the 1970s the Watney Band, under the baton of Albert Meek, experimented with including french horns (along with a string bass).
West Mersea Band: Active in the 1920s. By 1938 had become the West Mersea British Legion Band. They disbanded in 1939. For more details, see Grandad Played The Cornet: A History of Brass Bands in North East Essex, by David Cawdell.
West Mersea British Legion Band: See: West Mersea Band
West Pelton Colliery Band: Active in the 1950s
West Pelton Volunteers Band: Active in 1887
West Riding Home Guard Band, 26th: See: 26th West Riding Home Guard Band
West Riding County Fire Service Band: See: West Riding Fire Service Band
West Riding Fire Service Band: Active in the 1960s/80s
West Smethwick Park Band (Birmingham): Active around 1900. West Smethwick Park itself opened in 1895
West Stanley Town Band: Active in 1938
West Stockwith Brass Band (Nottinghamshire)
West Street Brass Band (St Helens): Affiliated with the West Street Independant Methodist Church.
West Tarring Brass Band (Sussex): Active around 1900
West Vale Band (Yorkshire)
West Wickham Salvation Army Corps Band: The Corps was founded in 1886 and had a silver band almost right from the start. In 1950, John Simpkin, who had then been Bandmaster for all the band's 64 years, reminisced that first instrument was a cornet bought new for 30 shillings and that the first drum, a relic of the Crimean War, was so strong it was used for many years as an open air pulpit! Those living in the village (pop. in 1881 was 455 and declining) were entirely dependant, directly or indirectly, on the land for their living, so most of the band members were agricultural labourers or tradesmen - John Simpkin, for example, was a blacksmith. The band played at open air or cottage meetings in all the surrounding villages, members walking or cycling some miles to do so. They also took part in village occasions such as the celebrations for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897, where they led the procession, and Armistice commemorations. The Corps, with its band, survived to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 1986 but the increasing age of its members and the cost of repairs needed to their Hall saw its close and absorbtion into the Haverhill Corps soon after.
West Yorkshire Fire Service Band: See: West Riding Fire Service Band
Western Australia Police Band (Australia): Formed in 1902 under the able leadership of Constable C.Dodd. It quickly became known for the quality of its music, its presentation, and for its contribution to charities. The Band was well equipped with first class instruments and an up-to-date library of music which enabled it to successfully compete against other WA bands. In a competition at Fremantle in 1906 the band won the Quick Step and came second in the Selection competition, while in 1909, at Albany it finished in third place. However the band's musical successes were, to a certain extent, over-shadowed by the success in raising money for various charities, particularly widows and orphans, with around Ł7,000 raised in the years before World War 1 - a very considerable sum in those days. In 1911 leadership of the band passed to Constable Alf Timm, but with the outbreak of hostilities in 1914 the band went into temporary recess. Although it was hoped to resume normal activities after the war, this was not possible and in 1925 it was officially disbanded.
Westfield Brass Band: See: Dalkeith & Westfield Trades Band
Westgate Band: See: Dalkeith Burgh Band
Westgate Hall Methodist Church Silver Band (Newcatle Upon Tyne): Formed in the 1900s. Disbanded in the late 1950's
Westgate Hall Mission Band: See: Westgate Hall Methodist Church Silver Band
Westgate Mission Band: See: Westgate Hall Methodist Church Silver Band
Westgate-on-Sea Band: Active in the early 1900s
Westhall Excelsior Band
Westhoughton Old Band: Formed in 1854, the first event at which they are recorded attending was the peace celebrations for the Crimean War in 1856. A wit from the Westhoughton Journal and Guardian wrote in 1934, 'The band reached the summit of their achievements in the 1870's. The old Westhoughton factory was burned down by incendiaries and a new factory was built on the site, opposite the White Lion. It was a larger and more ambious building and boasted a high new chimney. When the mill was opened the band played on top of the chimney to celebrate the event! There is said to have been one 'chicken hearted' member who refused this glorious opportunity!' And what a clever man he was! Although formed many years before Wingates, Westhoughton Old had been for some years considered the 'nursery' for the bigger local bands, with many of its more gifted players going onto such bands as Wingates, Horwich RMI and Besses'. One final note of interest is that a draw took place in 1869 'to provide the Westhoughton Brass Band with military uniforms to enable it more efficiently to co-operate with the Westhoughton sub-division of the 27th L.R.V.'. The list of prizes to be drawn follows. It includes a first prize of a harmonium, a fat pig, a sack of flour, a cheese, an iron bedstead and a live fat duck! The latest reference for the band is in 1936, it must have disbanded either during or shortly after the Second World War.
Westhoughton Old Prize Band: See: Westhoughton Old Band
Westhoughton Public Brass Band: Formed around 1890 in the Daisy Hill area, it was conducted by a Mr Joseph Chadwick, who later went to Australia and conducted two bands there. They rehearsed in a hut behind the Cross Guns pub. It would appear that they were a group of men who got together to enjoy making music and may never have performed in public. They seem to have disbanded around the First World War.
Westleigh Band (Manchester): Formed in June 1881, with John Brown as the leader. He was also the bandmaster of Blackrod Temperence Band. In 1884 they played in a contest in Leigh, organised by St Joseph's Brass Band, playing the quadrille "Jeanette", but they gave only a moderate performance. In 1885 the Band won two 1st prizes at a contest in Cadishead.
Westley Hall Band: Active in 1932
Weston (Bath) Brass: Competed in the 1962 West of England Regional Championships (1st Section), conducted by B.A. Hulbert
Weston Brass Band (Runcorn): Active around 1900
Weston Brass Band (near Nantwich): Active around 1900. Played at local garden parties. John Capper and his family were key members.
Weston Wesleyan Brass Band (Weston, Runcorn): Active in the 1860s, and at least until after WW1 when the band took part in the Runcorn Festival which was held to raise funds for the hospital.
