The advent of a new millennium represented a new era in the history of Knottingley Band which witnessed the overhaul of a number of aspects of the administration and function of the Band.

A symbolic administrative change was effected in March 2001 when Mr Gary Pearson a long-serving member of the Band, regularly travelling from his Huddersfield home in order to participate in events, became Band Chairman. (1)

It was, however, unprecedented success in contest performance which was the catalyst of change resulting in heightened awareness of public image and prompting revision of the nature and number of engagements and fees and also a review of fundraising activities with the abandonment of some customary practices and the adoption of new ones.

As shown above, the seeds of success had been sown during the previous decade when a revival of fortune had occurred following the dearth of the late 1980s when the moral and physical stock of the Band had been so low that it was incapable of participating in the all-important annual Yorkshire Area elimination contests of the National Championship Finals.

Following re-entry into the competition in 1990 the Band under a succession of conductors, enjoyed a modest but increasing degree of success, resulting in promotion to the 3rd Section of the National Championships in 1994. It was, however, the appointment of Kevin Belcher as bandmaster in June 1997 which set the seal on the musical revival, enabling the Band to embark upon its most successful era on the contest and concert platforms. (2)

A third place in the Yorkshire Area contest in 1998 gained promotion to the 2nd Section the year following and by March 2000 the Band had qualified to play in the National Championship Finals to be held at the Royal Albert Hall, London. That March the Band outshone all competition in the qualifying stage at Bradford and were the designated Yorkshire representatives at the Finals in October with a 29 strong ensemble, including five females.

The successful progression of the Band was marked by a cover photograph in the supplemental section of the Pontefract & Castleford Express, bearing the legend "KNOTTINGLEY SILVER BAND IS AIMING FOR BIG TIME' and referring readers to the centre page spread comprising photographs and text outlining the forthcoming appearance of the Band as Yorkshire representatives in the finals (3)

If prescience of impending success was gaining public attention, the members of the Band were too busy fulfilling an increasing number of public engagements to be overwhelmed by the burden of expectation. Nevertheless, the potential of the Band was clearly apparent to the listening public. A letter to the local newspaper on the eve of the contest referred to a concert performance which had raised the sum of £303 for a local community centre, stating that

“the Band played a wonderful range of music, with changes of mood and tempo. It also featured first class solo and trio performances from their ranks. (4)

Success in the contest arena came at a price, however, and one for which the Band was singularly unprepared. The fundraising events of Christmas 1999 raised the sum of £848.13 less expenses, leaving a balance of £752.36 of which about £200 was required to pay outstanding bills. (5) The estimated cost of a two-night stay at a medium range hotel for the National Championship Finals in London was about £100 per head. Estimates obtained from a wide range of coach companies regarding transport to London quoted prices in the range £750-£860 at the lower end of the range. Allowing for necessary extras, it was considered that the total sum required would be between £3,500 and £5,000.

Sponsorship was sought from five principal industrial and commercial concerns with local links whilst smaller businesses were approached for donations. In addition, a number of fundraising events were planned such as a sponsored walk, concerts in local clubs, with two others at Knottingley Amphitheatre under the aegis of British Waterways, two Race Nights at Knottingley Rugby Union Club and a tombola stall at Knottingley Carnival. (6)

Sartorial considerations involved the Band in further expense for enhanced status arising from contest success carried an increased obligation to present a public image compatible to status. To this end an advertisement was placed in @the British Bandsman’ seeking good quality second-hand uniform jackets and by the Spring the Secretary reported ongoing negotiations with a Scottish band which was offering 25 jackets for £350. With available funds only covering about one third of that sum, Roger Clayton came to the rescue by stating his willingness to provide a loan to cover the purchase cost. (7)

An elegant appearance was a necessity extending beyond platform appearance and the growing awareness of the desirability to present a smart public image at all times dictated the adoption of an informal ‘travel uniform’ by March 2001, comprising blazer and trousers (or optional skirt for ladies), white shirt and tie. Funding of the same was initially deferred pending the outcome of two possible lucrative engagements: the Nidderdale Show and a series of concerts in London Parks, neither of which appears to have materialised. (8) Unfortunately, a very creditable performance at the Albert Hall was not sufficient to enable the Band to obtain a prize but the following year success in the Yorkshire Area 2nd Section was repeated and the Band qualified for entry into the National Finals yet again. The performance in the Finals, held at the Guildhall, Preston, was awarded 4th place, thus ensuring promotion to the 1st Section the following year.

