At what date the ‘Town Band’ became known as ‘Knottingley Silver Prize Band’ is uncertain. As late as August 1902, in an action that echoed the occasion when the Band welcomed George Knapton in 1875, the ensemble welcomed Trooper W. Walker home from the Boer War. Walker, who had been serving with the Yorkshire Hussars, was carried in a wagonette through the town in a procession led by the Knottingley Brass Band. It is therefore apparent that the name of the Band was unchanged at that date. (1)

The last known reference to the old title occurs in a newspaper report of a concert held at the Banks Garth cricket field in July 1903, (2) but while the earliest extant formal documentation concerning the Band is a somewhat fragmentary collection of minutes covering the period from May 1904 to November 1912, this source offers no direct information concerning the change of title nor the circumstances which inspired the change. (3) However, an inscription on the inside front cover of the book seemingly indicates its continuation from a previous volume, since lost, and bears the title ‘Knottingley Silver Prize Band, 1904’.

The sparse evidence therefore suggests that the Band was renamed in the latter half of 1903, presumably in the wake of a prestigious contest victory of such significance that it was considered worthy of incorporation into the Band’s title. Unfortunately, a thorough search of all known data has failed to reveal any information concerning such an event, suggesting that the changed title was, perhaps, merely aspirational. Such conjecture is far from fanciful for the advent of a new century appears to have prompted appraisal of the future course to be taken by the Band in which refurbishment of the public image of the ensemble was the immediate manifestation. To this end, in September 1902, the Band was reported to be in need of assistance and had appealed to Knottingley Urban District Council for financial aid. (4) The reason for seeking financial help is uncertain. One source states new instruments were required while a second source states more specifically that the need was for new uniforms costing £50 in order that “with their new outfit the Band hope to make themselves a credit to the town.” (5)

The desire for change did not occur in isolation and should be viewed within the context of developing national trends within the sphere of brass band activity. By the close of the nineteenth century uniforms were becoming fashionable and were being increasingly adopted by bands. At that time there were more than half a dozen firms within the county of Yorkshire alone specialising in tailoring for bands. Not unnaturally, in view of the pride in the British Empire, conquered and maintained by armed power, band uniforms tended to copy military style, a fashion clearly evident in the earliest known photograph of Knottingley Band, dating from 1895.

Within a year or two of that date, the Huddersfield outfitter, John Beever, was offering band uniforms in two qualities of cloth, epauletted, cuffed, frogged, flashed and buttoned, at 18s or £1-10-0 each. Caps, ornamented in gold or silver in the style of the Brigade of Guards or of naval design, were 4s 6d and 6s 6d respectively. Great coats at 13s and shoes at 8s or 10s per pair were optional extras. (6)

When Henry Iles promoted the first National Brass Band Contest at the Crystal Palace in 1900 all players in the 29 competing bands were required to wear uniforms. (7) In accordance with the developing trend the adoption of uniforms by bands with ambition became less of a fashion statement and more a practical necessity. Therefore, quite apart from the obvious attempt to improve the public image of the Band and the desire not to be outshone by the Glassworks band, or from the belief that a smart appearance would bolster the self-esteem of the bandsmen and hopefully produce an added dimension to their performance, particularly in contests, the move by the Knottingley Band was promoted by awareness of developments in general.

Given the Band’s consistent record of charitable work in past decades the request for funding was no doubt considered to be justified. Knottingley Urban District Council, however, having become involved in a protracted and costly dispute concerning the town drainage scheme and facing the expense of refurbishing the Town Hall recently donated to the town by Mr. J.G. Lyon, and mindful of other projections of substantial expenditure, felt unable to assist the Band and the appeal was duly rejected, leaving the Band to ‘earn’ the requisite sum. (8)

An indication of the way in which money was raised is seen in a resolution of May 1904, in which the Band Committee formulated a pro rata scale of charges for submission to the organisers of the forthcoming demonstration and sports at nearby Rawcliffe.

16 players        6 guineas
20 players        7 guineas
24 players        8 guineas. (9)

It is also of passing interest to note the increase in the size of membership during the previous decade for the 1895 photograph of the Band reveals only 14 people including the bandmaster. Whilst the growth in the size of the Band was a positive factor increasing membership brought logistical problems, not least in the provision of instruments. The problem was circumvented where possible by making membership dependant upon the ownership of an instrument (10) but conditional acceptance was rarely possible and evidence exists of the creation of an instrument fund subsidised by weekly contributions as early as 1905. (11) An indication of the costs involved has been provided by Cooper who states that the average price for cornets at this time was between £1-10-0 and £3-3-0, while the best quality euphonium cost £4 and estimates that the cheapest rate for which a small band of about 18 players could be equipped was about £50. (12)

A further means by which money was earned was through the provision of concerts, both indoor and al fresco. As early as the 1870s such concerts took place on an occasional basis and were to become more frequent during the early decades of the twentieth century. At soirees, which often continued until the early hours of the morning and on rare occasions all night long, music was provided by a small ‘Orchestral Band’ consisting of six members drawn from the full ensemble. (13) On such occasions the surplus bandsmen, assisted by wives and other supporters, served refreshments and undertook additional duties. (14)

The long established rapport between the Band and the town cricket club is seen in a resolution of the Band Committee dated June 1905, that,

“The Band give [the] Cricketers a sacred concert in payment for use of the field”, (15)

and on other occasions the profit from events held at the cricket field was shared with the club. Thus, in July 1904,

“On Saturday evening last, Knottingley Brass Band paraded the town followed by cyclists in fancy dress [which was] followed by a gala in the cricket field with the proceeds shared between the Band and the Cricket Club.” (16)

And again the following year when a cycle parade led through the town by the Band was followed by a gala and sports at the cricket field at which costume and other prizes were awarded. The Band played selections at intervals between the races and a first aid demonstration by a team from the town’s ambulance station, and concluded the evening by playing for dancing. (17)

By 1903 a regular series of Sunday concerts was being held at the cricket field. A report of that year refers to the ‘great success’, of one such event, which drew an attendance of 1,500 people. Conducted by J.W. Stamp of Castleford, “a fine programme was gone through and its execution reflected credit on the band and its conductor.” (18)