Westside Town Band (Stockon-on-Tees): Formed in the 1890s
Wetton Band (Derbyshire): Active before 1900
Weymann Works Band (Surrey): Formed September 1942
Weymouth Military Band: See: Wyke Regis Silver Band
Whakatane Citizens Brass Band (New Zealand): Active in 1973
Whaplode Drove Brass Band (Wisbech area): Active around 1910
Wheatley Hill Colliery Band (County Durham): Formed in the 1890s. Robert Walker was the bandmaster in the 1920s and received an ebony and silver baton from the Wheatley Hill Workmans Social Club in 1922. "As with other mining villages, Wheatley Hill has a Brass Band, which was formed as far back as the year 1900. An amusing incident concerning the band is the tale of its drum being in prison. It was in the early 1900's. The band was playing away somewhere, some of the bandsmen had too much to drink and the drummer and drum got separated. The drum landed up at Thornley Police Station for the night. On another occasion the band went to the Durham Miner' Gala and the drummer lost his drumsticks. As the band could not begin its march home without a drummer, someone suggested using a beer bottle, so thanks to a beer bottle the band played its way out of Durham City and back home." 1968 - "Although the pit officially closes today, the Lodge banner has not been laid up. Tomorrow with the Wheatley Hill Miners' Lodge Band, it will head the procession at the Easington Divisional Labour Party May Day demonstration." The band folded in the 1950s
Whetstone Brass Band (Leicestershire): Active in 1939
Whickham Brass Band (1) (Gateshead): Active in 1860 when it headed a parade for the unveiling of a monument to John English
Whickham Brass Band (2) (Gateshead): Formed in the 1900s. "On Saturday July 18th 1914 the Swalwell Co-op celebrated its Jubilee in Axwell Park. A procession from the village headed by Whickham Brass Band started the proceedings at 2.30pm. Tea was provided and various games were played." Probably disbanded in the 1930s
Whickham Colliery Band: See: Whickham Brass Band
Whiston Brass Band (Rotherham): Active in the 1900s. A successor band was formed in 1984
Whit Lane Primitive Methodist Prize Band: See: Whit Lane Prize Band
Whit Lane Prize Band (Salford): Active in 1910 and 1911 when it played in various parks in Salford (Ordsall Park, Peel Park, Albert Park, Claremont Park, Mandley Park and Buile Hill Park). In June 1922, conducted by Mr S Westwood, it took part in a musical festival in aid of Salford Royal Hospital, which attracted some 30,000 people to the Castle Irwell Racecourse.
Whitburn Colliery Band (Sunderland): Formed in the 1890s but folded in the early 1900s
Whitburn Public Silver Band: Active in 1903. Reported, in 1919, that the band had been wound up.
Whitburn Silver Band: See: Whitburn Public Silver Band
Whitchurch Band: Must have folded prior to the 1970s. Forerunner of the modern Whitchurch Band which was formed in 1973
Whitchurch Wesleyan Mission Band
White Hart Band (Tingewick): See: Tingewick Brass Band
Whitehouse Silver Band: Founded in early 1900s and amalgamated in 1985 with Carrick Amateurs Band to form C.W.S. (Carrick Whitehouse Silver) Band
Whitehouse Street Mission Band (Wallsall)
Whitewell Vale Band: Active in 1898
Whitington Brass Band (Norfolk): Active in 1899
Whitney Band: Active in 1912
Whittingham Asylum Brass Band (near Preston): Active in the late 1800s
Whittington Band: Active in 1880s
Whitwood Colliery Band (Yorkshire): Active in 1885
Whitworth Band (Spennymoor): Formed in the 1800s, becoming Spennymoor Brass Band when the town of Spennymoor absorbed Whitworth. It became a Volunteer Band during the Boer War, and borrowed money from a local brewery in 1913 to purchase a new set of instruments, changing its name to the Spennymoor Silver Model Band. In 1926 monies were still owed to the brewery and, the band being down to eleven players, it was decided to allow woodwind players to join, and they became the Whitworth and Spennymoor Military Band. It did not take long for the debt to the brewery to be paid off and, as more brass players joined, the woodwind players left to do dance band and orchestral work, leaving the band all brass once more. After World War Two the band started contesting as the Spennymoor Silver Prize Band. It gained sponsorship in 1975, becoming Camerons Silver Prize Band, but the sponsorship was withdrawn after three years and the band folded in 1978. A successor band, Spennymoor Town Band, was formed in 1982.
Another account states: "In the early 1870s the Whitworth Brass Band was formed, and the principal players were the members of the Raine family. Several of them became famous Band Conductors in various parts of the North of England. One year Whitworth Band entered 41 contests, winning 16, being second 13 times, and third 7 times. The late Tom Snowdon conducted this Band for many years. Before this he was appointed Conductor of the Tudhoe Colliery Band when he was only 18 years of age. Mr. Snowdon led the Band on to several notable musical victories in North Country contests. He worked in the mine at Tudhoe and at Dean Bank until an advanced age, and died in his 79th year shortly after celebrating his Golden Wedding. Mr. John Mutton, another famous bandsman, conducted the local Temperance Band for over 40 years, during which period they won many contests."
Whitworth Parish Church Institute Brass Band
Whitworth Scout Band (Co. Durham)
Whitworth Vale & Healey Amateur Brass Band
Whitworth Vale Band (Lancashire): Founded in 1853. Amalgamated with the Healey Hall Band in 1884 to form the current Whitworth Vale & Healey Band
Whixall Band (Near Whitchurch)
Whorlton Brass Band (Yorkshire): Active in 1905
Wicken Wesleyan Band: Formed in 1869, it was disbanded in 1885. A successor band was formed in 1911.
Wickham Band: See: Welford and District Band
Widdington Band: Active in 1909
Widnes Brass Band
Wifflan Wafflan Prize Band (Annfield Plain)
Wigan & District Band: Active in the 1970s
Wigan Borough Prize Band: Active in 1943/44 when it ran an Annual Brass Contest in the Wigan Drill Hall. Still active in 1949
Wigan British Legion Band: Active in the 1930s
Wigan Harmonic Band: Active in 1862
Wigan Rifles Band: Active in the late 1800s
Wiggenhall Silver Prize Band: See: Wiggenhall United Brass Band
Wiggenhall United Brass Band: Formed in 1919 by Rayner Dent, he trained this small village band to such a high standard that one year they won first prize at the band contest, which was an annual event organised by the East Anglian Brass Band Association. On Sunday evenings, weather permitting, the band would stand in a half-circle, in the village centre, in front of the pub. People would assemble on the grass of the river bank and enjoy the music of Gilbert and Sullivan or maybe Noel Coward or Cole Porter. The band also provided the music at the annual garden fete, held in the grounds of the vicarage where competitions took place, such as cork stabbing, guessing the weight of the pig and hoop-la etc. Rayner Dent's day-time job, in the Summer at least, was as a mole-catcher and, because he always wore a collar and tie, he was known as "The Gentleman Mole Catcher". By the 1930s the band had adopted the name Wiggenhall Silver Prize Band.
A postcard exists, dated September 30th 1912, showing the Wiggenhall United Brass Band - which perhaps indicates a formation date earlier than 1919?
Wilans and Robinsons Works Band: Rugby, 1910
Wilberforce High School Brass Band (Hull): Active in 1970s
Willans & Robinson Works Band: Active around 1910
Willenhall Prize Band: See: Willenhall Town Band
Willenhall Silver Prize Band: See: Willenhall Town Band
Willenhall Temperance Band (near Walsall): Formed around 1880, changed its name in 1897 to Willenhall Temperance Prize Band, following success in local Band competitions. Possibly merged with the Willenhall Silver Prize Band at some time. In a photograph of them, taken in 1880 on the Isle of Man, the names of some of the members were: Page,Sidebottom,Dunton,Lawrence,Bailey,Summerfield (4),Roberts (2),Proffit,Jolborn, E.J. Read,G. Read,Aston,Wolverson and Worthington. The band also performed in the Market Place,Willenhall on Christmas Eve 1885.
Willenhall Temperance Prize Band: See: Willenhall Temperance Band
Willenhall Templars Band: See: Willenhall Temperance Band
Willenhall Town Band (near Walsall): Formed in the 1880s, changed its name by 1894 to Willenhall Silver Prize Band, following success in local Band competitions. The Band continued to function well into the 1960's and practiced from their band room in Gomer Street until it was demolished when the area was cleared to make way for new development.
Willesdon Borough Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Willesdon 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.
Willesden Junction Brass Band: Playing between 1895-1935 at least. The Willesden Junction LMS Railway Steam Shed (Silver) Prize Band was engaged to play in Gladstone Park for Ł100 for the 1930 season. This was repeated in 1931, but the Council were concerned that in the depression as many unemployed musicians should be employed as possible, and the engagement went to the British Professional Military Band in 1933.
Willesden Junction LMS Railway Steam Shed (Silver) Prize Band: See: Willesden Junction Brass Band
Willesdon Town Band: Active in 1928
William Davis Construction Group Band (Leicester): Formed in 1863 as the Snibston Colliery Band, later known as the Coalville Ebenezer Band, Ebenezer Chapel Band, Coalville Coronation Band, and Snibston Colliery Silver Prize Band from 1924. In 1970 it became sponsored by the Loughborough based building firm, William Davis Construction Group. From this time the band were permanently in the Championship Section and a regular competitor at the Open, National and All England Masters. The band were runners up (to Desford Colliery) at the Midlands Area contest in 1985, 1986 and 1987, winning in 1988, 1989,1990, 1991, 1993 and 1994. 1990 saw a 6th place finish at the Albert Hall on Odin. The band enjoyed less success at the British Open as a "mid-table" band until relegation in 1988; but the band returned after winning the Grand Shield comprehensively in 1993. Arguably the best result for the band was its 2nd place at the All England Masters in 1992, during which period the band reached the giddy heights of 12th in the Brass Band World rankings. Over this time several CDs and overseas tours were undertaken and the band enjoyed a busy concert schedule at key UK venues and were regularly guests on BBC's Listen to the Band. Hard times in the building industry led to a series of lay offs for the workforce of William Davis and the axe inevitably fell on the sponsorship of the band in 1996. The band continued unsponsored for a further year or so under the name of the Markfield Band, the village location of its band room, but failure to attract a full band led to its demise after the Midlands Area contest in 1997. During its 26 years William Davis Construction Group had five musical directors; Dr Jon Hall, Ian Bartram (1972-1975), John Berryman, Dr Keith Wilkinson, and John Hudson.
Thanks to Stuart Rudd for these details
Willington Colliery Band (County Durham)
Willington Orchestral Silver Band (County Durham): Active in the 1900s
Willington Silver Prize Band: See Willington Temperance Band
Willington Temperance Band (County Durham): Formed in 1860, renamed Willington Silver Prize Band in 1891, Brancepeth Colliery Band in 1922 and Brancepeth Welfare Band in 1976. Merged with Aycliffe Brass Band to form the new Aycliffe & Brancepeth Band. "Gresford", the famous miners' anthem, was first played by the Brancepeth Colliery Band at the Durham Miners' Gala of 1938. The composer, Robert Saint, a former miner, came from Hebburn-on-Tyne, and he conducted the massed bands of 10 collieries in the Galas of 1947 and 1948.
Willowfield Unionist Band (Belfast): Active in 1938
Wilmslow Public Band: Active in 1933
Wilnecote Victory Band (Birmingham)
Wilpshire Brass Band (Lancashire): Active in 1891.
Wilsden Band (Yorkshire)
Wilsden Subscription Band (Yorkshire): Founded in 1909
Wilsford Brass Band (Lincolnshire): Active in 1911
Wilson Line Prize Band: Won the People's Challenge Shield at the Crystal Palace in 1906. On Thursday July 4th, 1907, the band gave a concert in Pearsons Park, under the baton of Mr A. Dennis, comprising: Senator (G. Allen), Gems of Haydn (arr. W. Rimmer), Ida and Dot (cornet duet), Sappho (Paccini, arr. W. Rimmer), Queen Elizabeth (J. Ord Hume), Carmelite (arr. S. Cope), Blue Danube (J. Strauss), and A Casket of Gems (H. Round).
Wilson's Band (Leeds)
Winchburgh & District Band (West Lothian): Active in 1924 and 1964, conducted by R Pritchard.
Winchcombe Town Band: Formed in the early 1900s but disbanded, probably, before WW2.