Similarly, in 1904, the cricket field provided the venue for a further season of sacred concerts. (19)

A concert given at Banks Garth one Sunday in June 1907, which drew “a good attendance and a good gate collection”, provides a sample of the musical fare provided by the Band. The concert opened with the march ‘Silver Trumpets’ by Viviani and was followed by Rossini’s ‘Il Barbiere’. A cornet solo ‘O Dry Those Tears’ by Riego, was followed by a selection from Herold’s ‘Pre-aux Cleres’. Next came a duet ‘Excelsior’ by Balfe and the concert concluded with Rummer’s ‘John Of Gaunt’, all “ably accompanied” by the conductor, Mr. S. Marshall. (20)

By 1908, however, the seasonal concerts were being held in Howards Field where, under the baton of bandmaster Sammy Marshall, the opening programme was undertaken. The programme consisted of the march ‘Nakorkus’, and air, ‘Variation’, and arrangement from ‘Veronica’ and selections of music by Haydn and Sir Arthur Sullivan. (21) The ‘sacred’ concerts took place at monthly intervals, a second one being held at the same venue in August that year. (22)

The Band also undertook concert engagements further afield, such as that given to, “a large and appreciative audience”, at Carleton near Snaith, in June 1913, to boost the fund to enable the Band to participate in the forthcoming regional and national band contests. (23) Again, in late July 1914, the Band gave two performances at Hillam Hall, the grounds of which had been placed at public disposal by Mr. H.L. Lyon, to enable the Band to raise funds. (24) The Lyon family had business associations with Knottingley and regularly engaged the Band to play on social occasions such as the annual outings provided for their workers. In September 1916, for instance, the Band, at the behest of Mr. C.G. Lyon, accompanied the employees of Messrs Stainsby & Lyon, together with their families, on an excursion to Whitley Lodge. The trip was undertaken by three barges which made their way sedately along the Aire & Calder Canal with the Band playing musical selections on each leg of the journey. (25)

A series of indoor concerts took place annually during the winter season from 1906. The concerts, under the direction of bandmaster Sammy Marshall, were held in Knottingley Town Hall and were very popular. On the occasion of the inaugural concert of the second season held on the evening of Monday 7th October 1907, a capacity audience listened to a programme consisting of a selection from the opera ‘Il Travatore’ and music by Haydn. Samuel Marshall gave a “fine tenor horn rendering” of an item entitled ‘Mea’ and artistes of both sexes sang a considerable number of songs, serious and comic, including one by Master Percy Turpin who reprised the sacred number ‘Angels Ever Bright and Fair’ for which he had recently been awarded first prize at the Pontefract Music Festival. (26) The end of a long programme did not, however, conclude the evening’s activity, for the Orchestral Band then played music for dancing until 3.00am., not withstanding that the next day was a normal working day for most of the participants. (27)

A public notice of March 1914, advertises

In scanning the list of Sunday engagements undertaken by the Band it is interesting to note that in deference to public sensitivity concerning Sabbath entertainment all events bear the appellation ‘sacred’. While the changing nature of public attitude is discernable with regard to strict observance of the Sabbath throughout the decades spanning the turn of the twentieth century, the transformation was but gradual before 1914. Even when the events of the Great War of 1914-18 produced disillusionment and the erosion of faith which accelerated the transformation of socio-religious observation, there remained a lingering element of the former attitude which continued to decree what was regarded as suitable or unsuitable forms of public entertainment for Sunday and which was only vanquished in the wake of the Second World War.

Solomnity was not always the order of the day, however, for the Band was engaged in many scenes of gaiety and in one instance at least circumstances rendered the pre-planned gaiety singularly inappropriate. A public notice in late July 1914, informed the local population of a gala event to be held at the Banks Garth cricket field on the 4th August with music by the Silver Prize band, the proceeds being shared by the Band and the cricket club. (30) It is not known whether the declaration of war on the proposed date resulted in the cancellation of the gala, probably not, for the public perception was that the war would be short and glorious and in that expectation the social life of the township continued as normal with the feast and allied events such as the Dispensary Sunday demonstration taking place as usual. (31)

Examination of extant documentation reveals that by the turn of the twentieth century the Band possessed a well ordered administrative structure, comprising six officers and a general committee of seven members, all being playing members and all nominated by the rank and file members of the Band.

In 1903 the ‘figurehead’ President of the Band was John Harker, a director of Messrs. Stainsby & Lyon, who in April that year had become Chairman of Knottingley Urban District Council. (32) The officers of the Band that year were:

Chairman: W Bailey Jnr
Vice Chairman: G. Johnson
Secretary: H. Hannar
Assistant Secretary: S. Marshall Jnr.
Treasurer: R. Marshall

The Committee men were; B. Braim, Alf Richardson, E. Baxter, J. Downing, J. Draper, G, Rowbottom and A. Richardson.

The Bandmaster was Samuel Marshall, designated ‘Junior’ to distinguish him from his same name father who was also unofficially involved with the affairs of the Band. In addition to the above personnel were two bandsmen nominated as auditors, J. Dey and R. Trueman. (33)

The earliest existing code of rules, dated 30th May 1904, confirms the title of the ensemble as ‘Knottingley Prize Band’ although by the time of the appearance of a public notice in the local press a few weeks later the title had been adapted to include the adjective ‘Silver’, (34) and the Band was to retain this tile for three-quarters of a century until it was amended in 1979. (35) Comparison of a further code of rules featured inside the front cover of the Band Minute Book of 1978 reveals that with the exception of minor amendments to two or three clauses, the basic rules are the same as those of 1904. As the 1978 codification states that the rules are “adapted from the original [of] 1880” it is clear that for most of the preceding century an almost unchanged codex had provided the basis of the administration of the Band. Perhaps even more surprising given the rampant inflation in the decades after 1945, is the fact that the membership entrance fee of 2s 6d with contributions of 2d per week, remained unchanged until 1982 when a somewhat belated acceptance of decimalisation resulted in its amendment to 50p. (36)

The third clause in the 1904 code of rules decrees that “any person wishing to join this Band to be brought before the whole Band”, the words “whole band” being a pencilled insertion replacing the word “committee”. The amendment reveals a incipient ‘power struggle’ at that period, an indication reinforced by a resolution passed the following month that;

“Band business [be] by the whole Band rather than the Committee”,

which was, however, rejected by 8 votes to 5. (37) Nevertheless, the closeness of the vote and the framing of the resolution designed to counter one of only a month earlier which stated that,

“The Committee makes all the Rules to the satisfaction of the Band”

would seem to indicate a rank and file assertion of primitive democracy. (38) Given this seemingly apparent struggle for administrative supremacy it is surprising that the rules have remained largely intact since 1880.