Winchcombe Town Band: Formed in January 1954. Instruments were scarce - some were donated by members of the old band, some were obtained from the Parish Church Museum! Any advertisements offering instruments were followed up and as a result a euphonium was bought from Upton-on-Severn for Ł5.00 together with another euphonium and Eb bass from fifteen shillings each. The latter two needed a little attention but were considered good enough to learn on. Concerts were given in Winchcombe by Cheltenham Silver Band and the Gloucester Sparkingham Trombone Quartet, the proceeds going towards Winchcombe Band funds. Engagements became quite plentiful even as early as the summer of 1954. Garden parties and fetes for the Royal British Legion, Red Cross Society, Girl Guide Association, not to mention Bredon and Stanway Flower Shows. Local Cup Finals and Armistice Parades featured also. In Cheltenham the band performed at the Rotary Torchlight Procession and the Battle of Britain Parades. Coach parties were organised to attend the National Championship Finals at the Royal Albert Hall, Mecca to all bandsmen! Band Contests were held in 1957, 1958 and 1959. These were obviously modeled on the famous Whit Friday Marches held in the Uppermill area of Lancashire. The visiting bands were judged on deportment on the march from the Anchor to the Babesmoor. Playing on the stand took place in Babesmoor. The first Bandmaster was John Innes, who left in 1958 to join Morris Motors Band. Mick Sharpe took over in December 1958. Unfortunately numbers declined and it became financially impractical for him to continue. He left in January 1960. For the next twelve to eighteen months the band still met weekly and played for their own pleasure until reduced to a quartet. Eventually they decided to disband in 1961 and all available instruments were sold.
Windlesham Band (Surrey): Pictures of the band are held in the Surrey Heath Museum.
Windlestone Colliery Band (Chilton): Active in 1933
Windsor Brass Band: See: Windsor Institute Brass Band
Windsor Colliery Workmen's Silver Band (South Wales): Formed 1903 as Aber Valley Band, then became the Windsor Colliery Silver Band in 1917. Its original conductor was Jim Radcliffe. He was followed by Morgan Jeremiah who conducted the band at their first successful competition, at St. John's in Cardiff, winning first prize. The music performed was from Iolanthe. The band was also successful at the Daily Herald National Area Competition, held at Llanelli, winning the premier award in their class. Other notable members of the band included George Simms, Tom Pitten, Jack Williams, Sam and George Adams, Bill Evans, Will Davis and Fred Creece. Tudor Llewellyn played the cornet to perfection even though he had lost his hearing. Sam Jones and his son Emlyn also gave great service to the Windsor Band. Glyn, another son, was active in the band until the 1930s when he joined the Enniskillen band. Another Abertridwr family with a long association with the band was the Hazell family. Another conductor of the band at one time was Harold Laycock, the famous trombone player. The last conductor of the band was Fred Hazel. When the Windsor Colliery closed all the miners were transferred to Bedwas Colliery and the instruments followed them. They subsequently started a band which in later years became the Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Band.
Windsor Institute Brass Band (Salford): Formed in 1917 and was conducted by Mr J Dooley. Following a reformation in 1923 it was known as the Windsor Institute Silver Band, and conducted at that time by Mr Tom Eastwood. By 1927 it was being described as being one of the best in Lancashire, winning the Manchester and district amateur Brass Band Association challenge shield. Conductor Thomas Dooley worked with the band from after the war until the 1960's. The last mention of the Windsor Brass Band is in the Manchester Evening News April 1986, and the band itself folded in the 1990s. A website, dedicated to the history of the band, can be found at www.windsorbrassband.co.uk
Windsor Silver Prize Band: See: Windsor Institute Brass Band
Windsor Volunteer Town Band: active around 1890
Winfield Walsall Band: Active in the 1960s
Wingate Colliery Band: See: Wingate Grange Band
Wingate Grange Band (Co. Durham): Formed in the 1850s, associated with the Wingate Grange Colliery. Later known as Wingate Colliery Band (1891), and possibly Wingate Temperance Band (early 1900s), and Wingate Colliery Band again up to the 1960s
Wingate Temperance Band: See: Wingate Grange Band
Winkleigh Brass Band (Devon): Active in 1908 when it played at the High Bickington Sports. Also active in 1910.
Winlaton Brass Band: It was formed in about 1801 and linked to the 5th Volunteer Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. "Coffee Johnny" was a long time follower of the band but does not appear to have actually played in it. At his funeral, on the 7th April 1900, his body was brought to Blaydon station to be met by the Band who marched him up the hill to St Paul's cemetery. At his request they played "When Johnny comes marching home." Coffee Johnny has almost mythical status due to his appearance in the last verse of Blaydon races. This conferred on him a sort of immortality. Yet he was a real man, who was born, married and buried in Winlaton.
Winnington Boy Scouts Band: See: I.C.I. (Alkali) Band
Winnington Lads' Club Band: See: I.C.I. (Alkali) Band
Winsham Coronation Brass Band: Active in 1910
Winton Band: See: Winton British Legion Silver Band
Winton Brass Band (Bournemouth): Active around 1900
Winton British Legion Silver Band (Bournemouth): Formed in 1930s as Southbourne Silver Band, became Bournemouth YMCA Silver Band in 1945, then Winton Band in 1949
Wirksworth Band: Active in the early 1960s. In 1964 it amalgamated with the Brassington and Middleton bands to form the BMW band, rehearsing at Wirksworth.
Wisbech Town Silver Prize Band: Active in 1905 and through to the 1940s at least
Wistanstow Brass Band (Shropshire): Active in 1913 and 1937
Withern Band (Lincolnshire): Active in the early 1900s
Withnell Fold Mill Band (Chorley): The mill at one time boasted a Silver "Prize" Band equipped with a full set of silver instruments and a handsome uniform. They were open for engagements and were very much sought after for events such as Walking Days, Garden Parties etc. The Band Master was Mr. Joseph Hargreaves who held that position for a great number of years. Other prominent members were Albert and William Nightingale. Robert and Joseph Marsden - both machine men at the mill in those days but later to become managers of other mills in the group - Jack Jones, Joseph Miller, Fred Fairhurst, Ralph Eccles, Eddie Ambrose, Harry Jones - just to mention a few. They had a room on the mill premises for practices which were held each week, but on summer evenings they rehearsed outside, often marching up and down the road preparing for walking days etc. Mr. Hargreaves was an excellent Band Master and at the same time a very 'droll' Lancashire man. If the band were not performing as well as he thought they ought he would say "Na cum on lads, put a bit o' leet & shade in it, it's like a white washed wa'". The Band, like the Cricket team was also transported by the mill lorry whenever playing in any of the surrounding towns, there being no other form of transport capable of carrying both men and instruments, plus some of the villagers who went along to support them, as we were all mighty proud of our Band! (Source: Memories of old Withnell Fold)
Witton Park Band
Witton Village Band (Witton-le-Wear): Formed in the 1880s and folded in the 1950s
Wiveliscombe Town Band (Somerset): Active in 1905, when it gave a concert in Wellington, conducted by Mr W. Lewis
Wiveliscombe Volunteer Band (Somerset): Active in 1896, when it gave a concert in Wellington
Wivenhoe Alexandra Band: Active in 1863, becoming Wivenhoe Town Band by the end of the century. It possibly folded in the early 1900s - possibly becoming the Band of the 2nd Volunteer Battery Essex Regiment. For more details, see Grandad Played The Cornet: A History of Brass Bands in North East Essex, by David Cawdell.
Wivenhoe Town Band: See Wivenhoe Alexandra Band
Wivenhoe Wesley Guild Band: Formed in 1907, disbanded at the outbreak of war in 1914. For more details, see Grandad Played The Cornet: A History of Brass Bands in North East Essex, by David Cawdell.
WL Marriner's Private Brass Band: See: Marriner's Band
Woking Brass Band: Formed in 1892 as Chertsey Town Band. Later became Chertsey Town Silver Prize Band. Around 1942 it merged with Addlestone Temperance Band and became attached to the Weymanns Coach Works, near the railway station at Addlestone, Surrey, not far from Chertsey. It was called Weymann's (Works) Band. Weymanns built bodies for London Transport buses, charabanc and coach bodies, and made very fine lightweight fabric bodies for Bentleys and similar prestige cars. The band and the coachworks were still active in the ealy 1960's, but the works closed in 1966. The band decided to continue independently and re-formed as the Chertsey and Addlestone Band. They competed in the 4th section in the late 60's and 70's, and were in the 3rd section by 1982. In 1988 they became the Genet Group Band (Chertsey) and finally Woking Brass Band in 1999, reflecting a five year agreement with the Borough of Woking. The band carried the Borough's coat of arms on it's banners, wore new red, black and gold uniforms and performed a range of Borough events throughout the year. The band had a close link with the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, Twickenham, several of whose students would play as guest members and conductors. The band dissolved in early 2005. See the book by Vic and Jean Gale - A Brass Heritage: 100 Years Of Chertsey And Alderstone Village Bands, 1993. An ex-member, Mike Sheehan, recalls that in the 1960s "we had a single token female in an otherwise all-male band. Rosie was a very presentable young woman who played Flugel (long before the release of "Brassed Off"!). She looked a treat in the short mess-kit pattern jacket and her above-the-knee skirt ; this was, after all, the mini-skirted swinging sixties! To me as an impressionable teenager she was a goddess. "
Wollaston Town Silver Band (Northants): Active in the 1950s and 1960s
Wollongong Steelworks Band (Australia): Active in 1930s
Wollongong Town Band (Australia): Active in 1900s
Wolsingham Band (1): See: Upper Weardale Band
Wolsingham Band (2): Formed in the 1890s. Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s. Folded in the 1960s
Wolsingham Steel Works Band: See: Wolsingham Band (2)
Wolverhampton Railway Works Band: The G.W.R. Institute - Stafford Road Railway Works, Wolverhampton. In 1858 a brass band was formed, the Institute to provide the required musical instruments, the teacher's fees to be paid by the members themselves. By 1860 fourteen instruments had been furnished for the band. A newly constituted band, complete with a distinctive uniform was formed in 1876 and held a brass band competition at the beautifully wooded grounds of Oxley Manor. Crowds of people lined the Stafford Road to see the event and a jolly time was had by all, thanks to the benevolence of the owner of land, the M.P. Alexander Staveley Hill. After the prize giving, won by the "Kidsgrove Real Excelsior Band" the entertainments went on into the evening with "Old English pastimes", and dancing.
Wolverhampton G.W.R. Institute Band: See: Wolverhampton Railway Works Band
Wolverhampton Junction Works Band: See: Wolverhampton Railway Works Band
Wombwell and Houghton Band
Wombwell Subscription Band
Wombwell Temperance Band
Wombwell Town Band: Active in 1912, when a Besson "Prototype" BBb bass was provided by the Wombwell Reform Club for the use of the Town Band in January 1912.
Wood End Band (Kingsbury): Active in 1910
Wood End WMC Silver Band (Birmingham)
Wood Green Excelsior Prize Band (London): Active before World War 1 and in 1928.
Wood Green Excelsior Silver Band (London): See: Wood Green Excelsior Prize Band
Woodborough Brass Band: Formed in the early 1880’s when Arthur Wylde, a talented musician, was employed at Woodborough Hall as butler and handyman to the Parkyns family. Miss Parkyns recognised his potential and sent him to train for a year at the London School of Music where he was primarily a violinist but took cornet as his second instrument. On his return to Woodborough he became a local music teacher and also formed a village band. This band finished in 1901 (For further details, see: www.woodborough-heritage.org.uk
Woodborough United Brass Band: Formed in December 1911 when Mr Charles Ernest Foster called a meeting at the Post Office and suggested that several young men of the village were in favour of reviving a village band. After 50 years of service to the village and district it disbanded in March 1962. (For further details, see: www.woodborough-heritage.org.uk
Woodbridge Chapel Brass Band (London): Active in early 1900s
Woodchurch Brass Band (Kent): Formed in the 1860s, the first reference was in a procession in 1868. One year they were on a tour of the big houses in dense fog and played the tune "The Mistletoe Bough" in front of what they thought to be one such edifice, discovering it to be a haystack when they went to solicit alms. [Note: similar stories are told of Stinchcombe Band and Potterspury Bands!]. The band folded in the early 1930s.
Wooden Box Band: See: Woodville Brass Band
Woodford Halse Band: Active in 1920s
Woodford United Military Brass Band (Essex): Records of the band, from 1890-1946, are held by Essex Record Office
Woodgate Brass Band (Birmingham): Active in 1938
Woodhorn Colliery Band: Formed around 1950, the band folded in the late 1970s prior to the pit closing in 1981. The instruments were passed on to the Ashington Colliery Band, which also inherited the Woodhorn Band's wooden practice hut - sadly burned down by vandals in July 2005.