A clause stipulating common ownership of “instruments, music, music stands, uniforms and all property” is particularly interesting in the light of a subsequent application to join the Band. A Committee meeting in June 1904, agreed, subject to the approval of the whole Band that;

“D. Bailey be a member providing he brings his own instrument to the practice.” (39)

The Committee was empowered to expel members for misconduct, arrears or non-attendance and such members, or others leaving the Band voluntarily, were required “to return all property in a condition satisfactory to the Committee and if damaged, made good.” (40)

Although it was decreed that “All rules be strictly enforced” there was a wide disparity between theory and practice on a number of points. Arrears of contributions has perhaps been the most persistently unobserved rule throughout the Band’s entire existence, yet instances of expulsion are singularly absent from the record, perhaps because the musical contribution of members exceeded the value of a fiscal nature making a loss through expulsion more costly than financial loss? A regular practice adopted by the Committee at various periods has been to post reminders of arrears of contributions in the bandroom, the earliest recorded example being in June 1904, which also incorporated the notice that non-attendance of 8 out of 12 band practices in any month would result in a fine of 3d for each offence. (41)

A degree of leniency in respect of arrears was doubtless influenced by the economic hardship and unemployment which was so prevalent in working class society during the first four decades of the twentieth century. Thus we find recorded that one member was;

“…to be excused his subs but if he does not attend practices, to pay subs for weeks he is absent”, (42) and again, “contributions by our of work members to be 1d but if a member works 4 days in a week, to be 2d.” (43)

The withdrawal of members whether on a temporary or permanent basis frequently caused much expenditure in time and labour on the part of the Secretary who after writing several letters to ascertain the future intentions of absentee members, or in an effort to secure the return of Band property, often had to make one or more visits to members homes to confront them personally. (44)

Incidence of misconduct was fortunately rare with instances of bad behaviour often arising in the heat of the moment and usually concluded by the tendering and acceptance of an apology. Such was the case in May 1904, when a member was given a specific date by which an explanation of recent conduct had to be made to the full membership. The ultimatum being observed the recalcitrant member’s apology was unanimously accepted. (45)

To obviate petty disputes, the bandmaster was decreed the arbiter of all situations occurring whether in engagements, practices or on parade (46) and in recognition of this responsibility was paid an extra half share of all dividends accruing from financial surpluses paid to band members following clearance of all routine expenditure. (47)

The Committee was appointed on an annual basis with resignations being subject to immediate replacement. Any unspecified rules were to be determined by the Committee and no business concerning the Band was to be undertaken without the sanction of the Committee although in the event of the offer of an engagement arising at short notice the Secretary and Bandmaster were empowered to deal with the matter themselves. (48)

The mainstay of the Band was the rule that it be “not broken up as long as six members are opposed to its dissolution.” (49)

The first identified bandroom was the upper floor of a limestone-built property located down a yard on the south side of Aire Street. The property was a warehouse owned by Willie Wray, a local greengrocer and fishmonger. Wray kept goods in the basement area so the regular presence of the Band members and the bandroom caretaker in the upper room ensured an additional degree of security for the goods. (50) The first known caretaker was R. Marshall. Marshall was the sole keyholder and it was stipulated that no one was to have access to the bandroom without his approval. (51)

Early documentation provides fleeting glimpses of routine expenditure which although only of a minor nature appears to have strained the finances of the Band. R. Marshall received 10 shillings per year for undertaking the duties of the caretaker of the bandroom and he and J. Wild received two shillings for the preparatory measure of placing music in the bandbooks.  A further item of expenditure was the 5 shillings per year paid to the Secretary who in 1905 was given the additional responsibility of drawing up and presenting the annual accounts. (52) A more substantial expense was the cost of heating the bandroom during the winter season, with the Secretary being sanctioned to order ½ ton of coke and ¼ ton of coal for the purpose. (53) To supplement income collecting boxes were placed in local public houses but it is clear that the Band’s finances were precarious in the early years of the twentieth century as revealed by a resolution of February 1905 that the,

“Secretary and Caretaker [are] to work gratis….” (54)

Furthermore, such was the need for new instruments that the Annual General Meeting of 1905 decreed that members subscriptions of 2d per week be supplemented by a compulsory levy of 1d to be earmarked as the ‘cornet fund’. (55) Further evidence of the financial plight of the Band is manifest in payment to Benjamin Braim, a local businessman and Band member who chaired the 1905 A.G.M., of £3 plus interest as part payment for an outstanding debt. (56) It is also noticeable that in an effort to generate extra income at this time the Committee resolved to sub-let the bandroom to the local String Band for practices each Wednesday night at a charge of 1s 3d and in the light of the recent addition of ‘Silver’ to the title of the Band it is of passing interest to note that the resolution to sub-let the premises states that “the Brass Band [is] to supply coal for their use.” (57)

Mindful of the financial difficulties of the Band early last century, the decision to engage a guest conductor is more than a little surprising. One can only assume that the acquisition of ‘Prize’ status fostered the ambition of the Band. To what extent the expansion of membership arose from the Band’s growing reputation or was a manifestation of new found ambition is problematical but records for 1905 show an increase of five new members and only one withdrawal. (58)

Perhaps the engagement of a professional conductor was regarded as a necessary prerequisite for future competitive success and to this end a motion;