Woodhouse Carr United Band (Leeds): Active in 1872
Woodland Colliery Band (Co. Durham): Active in 1884
Woodlands Village Band (Doncaster): Active in the 1920s
Woodplumpton Brass Band: Mentioned in the Preston Chronicle, 17th May 1845, when they accompanied the "Amicable Society" during the Whit Tuesday Processions at Goosnargh
Woodside Band (Halifax): Active in 1853 when it competed in the first British Open contest, conducted by J. Settle.
Woodstock Band (Oxfordshire)
Woodville Brass Band (Staffordshire): Founded in 1834. Originally known as the Wooden Box Band, nicknamed the Doodles Band, if was known as Woodville Orchestral Band by 1882 and Woodville United Silver Band by the 1900s. In 1905 it added "Prize" to its name in recognition of winning the Elkington, Hazelhurst and Gisborne Challenge Cup. It was still active in the 1920s
Woodville Orchestral Band: See: Woodville Brass Band
Woodville United Silver Band: See: Woodville Brass Band
Woodville United Silver Prize Band: See: Woodville Brass Band
Wooldale Band (Yorkshire)
Wooler Band (Northumberland): Active in 1910
Woolley Colliery Band (Yorkshire)
Woolwich Borough Silver Prize Band (London): Active in the early 1900s, when the bandmaster was Mr A. Prescott and the Secretary, Mr W. Knight.
Workington Analine Band: Competed in the British Open in 1885.
Workington Discharged Sailors Band: Competed in the British Open in 1923.
Worksop Borough Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Worksop Silver Prize Band: c. 1930
Worsham Mill Band (Witney): Formed by William Webley in the early 20th century. He often found places in his mill for people who were known to be good musicians, although they were expected to buy their own instruments from him in instalments. This unusual method of staffing the mill may have contributed to the collapse of the business: one day Mr Webley took all the instruments to an Oxford pawnbroker and not long after the blanket making business failed.
Worthing Band: Active in 1890
Worthing Borough Band: Active in the early 1900s. Alfred Ham Snr. was a founder member of the newly formed Worthing Borough Band, together with an Albert Collins and an Edgar White, which got together after a lot of hard work as well as some assistance from one George Searle and other businessmen. Alfred Ham Jnr., together with his three brothers and his father, all played in the Borough Band. The band presented Hilda and Alfred with a timely gift on their wedding day in 1923. This inscribed clock that they received as a wedding present from the Borough Band is now on display in the wireless building at the Amberley Chalk Pits Museum. Around 1920, Hilda's brother Ronald Scott joined his uncle Alf Naldret in the Borough Band, having split from the Salvation Army band. They frequently went with friends from the Borough Band to London's Crystal Palace for the annual brass band contests. At Christmas time, the Borough Band played carols in Worthing Streets and at special house parties to raise funds. In the mid 1930s, as a result of injuries received at the battle of Arras in the war, Alfred Ham Snr. became a total invalid and died in 1944. A touching tribute from fellow bandsman Albert Collins in a local newspaper read, "Mr Ham, who had reached the useful age of 66 years, spent practically all his spare time for many years encouraging aspiring bandsmen. Bands and music was his life, apart from his daily employment as a well-known gardener."
Wortley, Forges & Thurgoland Brass Band: Active in 1892/3, and still playing in 1952, though probably did not survive long beyond that. Possibly linked to the Earl of Wharncliffe of Wortley Hall.
Hylton Boothroyd, recalls: "I knew the Thurgoland Silver Band when I was 5-18 in Thurgoland between 1939-1952. It must not have been just a village band as I'd always imagined - it must have had been the final stage of an industry-inspired band like all the colliery bands of the Yorkshire mining area whose western limits was just the other side of the Thurgoland-Wortley ridge. The River Don, a mile or so below the ridge, had had its Old Mill, New Mill, Top Forge, and Low Forge strung along it for a mile or two: named from C18 and C19. But by World War 2 only New Mill still flourished, with just the handful of men needed to run the machinery drawing finger-thick furnace-heated steel coil into the finest steel needle blanks. In my day the large black-tarred wooden Band Room, at the junction of Huthwaite Lane and the main road from Thurgoland to Deepcar (and lying 100 yards from the river between the Mills and the Forges), functioned also as an occasional community hall for those of us who lived in the valley. What had been Mill- and Forge-men's housing lay mostly along Old/New Mill Lane close to the river; what had been mainly quarrymen's housing mostly up Huthwaite Lane. The people who lived there were still working people, but nearly all catching workmen's buses running through Deepcar to the big steelworks in Stocksbridge or running to collieries on the road to Barnsley. Thurgoland's school, church, and most shops were up on the ridge, as were Wortley's. All we had down by the river were the pub, the Band Room, the small shop opposite, and a little Primitive Methodist chapel.
That said, the band was part of the life of Thurgoland as a whole for Remembrance Day and I think also for the Whit Monday walk. For the Walk, the Prims processed up the hill with their banner, Wesleyans on the hill emerged with theirs, hymns and prayers in the open air in the centre of Thurgoland on the ridge, all processed down the hill past the Band Room to the road junction by the Top Forge, there they met the Methodists and their banner from the Green Moor chapel, all processed back to the roadside in front of the Band Room for the final big sing. I'd never really understood the joining up with Green Moor (technically a part of Wortley but on the ridge on the other side of the Don), but with the band playing a big role in earlier days, it seems to slot into place.
The band didn't long survive World War 2. Neither did the Wharncliffes at Wortley Hall -- a palatial pile that had outstripped their capacity to maintain it. Although I got to know the future earl during his vacations from Eton during my four years as organist at Wortley Church, the parents sadly had largely passed out of public life.
The Band Room itself is now long gone. The Prim Chapel became a workshop years ago. The shop is just a house. But the pub flourishes as a place to aim at on heritage walks. And the Top Forge has become a heritage centre."
Wrawby Brass Band (Lincolnshire): Wrawby Brass Band appeared in 1875 under the direction of George Twigg. It had 12 players. How long it had existed before this is uncertain, but in 1874 the Instumental Music Society was mentioned as 'the only musical society in the town' and it seems likely that 1875 was when the Wrawby band was started. Before this there had been the 'excellent brass band recently formed by members of the Oddfellows and Foresters Societies'. The band was practising three evenings a week at the Gladiator in May 1862. By 1886 the Wrawby Brass Band was reported to have really improved during the previous couple of years. Took part in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Brigg in 1897. In 1900 it held its 'annual supper' at the Gladiator, and it was then stated to have 30 members. In the obituary to Alfred John Tapling (1911) it states: "It is interesting to recount the fact that the late Mr Tapling was the founder of the Brigg Subscription Band, which up to recent years was known as the Wrawby Prize band." So, sometime between 1900 and 1911 it seems to have been renamed as Brigg Subscription Band.
Wright Memorial Band (Scotland): See also: Camelon Brass Band. As a breakaway from the Camelon Brass Band, Charlie Wright, who once owned the Canal Inn, formed the Wright Memorial Band. Mr Wright was a notable character in the area who resided in the first house in Blinkbonny Road. Each New Year' s morning he would come out and stand at his door and serenade the village with the tune "A Guid New Year to Ane and A' ."
Wrightington Band
Wrightington & Heskin Band: Active in 1926
Wroughton and District Band: Active in 1938, when it competed in the National Band Festival at the Alexandra Palace in the Junior Shield "C" (2) section, against Wroughton Silver Band.
Wroughton Primitive Methodist Band: Formed in 1902
Wroughton Silver Band(1) (Wiltshire): Active as early as 1874 - a successor band was formed in the first half of the 20th century. From his obituary: "Francis Cowdrey [of Wroughton] took a keen interest in music, and for many years was a member of the Village Band, and was the only surviving members of the old band. When George Frederick, a local trained horse, won the Derby in 1874, Mr Cowdrey was a member of the band that played the horse home from Swindon station."
Wroughton Silver Band (2) (Wiltshire): Active in 1938, when it competed in the National Band Festival at the Alexandra Palace in the Junior Shield "C" (2) section, against Wroughton and District Band.
Wroxall Prize Band: Active in 1910
Wye Brass Band (Kent): Active in the early 1900s. Thomas Edward Worrell, (d. 1915) and a member of the 1st Kent Cyclist Battalion, was a member of Wye Brass Band.
Wye Village Band (Kent): See: Wye Brass Band
Wyke Old Band: Formed in 1856. In 1888 won 18 prizes, worth £260 16s., including coming 4th in the British Open that year and beating their local rivals, Wyke Temperance, at the Irish Exhibition contest in London. Sadly the band wound up shortly after that.
Wyke Regis Silver Band (Weymouth): Formed in 1922 as a British Legion band and renamed as Weymouth Military Band in 1924.
Wyke Temperance Band: Formed 1869 from the remnants of a Band of Hope Union drum and fife band with the enthusiasm of Ephraim Pearson. Conducted by William Rimmer and Edwin Swift, and were highly successful, winning the British Open in 1888, 1889 and 1898. Dropped "Temperance" from the title in the early 1890s. Remained a force through the 1900s to 1910 but thereafter seemed to disappear from view and probably folded prior to the Great War. Following a contest in 1895 where Wyke beat Black Dyke and Besses, a commentator wrote: "Then hurrah for the brave lads from Wyke; Thrice they've slated the warriors from Dyke, Likewise the champions who style themselves Besses, Showing more talent than either possesses!" See also Newspaper report of the concert prelude to the first National Championships. There's a story along the lines of when Temperance came home on the train sat on the front with the Open cup and celebrating their win Wyke Old (who had been in the pub!) stood on the bridge and hurled abuse at them! (source: Helen Varley)
Wylam Colliery Band: Founded around 1850 and was supported by the colliery owners, the Blackett family, and also by subscription. It was administered by a committee comprising the colliery viewer (manager), the master of the band and a nominee of 'the subscribers of five shillings and upwards per annum'. The band met at 8 p.m. each Saturday evening for practice and performed in the village square on the first Thursday in the month.
Wylye Brass Band (Wiltshire): Active in 1905
Wythenshawe Band: Active in 1951 when they competed in the 4th section North West regional championships at the Victoria Hall, Bolton.
Wythenshawe Prize Band: See: Wythenshawe Band

X
Xylonite Works Band (Brantham): Active in 1893 and the 1930s
Y
Y.E.W.C.O. Works Band (Idle, Bradford): A band formed by a group of businessmen, in 1944, who bought the rights to use the name "St Hilda's Band", was taken over by the Yorkshire Engineering and Welding Company in 1951. They achieved 5th place in the British Open in 1955 but disbanded soon after.
Yackandandah Brass Band (Victoria, Australia): Active in the 1940s and folded in the mid 1950s.
Yallourn Brass Band (Australia): Active in 1922
Yardley Albions Band (Northants): Active in the 1890s
Yardley Gobion Britannia Prize Band (Northants): Active in the early 1900s
Yarm and District Band: Formed in 1945 as the Head Wrightson Works Band. Renamed Middlesborough (Dovecot) Brass in 1980 and Yarm and District Band in 1989. Merged in 1998 with Lingdale Silver Band to form Lockwood Band
Yarraville Amateur Brass Band (Melbourne, Australia): Folded around 1895
Yarraville Brass Band (Melbourne, Australia): Formed in 1888 and folded around 1895
Yarraville Citizens Brass Band (Melbourne, Australia): Founded in 1910. Amalgamated with the Kingsville Brass Band in 1921 to form the Kingsville-Yarraville Citizens Band
Yeadon Old Band: Formed in 1850, it was first organised by William Hudson and William Taylor. In 1862, the band was re-organised, and some ten years later an effort was made to procure more efficient instruments. This resulted in the purchase of four from Mesgham & Co. in Manchester. Later other instruments were obtained, but in procuring them a few at a time from different makers meant that the tone was never quite equally balanced. It was then in 1900 that an entire new set of electro plated instruments were purchased from Boosey & Co at a total price of Ł220. In the early days the band rehearsed in the old school which stood oposite the Yeadon Town Hall, this however was later pulled down in 1880. It then rented rooms at Well Hill, for about ten years and then at the Yeadon Trades Hall. Since then a number of small rooms have been rented in the area. In 1931 the band's contest results were: 28th March; 1st Prize and Cup in March, Yeadon. 28th March; 4th Prize in Selection, Yeadon. 26th May; 5th Prize in Selection, Huddersfield. 27th June; 2nd Prize in Selection, Yeadon 15th August; 1st Prize and Cup, 1st Selection, Ripley and 12th September; 1st Prize, Guiseley. In 1950 the Yeadon Old Brass Band claimed the title of Prize Band. Under the conductor of Mr Walter Jackson the band had won thirty-seven prizes, including eleven trophies and prize money to the value of Ł200. The band disbanded in 2004.