“That we engage J.W. Stamp to come on Sunday 7th May 1905”,

was unanimously agreed. (59) Stamp was the regular conductor of the Castleford Subscription Band with whom he had undertaken contest appearances and continental tours acquiring a wide experience and high reputation in the process. Indeed, Stamp was no stranger to Knottingley Band for as early as July 1903 a ‘sacred’ concert during which he had conducted the band was heralded as a “great success” on which occasion, “a fine programme was gone through and its execution reflected credit on the band and its conductor.” (60)

The circumstances which had prompted his initial engagement are not recorded but it is not too fanciful, perhaps, to imagine that as a result of that concert the desire arose to renew acquaintance with Stamp and that in consequence the invitation to visit in May 1905 was to provide an opportunity for him to assess the contesting potential of the Band and the terms of engagement. The occasion appears to have proved satisfactory to all parties for Stamp was engaged to conduct the Band later that month and also on four other occasions between June and September that year. (61)

Stamp may have detected areas of weakness in the Band’s performance for shortly after his engagement as guest conductor it is recorded that,

“Cornet and soprano players be engaged for the South Kirkby contest, 8th July 1905.”

The decision was in accordance with standard procedure at that period for widely observed regulations permitted the appearance of ‘guest players’ on occasion, providing such players were registered with only one band. Thus, although from 1902 players taking part in the National Championship were required to fulfil a minimum membership qualification of three months, when the Silver Band appeared at the Crystal Palace in 1911, its ranks included a professional player from Sowerby Bridge and one ‘borrowed’ from the Castleford Subscription Band. On other occasions players from Brotherton Band are known to have made ‘guest’ appearances with the Prize Band.

Commensurate with the part-time engagement of J.W. Stamp is an increase in the Band’s appearance at various contests. In 1905 the Band appeared in the contest at South Kirkby on the 8th July and at Selby a fortnight later. The following month Woodkirk provided the venue when the Band was placed third out of nine competing bands. (62) In September, the Band made an appearance at a contest at Cudworth. (63) While these contests were local and minor ones they provided valuable experience for the Band and provided a springboard for eventual participation in national contests only a few years later.

There are indications of a contest being planned at Knottingley in Spring, 1905, but for unspecified reasons the plan did not come to fruition for a further twelve months. In April 1906, however, a contest was promoted by Mr. Hawley Harris, the proprietor of the Railway Hotel, Hill Top, Knottingley. The contest took place in a field adjacent to the inn where a total of 13 bands competed for prizes to the value of £16-0-0 in front of a large number of spectators. Bands taking part included the Silver Prize Band, Brotherton, Whitwood Colliery and the soon the be nationally known, Brighouse & Rastrick Band. The winning band in the test section was Gawthorpe Victoria which won £8 and a certificate. Scape Goat Hill came second, receiving £4 prize money, and Birdsall Old Band was third, winning £2, while the fourth place and a prize of £1 was won by Carlton Band. In a separate march section, Scape Goat Hill was awarded first place by the contest adjudicator, Mr. B.D. Jackson, and Birdsall Old Band was the runner-up, gaining a further 10 shillings prize money. (64)

It is interesting to note the frequency with which local contests were held and the degree of support by both bands and public such contests engendered. In addition to venues mentioned above, contests were recorded at Altofts, Batley and Hemsworth in the early years of the twentieth century. At a contest held at Altofts in 1903, Castleford Subscription Band under the baton of J.W. Stamp, came second in the test section and took first prize in the march, providing an insight as to why the Silver Prize Band sought to obtain Stamp’s services as their guest conductor. (65) The experience and skill of the bandmaster was crucial to a band’s performance as shown at a contest held at Featherstone in which the adjudicator ascribed the poor result by one band to the failure of the conductor to let them “warm up” before the performance. (66) Nor were early contests without hazard and hostility. At a contest in Castleford in the late nineteenth century, Batley Old Band’s instruments were sabotaged (a favourite ploy was to place a piece of chewed toffee in the valve of an instrument, which would then harden and impair the function of the instrument and detract from the band’s performance). (67)

The new found zeal of the Prize band for contesting stood in sharp contrast with the situation a year earlier when a resolution in May 1904;

“That the Band go to Stanningley Brass Band Contest, May 21st, each member to pay 1 shilling each”, (sic) (68)

was carried by the casting vote of the Committee Chairman only to be rescinded a week later, though whether from reluctance to compete or consideration of expense is un-stated. (69)

The psychological effect of sartorial appearance on the self esteem of the players and by extension, on the prestige of the Band, has been mentioned previously, particularly with reference to contests and engagements beyond its home base. By 1907 the bandsmen were once again in need of new uniforms but the Band’s finances were insufficient to meet the cost involved. The decision was therefore taken;

“That Mr. S. Marshall Senior be asked for the loan of money to purchase a new uniform for each member of the Band.” (70)

Samuel Marshall Senior, a shopkeeper and businessman of Marsh End, Knottingley, had a long association as a supporter of the Band while his two sons were senior members of the Band; Samuel Junior being the bandmaster. The 21 members of the Band who voted in favour of seeking the loan from Marshall Senior agreed;

“That a written agreement signing all band property, instruments, uniforms, music and etc., (sic) be given to Mr. S. Marshall as security for money lent” (71),

thus mortgaging the future of the Band pending settlement of the debt and making Marshall the virtual owner of the Band.

The uniforms, consisting of tunic, trousers and cap, cost £1-6-0 each and in order to defray the cost the existing uniforms were made available for purchase by the bandsmen at one shilling per item. (72) The size of the loan (probably about £50) and the details concerning repayment are unrecorded but it would appear that the smart appearance of the bandsmen was matched by their musical expertise for in July 1907, the Band was triumphant in a contest at Hemsworth, beating six rival bands to gain first prize with a rendition of ‘Gems of Haydn’ for which the adjudicator, Mr. Luke Corfield of Birmingham, awarded them 89 marks. (73)

News of the Band’s success preceded them and upon their return to Knottingley the members of the Prize Band found a large crowd waiting to welcome them and greet them with a splendid ovation in response to which the Band “played spirited music in acknowledgement of the welcome afforded.”

In addition to gaining the first prize certificate, individual medals had been awarded to Ernest Beaumont for the best cornet performance and to fellow bandsman, W. Thorpe, for his trombone solo. It is interesting to note that the conductor at the contest was J.W. Stamp. (74)

The success of the Band ensured a full house when the second season of indoor concerts was held in the Town Hall on Monday 7th October 1907. The proceedings opened with a speech by the Band President, Cr. J. Harker, who said that the Band had earned its title of ‘Prize Band’. The triumph was achieved by hiring the services of a professional conductor but this, together with new uniforms, had made a great demand upon the funds of the Band. The objective of the concert was to raise money to meet the cost of new instruments. Harker then produced a balance sheet and in asking for public support, stated that if numbers were maintained, the Band would do even better in the future. It was intended at an early date to hold a local contest with prizes with an overall value of £10-£14. Then followed the concert, containing a wide variety of instrumental and vocal items and a conjuring act and concluding with a dance lasting until the early hours, the whole ensuring “…a good boost to Band funds.” (75)

Later that month, the bandsmen and their partners were rewarded for their recent success by their President who entertained them to tea at the White Swan Inn, Hill Top. The Band Secretary, Mr. W.A. Dunford, reported a profit of £3-12-0 from the recent concert and dance and this announcement was then followed by a jovial evening of music and song including a notable piccolo solo by Mr. Cruickshanks. During the proceedings a large, framed photograph of the Band was presented to Cr. Harker on behalf of the members by Mr. R.F. Trueman. Responding, Cr. Harker urged the Band to persevere with their efforts and said he hoped all local employers would allow the bandsmen to take time off work in order to attend concerts. Mr. John Hampshire on behalf of Mr. Joe Wrigley, the licensee of the Waggon & Horses Inn, Aire Street, offered to give £5 towards new instruments if nine other citizens could be persuaded to do so. The President therefore suggested the formation of a committee of townspeople in order to further this objective. The evening closed with thanks to Mr. & Mrs Pearson, the landlord and his lady, for providing such excellent fare. (76)

The prestige accruing to the Band in consequence of its success in 1907 ensured that the following year was an even busier one. The now well established Boxing Day dance presaged a full season of such engagements and with the Spring, Bandmaster Marshall took the Band to a concert at Thorne where a collection was allowed to be sued for the renovation of instruments. (77) The customary summer season of outdoor concerts held in Howards Field, commenced in June, (78) being followed the next month by a hectic week of parades. On the evening of Monday 13th July, the Band marched from Hill Top via Ferrybridge Lane and the Holes, to the Flatts where a demonstration took place in support of the governments proposed legislation regarding the licensing laws. (79) The following evening the Band, in support of the same cause, paraded through Low Green and along Weeland Road and Chapel Street to the Flatts and thence to the Wesleyan Hall where a public meeting was held. On Wednesday the Band marched from Aire Street, along Cow Lane and Racca Green, back to the Flatts and once again to Wesley Hall in the Ropewalk. (80) The Licensing Bill, introduced by Lloyd George on behalf of the Liberal Government, proposed to reduce by one third the 100,000 beer retailing licenses nationally. The measure ultimately failed due to lack of public support, nullifying the strenuous efforts of the Band.

A similarly ‘compressed’ series of events was undertaken the following month when the Band visited Featherstone to play at a local Saturday afternoon sports event which was followed by an evening concert with proceeds in aid of the Featherstone Convalescent Fund. The following Thursday, the Band played at the Ackworth Show and the following week travelled to Stubbs for the village sports. On all the above occasions the Band was conducted by Sammy Marshall. (81)

It is interesting to note that in an age before mechanised vehicles had become a commonplace sight on local roads, the Band travelled to their various engagements by means of a horse-drawn waggonette. The provision of transport was often conditional to acceptance of an engagement. Thus, in May 1904, the Committee resolved that the Band would join in the Life Boat Demonstration at Pontefract on the 25th June “on condition they send a waggonette to fetch and return the Band.” (82)

The ‘foreign’ excursions were not the only charitable efforts undertaken by the Band. Early in August 1908, the Band led the usual annual procession through the town in aid of the Railway Servants Orphanage Fund. (83) For their annual effort in aid of this charity for which “a nice sum was always collected” the Band received a token fee of £1. (84) In October the same processional route was followed as a preliminary to the tea, concert and dance given by the Oddfellows’ Friendly Society, the Orchestral Band playing music at intervals throughout the proceedings which were attended by 180 guests. (85) In addition to attendance at the Hospital Sunday parade and demonstration which was a regular annual engagement each August, the Band also provided the music for the annual concert and dance held under the auspices of the Knottingley Dispensary Committee. In mid August a large audience attended a Town Hall concert given in aid of the Band funds, the Rev. C.E. Everitt presiding over the proceedings in the absence of the Band President, John Harker, the effort to raise funds being dictated by the acceptance of the Band’s application to participate in the forthcoming National Contest to be held in London. (86)

Initially, the report concerning the entry of the Band in the forthcoming contest was somewhat confusing. It was stated that Knottingley Prize Band would be one of the entrants for the 9th annual National Brass Band Contest. The report, however, concerned Bagley’s Glassworks Band. The confusion had doubtless been caused by the fact that the works band had earlier been successful participants in a prize contest thereby in effect, creating a second ‘Prize Band’ within the town. (87) The announcement proved to be equally applicable to the Town Band, however, for by mid September both bands were named as contestants, each according to the local press, “likely to give an account of themselves on their maiden effort.”

The prospective participation of the Knottingley bandsmen, together with those of the Castleford Town Band, engendered so much interest that the Great Northern Railway Co., advertised cheap day excursions to London for the occasion. (88)

In the event only the Silver Prize Band appears to have travelled, there being no mention of the ‘Glassblowers’ band in subsequent newspaper reports. Disappointingly, the performance of the Band in the test piece, ‘Old Favourites’, conducted by J.W. Stamp, was not judged to be of sufficiently high standard to ensure a placement for the Band. However, the Band made its presence known in the Capital when, the following day, led by the omnipresent Sammy Marshall, it marched from Liverpool Street Station to Hyde Park in support of a demonstration against the Licensing Bill. (89) The action of the Band in opposing a measure which it had strenuously supported only a few weeks earlier seems more than a little puzzling and one may only conject that the series of parades on successive evenings in July were engagements which the Band accepted out of necessity to secure income rather than natural support for the cause. Given the known bond which existed between the Band and many local innkeepers it seems most probable that the apparent spontaneity of the London march was more indicative of the feeling amongst the bandsmen.