Yeovil Imperial Band: Competed in the Crystal Palace Championships in the 1930s
Yeovil Workmen's Silver Band: Formed by a splinter group from Yeovil Corporation Band in 1949. It merged back with Yeovil Corporation Band in 1967
Ynysdarren Brass and Reed Band
Ynyshir Standard Colliery Silver Band: Formed in 1898 as the Ynyshir Drum and Fife Band, became associated with the Ynyshir Colliery and converted to a brass band. Later adopting Tý Mawr into its name, in 1920 it won the South Wales and Monmouthshire Championship Shield and the Royal National Eisteddford at Barry. It disbanded around the Second World War.
York and District Mission Band: See: Ebor Excelsior Silver Prize Band
York Citadel Band (York): York, 1891-
York City Brass Band: Formed 1906 or earlier. Merged, in 1952, with Ebor Excelsior Silver Prize Band to form the current York Railway Institute Band.
York Excelsior Band.: See: Ebor Excelsior Silver Prize Band
York Home Guard Silver Band: Active in the 1940s
York Home Guard Association Band: See: York Home Guard Silver Band
York Model Band: Active in 1860s
York Postal Band
York Road Silver Band (Ulster): Active in 1943
Yorkley Brass Band (Gloucestershire): Active in 1853
Yorkley Excelsior Band (Gloucestershire): Formed in 1860, folded in the 1890s
Yorkley Onward Band (Gloucestershire): Formed in 1903. Disbanded in 1993 and the few remaining players amalgamated with Coleford Town Band in 1994 to form Forest of Dean Brass.
Yorkley Onward Prize Band: See: Yorkley Onward Band
Yorkshire Bus Company Band: Formed in 1935
Yorkshire Engineering & Welding Company Band: See: Y.E.W.C.O. Works Band
Yorkshire Evening Post Band: Formed in 1856 as Leeds Model Band. in 1864 it came third in the British Open Championship. It was later known as the Cameron Ironworks Band. One of its most successful periods was in the mid 1960s when in a three year period in seventeen contest appearances it won fifteen first prizes and two second prizes. In common with an increasing number of bands, in the 1970s it sought financial assistance through sponsorship to meet the dramatic rise in operating costs. This led to successful periods first as the John Waddington Band (the games manufacturers) and then as the Yorkshire Relish Band (within the Hammonds Sauce Group), before becoming associated with the Yorkshire Evening Post. The band merged with Sharlston Colliery Band around 2000, to form Yorkshire Evening Post (Sharlston) Band, but then disbanded in 2002. The band's contest achievements included the Radio Leeds Knockout Brass Champions, Second section Regional champions, prize winners at the finals of the National Championships of Great Britain, the Pontins National Championships, The Isle of Man Brass Band Festival, the Telford New Town Entertainment Contest, and featured in the prize lists of many local contests.
Some memories of the Leeds Model Band, which rehearsed in the Royal Hotel in Lower Briggate, Leeds, from Robert Thomas of Seacroft. I was "borrowed" by the band on a number of occasions to stand in for absent players. The bandmaster at the time was Jack Parish and I was paid a 'handsome' reward - sometimes as much as Ł2. I attended the odd rehearsal at the band HQ - a small room over an alleyway between Lower Briggate and The Calls. It is still there but the murky back lane I remember now has a trendy wine bar in it. The band was always busy and I recall playing at Burton's Sports and at Cliffe Castle Gardens in Keighley where I played the tenor horn in the afternoon and the cornet in the evening. The afternoon concert opened with the march Round Tower and when we'd finished the conductor announced over his microphone to the large audience the band had just played its signature march. "How long has that been your signature march?" I asked the chap next to me. "Since about five minutes ago!" was his reply. In between the two concerts most of the band 'disappeared' - they'd gone for a pint or two. My pal and I were given directions to the hostelry and told to knock three times on the back door and ask for Leeds Model. This, of course, was in the days of strict licensing laws when no pub would be open early Sunday evening. When we were admitted we were under age and out of hours! I have good memories of a hard-working and friendly band who always produced the "big sound".
Yorkshire Evening Post (Sharlston) Band: See: Yorkshire Evening Post Band
Yorkshire Main Band: See: Yorkshire Main Colliery Band
Yorkshire Main Band (Edlington)
Yorkshire Main Colliery Band: Formed after World War 1. Still active in the 1980s. Also known as Ceramia Goldthorpe Colliery Band, Goldthorpe (Ceramia) Band
Yorkshire Main Goldthorpe Colliery Band: See: Yorkshire Main Colliery Band
Yorkshire Relish Band: See: Yorkshire Evening Post Band
Yorkshire Transport Band: See: Yorkshire Woollen District Transport Sports Club Band
Yorkshire Transport Sports Club Band: See: Yorkshire Woollen District Transport Sports Club Band
Yorkshire Woollen District Transport Sports Club Band: Formed September 1935 as Yorkshire Transport Band
Yoxall Band (Staffordshire): Active in 1904
Yr Eifl and Trefor Brass Band: Active in the 1890s. In the University of Wales (Bangor) exist the Minutes Book of the band.
Ysguborwen Brass Band: See: Aberdare Town Band
Ystalyfera Town Band (Swansea): Active in the 1930s and 1948

Z
Zeals Temperance Band (Wiltshire): Formed before the First World War, provided music at many local functions. By 1930 the abstaining zeal of its members had waned and it was renamed the Zeals St. Martins Silver Band
Zion Methodists Band: See: Cobden Chadwick Band
Zion Band: See: Cobden Chadwick Band

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