The Band was more successful in the National Championships of 1911 which again took place at the Crystal Palace. Of 183 entrants overall, the Silver Prize Band competed against 28 of them in its particular section and obtained 4th place, the only Yorkshire band to gain any distinction that year. The Band played under the baton of J.W. Stamp but much of its success was due to hard, regular practice under its regular bandmaster. Reporting the event, an organ of the local press stated of the Band;

“They and Mr Stamp their professional conductor, and Mr S Marshall, the home conductor, deserve heartiest congratulations for their splendid exhibition.” (90)

At a more modest level the Band gained a degree of success in August when in a contest at Normanton involving eight bands, the adjudicator, Mr. Brear of Bradford, placed it 4th in its section. (91)

The year was even more busy than usual for the band for apart from the regular annual engagements the Band was required to take on additional commitments. One of the first acts of a local committee formed to plan festivities to mark the coronation of George V was to engage the Band to lead the procession through the town. (92) In addition, the Band broke new ground in August, leading a procession from Pontefract town centre to the Castle, which was the venue for the Borough’s Dispensary Sunday fete. (93) The year’s activities rounded off with the Orchestral Band providing the music at the Town Hall Boxing Day dance, held that year under the aegis of the Knottingley Football Club. (94) The events of 1911 were not all ones of unalloyed pleasure, however, for the early part of the year was marked by sorrowful occasions in both a national and local context.

The opening of the Prince of Wales Colliery, Pontefract, in 1860, resulted in the development of the adjacent coal measures in the last quarter of the nineteenth century and brought the mining industry to the very doorstep of Knottingley, providing work for an element residing within the township. While the town could not be categorised as a mining community, the strong bond which already existed between the miners and the glassworkers as a result of the socio-political alliance established in the district by Alfred Greenwood in 1880, was reinforced by the rise of socialism and a burgeoning sense of common identity amongst the labouring classes. (95) It is therefore unsurprising that when, in early January 1911, a colliery disaster occurred at Bolton On Dearn, situated on the South Yorkshire coalfield, the community at Knottingley was at the forefront of action to raise money for the relief of the bereaved dependants.

A grand variety concert was quickly arranged to be held in the Town Hall in which the foremost talent within the town and surrounding district volunteered to take part. The musical mainstay was the Silver Prize Band, assisted by the English Concertina Band from Castleford. (96) The concert, held on the evening of Saturday 21st January, drew a full house, largely through the efforts of the Band which toured the streets of Knottingley and Ferrybridge during the hours preceding the concert, playing and collecting as it went along, an effort which not only realised £2-3-0 but increased public awareness of the event. The concert provided three hours of entertainment for the admission price of either 1 shilling or 6 pence. The only disconcerting note to the events of the evening was a somewhat sanctimonious introductory speech by Colonel Shaw, C.C., J.P., who accompanied by Colonel Mitchell of Wath, while praising the “noble effort”, stated that such accidents as that which had occurred would be avoided if miners took more notice of their deputies, and then compounded his insensitivity by leaving the hall early in order to fulfil his “military duties”. The concert, launched in response to;

“The appeal of an energetic and sympathetic committee of a [unidentified] workingmens’ club”, was organised by Mr. W.H. William, the Club Secretary, assisted by Mr. J. W. Hughes, the club in question most probably being the Hill Top W.M. Club. (97)

A sorrowful occasion of a more localised nature occurred in April 1911, with the death of the Band’s long-serving President, Mr. John Harker. The Band was represented at the funeral by Mr. A. Westerman and Mr. J. Clegg. (98)

In 1912 the Band returned to Crystal Palace for the National Championships held on the 28th September and were again successful, winning the consolation Cup. In February 1913 it was reported that tradesmen in Knottingley were displaying in their shop windows certificates, a set of caps and the bandmaster’s cross belt won at the National Championships the previous Autumn. (99) The set of caps had been donated by Messrs. Mallet, Porter & Dowd, outfitters, (100) and nicely complemented the new uniforms which the bandsmen had worn at the contest. The purchase of the new uniforms had been agreed at a 16 man meeting in January 1912, and confirmed in March when the newly elected Band President, Mr. R.F. Trueman, had offered to provide the money for the purchase of the outfits. The design of the uniform was based upon that of the famous Black Dyke Mills Band but with aluminium shaded facings. As before, costs were partially defrayed by the sale of the old uniforms to Band members. (101)

Again, a celebratory concert was planned at which it was hoped the ‘Champion Journal Cup’ would be formally presented to the Bandmaster by the serving M.P., Mr. Handel Booth. It was also decided to invite local manufacturers, E.L. Poulson, E.L. Robinson and William Bagley, to the event to be held on the 1st November 1912, the last named being chosen to be chairman of the meeting by 11 votes to 4. (102)

A concert committee of Band members was formed to arrange a programme of entertainment. The ‘star turn’, Mr. Beanland, offered the use of piano, pianist and also ‘Light Girls’ for a charge of £1, which Mr. Trueman, the Band President, offered to pay from his own pocket. (103) The subsequent soiree was a “great success, the place being full.”

Takings, which were at a record level, came from the following sources:

Door: £7-6-0
Programmes: 11s 11d
Tickets: £17-1-6
Total: £24-19-5

Expenses: £9-14-0
Profit: £15-5-5 - of which sum Mr. Trueman was handed £15 towards the £40 he had paid for the new uniforms. (104)

In July 1913, the Band gained 4th prize in a contest held at the Selby Gala which provided a degree of confidence for the task ahead when in September the application of the Band to enter the National Championships for the third successive year was accepted. It was reported that the band was rehearsing on a daily basis in the hope of bringing home an even bigger trophy than that obtained the previous year, but alas, “the best laid plans….” (105)

As the shadow of world war fell across the land in 1914 contesting was placed in abeyance so that the Band’s appearance in 1913 spelt the end of an era of its participation for many years.

As if to underline the approaching end of an era of growth and development in its affairs, the Band also lost two stalwart supporters within less than a twelvemonth. In Autumn 1912, the members stood in silent respect to mark the loss of Samuel Marshall Senior, and in May 1913, the death occurred of the erstwhile member and current President, R.P. Trueman.

Again, the Band was represented by members at the funeral of Trueman and it is therefore obvious that the practice of the Band being in full attendance in order to ‘play to rest’ former members and associates had not been introduced at that date. Something approaching such an observation had occurred as early as 1905 when prior to a memorial service held by the local lodges of the Oddfellows and Foresters friendly societies, members assembled at the Bay Horse Inn, Hill Top, and headed by the Silver Prize Band, walked in solemn procession to the Tabernacle Free Church where an appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. J.P. Rieveley in memory of Isaac Heald. (107) In common with so many aspects of Band history the commencement of the playing of the full Band at funerals is unrecorded but none can deny either the magnitude of the tribute nor the poignancy of its effect. The writer has tender recollection of the Band’s rendition of ‘Abide With Me’ being played at the graveside of Frank Spencer, uncle of the writer and long-standing member of the Band. The hymn was played with such delicate tenderness that it not only brought tears to the eyes of the assembled mourners but even now, at a distance of more than 40 years, remembrance of the occasion still pricks the eyes and clutches at the throat.

The increased incidence and subsequently enforced cessation in no way diminished participation of ‘banding’, each year having its regular quota of concerts, parades, demonstrations and sundry public events. The attendance of the Band usually ensured the success of any event but there were occasional failures. One somewhat dubious event was an all night dance held to boost Band funds in January 1909 when the dance music was played by the Orchestral Band under Sammy Marshall. The event, attended by 60 people, was declared “a great success” but in the light of the relatively sparse attendance, the success must have been somewhat limited. It is interesting to note, however, that the report of the event states that,

“The Band have (sic) taken part in several big contests and have good prospects for the future.” (108)

Not all such events were undertaken for the benefit of the Band. A concert organised by the Knottingley Infirmary Committee in 1907, followed by a dance with music by the Orchestral Band, was reported to be “very good, but poorly attended.” (109)

On occasion the weather was responsible for the lack of success. In 1912 for instance when following a march through the streets by the Band and its counterparts from Brotherton to attract awareness of the public, a concert on behalf of the Ferrybridge Dispensary Committee was spoilt by rain. (110) In this case, however, the situation was redeemed in the long term when in 1916 the two bands attended a demonstration held in a field near the Parish (Mission) Room (in which Ferrybridge Church now stands following the transfer from its original site in the 1950s) and helped to raise the sum of £30-4-0. (111)

The outbreak of war in 1914 must have resulted in some diminution of Band membership through voluntary and subsequently enforced conscription. Unfortunately, no record of the period exists in the annals of the Band. It is clear, however, that whatever erosion of membership may have occurred, a sufficient nucleus remained to enable the band to function. Consequently, the activity of the Band was extended to provide support for the war effort. Within a month of the outbreak of hostilities it was reported that the Band had marched through Knottingley playing patriotic selections and had raised £2-1-4 on behalf of the local relief fund. (112) Again, in 1916, a charity parade through the streets of Knottingley and Ferrybridge collected £4-10-0 on behalf of the British Farmers’ Red Cross Fund and a week later a “very good gathering” at a concert at Hillam raised £9-10-0 on behalf of the same organisation. (113) Almost on the eve of the Armistice the committee, charged with providing comforts for the local servicemen, held a dance in the Town Hall, the aim of which was to enable a Christmas gift to be despatched to each of the town’s fighting men. Music was provided by the Orchestral Band under S. Marshall and the event succeeded in raising £10. It is sad to relate however, that fundraising for the cause was restricted when other social events had to be cancelled due to danger from the influenza pandemic. (114) The purpose of the dance appears to have usurped the customary one of providing a Xmas treat for the town’s old folks, for in December 1913, the Band had played at a concert in the Town Hall for that purpose, contributing significantly to the success of the evening. (115) Similarly, throughout the ensuing war period the Band continued to work within and around the town for the benefit of the town’s Infirmary Committee. (116) That such efforts were appreciated by the townsfolk in general is exemplified by the occasion in May 1913 when the management of the Palace Cinema presented;

“a fine entertainment by a large and enthusiastic audience” for the benefit of the Silver Prize Band, ensuring that “Band funds were considerably increased by this lift.” (117)

Terry Spencer 2006

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CHAPTER 2 NOTES:
(1) Pontefract & Castleford Express 23-8-1902.
(2) Pontefract Advertiser 18-7-1903.
(3) Minute Book 'A' (n.p.). c.f.note re Band Archive, supra.
(4) Pontefract Advertiser 27-9-1902.
(5) Pontefract & Castleford Express 27-9-1902 p6 states that the appeal by the Band was for money with which to purchase uniforms costing £50.
(6) Cooper T.L. op cit pp23-24.
(7) Bevan C. in Herbert T. (ed), op cit, p109.
(8) Pontefract Advertiser 8-11-1902.
(9) Minute Book 'A', 15-5-1904.
(10) loc cit 6-6-1904.
(11) ibid 12-1-1905.
(12) Cooper T.L. op cit, p24.
(13) Pontefract Advertiser 23-1-1909 & Pontefract & Castleford Express 29-1-1909 p7.
(14) loc cit 9-10-1907 p4.
(15) Pontefract Advertiser 18-7-1903; 9-7-1904 & 22-6-1907.
(16) Pontefract & Castleford Express 9-7-1904 p4.
(17) loc cit 29-7-1905 p4.
(18) ibid 18-7-1903 p4.
(19) ibid 9-7-1904 p4.
(20) ibid 22-6-1907 p8.
(21) ibid 11-7-1908 p8.
(22) ibid 1-8-1908 p5.
(23) ibid 27-6-1913 p6.
(24) ibid 24-7-1914 p4.
(25) ibid 1-9-1916 p4.
(26) Percy Turpin was a highly accomplished musician who some years later played the piano to accompany the silent films shown at the Palace Cinema. c.f. Spencer T. 'The Palace Cinema, Knottingley', (2000), p5a.
(27) ibid 12-10-1907 p4.
(28) ibid 27-3-1914 p6.
(29) For notice of a 'sacred' concert to be given by the Band as late as the second decade of the twentieth century c.f. Pontefract Advertiser 4-4-1914. Also see Pontefract & Castleford Express 9-6-1916 p4 for notice of a proposed demonstration to be held on Knottingley Flatts on Thursday 15-6-1916 with Rev. F.E.Egerton, Vicar of St Botolphs, as chairman and several guests speaking 'In Defence of Sunday'.
(30) loc cit 31-7-1914 p4.
(31) ibid & passim.
(32) Pontefract Advertiser 18-4-1903 Also loc at 6-6-1903 for photograph and pen portrait of John Harker
(33) Minute Book A (inside front cover)
(34) Pontefract Advertiser 9-7-1904
(35) Minute Book C, 9-6-1978-2-8-1994 (n.p.), (inside front cover).
(36) ibid
(37) Minute Book A, 14-6-1904
(38) ibid 9-5-1904
(39) ibid 6-6-1904
(40) ibid
(41) ibid 6-6-1904
(42) ibid 12-1-1905
(43) ibid 14-2-1905
(44) ibid 12-1-1905 & 14-2-1906
(45) ibid 30-5-1904.
(46) ibid.
(47) ibid 12-1-1905.
(48) ibid 30-5-1904 & 7-1-1905.
(49) ibid 30-5-1904.
(50) I am indebted to Mr Brian Pollard for information concerning the Aire Street bandroom
(51) Minute Book 'A', 12-1-1905.
(52) ibid & 15-5-1904 & 14-2-1905.
(53) ibid 7-1-1905.
(54) ibid.
(55) ibid 14-2-1905.
(56) ibid 12-1-1905.
(57) ibid 7-10-1906.
(58) ibid, entries for 1905 passim.
(59) Minute Book A, 22-5-1905
(60) Pontefract & Castleford Express 18-7-1903 p4.
(61) Minute Book A, 22-5-1905 passim.
(62) Pontefract & Castleford Express 26-8-1906 p1.
(63) Minute Book A 1905 passim.
(64) Pontefract Advertiser 5-5-1906 p
(65) Cooper T.L., op cit, pp30-31
(66) Cooper TL op of pp30-31.
(67) ibid p23
(68) Minute Book A 9-5-1904
(69) ibid 15-5-1904.
(70) ibid 31-1-1907.
(71) ibid.
(72) ibid 31-7-1905.
(73) Pontefract Advertiser 9-7-1907 p8. For a complete analysis of the performance of the Band, loc cit, 5-10-1907 p4.
(74) loc cit 7-9-1907 p8. Also, Pontefract & Castleford Express 7-9-1907 p4.
(75) Pontefract Advertiser 22-10-1907 p4.
(76) ibid 26-10-1907 p4.
(77) ibid 16-5-1908 p4.
(78) ibid 11-7-1908 p4 & 23-6-1908 p4.
(79) ibid 18-7-1908 p4.
(80) ibid 15-12-1908 p4 7 22-8-1908 p4.
(81) ibid 15-12-1908 p4 & 22-8-1908 p4
(82) Minute Book A 9-5-1904. The engagement was subsequently declined.
(83) Pontefract Advertiser 8-8-1908 p4.
(84) Pontefract & Castleford Express 3-7-1914 p6. Also, Minute Book 'A' 5-9-1905.
(85) Pontefract Advertiser 13-10-1908 p5.
(86) ibid 22-8-1908 p4.
(87) ibid 29-8-1908 p4
(88) ibid 19-9-1908 p4.
(89) ibid 3-10-1908 p5.
(90) ibid. 7-10-1911 p4.
(91) Pontefract & Castleford Express 11-8-1911 p8
(92) loc cit 12-5-1911 p6.
(93) bid 21-7-1911 p5.
(94) Pontefract Advertiser 30-12-1911 p5
(95) Spencer T. The Development of the Yorkshire Glass Industry, circa 1800-1940 (2001) pp585-582 for details of the local alliance of organised labour
(96) Pontefract & Castleford Express 20-1-1911 p6 for public notice regarding the benefit concert.
(97) loc cit 27-1-1911 to a report of the benefit concert
(98) ibid 13-4-1911 p6. Also, 31-3-1911 p6.
(99) ibid 14-2-1913 p5.
(100) Minute Book 'A' 13-10-1912
(101) loc cit 14-3-1912 & 24-3-1912. Initially, the old uniforms were to be sold for two shillings each but a later amendment to the resolution, carried by 10 votes to 4, increased the price.
(102) ibid 13-10-1912 & 20-10-1912.
(103) ibid 30-10-1912 The members of the Concert Committee were Messrs Trueman, Beanland, S.Marshall, J.Cutts, J.Wardle and F.Rowbottom.
(104) ibid
(105) Pontefract & Castleford Express 25-7-1913 p6 & 12-9-1913 p6.
(106) ibid 2-5-1913 p6 & MInute Book A 13-10-1912
(107) Pontefract & Castleford EXpress 18-3-1905 p6
(108) loc cit 29-1-1909 p7
(109) ibid 9-10-1907 p6
(110) ibid 1-9-1912 p1. The concert had to be cancelled leaving the village committee £11 short of the previous years record collection of £46-17-7.
(111) ibid 1-9-1916 p2
(112) ibid 18-9-1914 p5
(113) ibid 21-1-1916 p5 & 28-7-1916 p5
(114) ibid 1-11-1918 p3
(115) ibid 19-12-1913 p7
(116) ibid 26-7-1918 p5
(117) ibid 2-5-1913 p6