Economy was the watchword with regard to the appearance of the Band at Preston. It was decided to spend two nights in bed & breakfast accommodation at Blackpool with Band members bearing their own expenses and arranging and paying for their own mode of transport. The measure was dictated by dual considerations. In view of the drive for sponsorship the previous year it was deemed impracticable to adopt a similar approach while differential accommodation charges between London and Blackpool made it feasible for each player to meet the cost. A coach was engaged for the journey between Blackpool and Preston Guildhall on contest day, the cost being met from Band funds. (9)

Betweentimes, arrangements were made for the production of a compact disc. Preparation involved an eight week rehearsal period culminating in recording over two weekends in July. Two full days were allocated for actual recording with an optional extra day to obviate a 'rushed' production. Costs were estimated at approximately £200, plus licence fees of between £100-£200. An anonymous donation by a Band member covered the initial costs, the full cost being estimated at about £900 for 500 C.D.s. Not unnaturally, efforts were made to minimise costs, particularly with regard to graphic design and photographic material. (10)

Reorganisation of some aspects of fundraising also became necessary by the start of the new century. Ironically, environmental and demographic factors played as much part in necessitating change as did the new sprung status of the Band.

The urban regeneration scheme launched by Knottingley Urban District Council in the 1960s had resulted in the mass demolition of the central and eastern parts of the township, particularly the densely built and inhabited area of Aire Street and its environs. Many of the cleared sites included public houses which in most cases were not replaced. Those public houses which were opened at that period were largely relocated to serve the growing centres of population to the south and west of the town such as England Lane and the emergent Warwick estate. The scattered sites and peripheral location posed problems of access for the Band's ‘Pub Wassail', formerly so easily undertaken when the town was centred on Aire Street where pubs and dwellings stood in close proximity. The situation was exacerbated by the economic doctrine of the 1980s which resulted in the closure of several workingmens' clubs in Knottingley and district, thereby denuding the Band of Boxing Day collections and also of potential concert venues throughout the year.

Demographic change throughout the 70s and '80s had occurred as a result of the influx of people from the declining coalfields of Scotland and the North-East of England, drawn by the prospect of employment in the expanding Yorkshire coalfield, particularly Kellingley Colliery. While the immigrant families shared the working class mores of the local inhabitants which ensured social integration, they naturally knew nothing of local customs and traditions and it is not surprising therefore that some erosion of the bond between the Band and the community occurred and was reflected in the comment in 2001 that

"Reception in pubs and clubs such as still exist, [is] very lukewarm." (11)

Similarly, the composition of the Band played an influential part. Prior to the 1990s the membership of the Band was predominantly local. The success and status of the Band thereafter widened the membership catchment area making attendance for the annual wassail more difficult to organise and less appealing to rank and file members from beyond the immediate vicinity.

As a result Boxing Day activity was no longer a financially viable activity and the start of the new era brought the abandonment of a tradition as old as the Band itself. A decrease in the number of contests enabled revision of strategy, the Band adopting a more prestigious concert programme, aiming for an average of eight concerts and three contests per year from 2001. The decision prompted a review of concert fees, albeit differentiating between charity events and commercial engagements in accordance with the less clearly defined practice introduced in the 1970s. (12) The role of the Band with regard to its historic community work continued to feature prominently in the Band schedule, the first four years of the new century revealing no less than 24 engagements undertaken free of charge or for a token fee at venues such as local churches, nursing homes and at charity events in addition to the annual appearance at Knottingley War Memorial for the Remembrance Day service and on occasions such as the weddings or funerals of Band members and supporters.

As a new entrant to the higher echelons of contesting, the Band narrowly failed to qualify for the 2002 National Finals, but the following year revealed that the Band had amply adjusted to the more exacting standard of performance, being crowned Yorkshire Champions following

...an almost flawless performance in the area competition" at St George's Hall, Bradford, and thereby gaining promotion to the elite

"prestigious Championship Section where it will come up against such giants as the Black Dyke Mills and Grimethorpe Colliery bands." (13)

Thus, the year 2003 was the high water mark when the Band, for the first time in its history was awarded Championship status with the daunting but exhilarating prospect of competing against world class ensembles. The achievement of the Band was placed in context by a letter sent by a supporter to the local paper. Using a sporting metaphor the writer compared the elevation of the Band to

"...a local football or rugby team winning promotion to play in the Premier League or the Super League and competing against the likes of Manchester United or Bradford Bulls. (14)

Explaining the level of attainment the Band Secretary, Mr R.H. Baxter, generously and correctly ascribed the degree of success to the high level of skill and commitment by the bandmaster, Mr Kevin Belcher, and all the members of the Band, carefully omitting his own role both as a player, but more importantly, as an administrator whose organisational ability had provided the financial stability which was a prerequisite for musical success. How important a factor background organisation and sound finance are became clear following attainment of Championship status. The self-supporting Band, which despite representing Yorkshire for the third time in four years was, unlike its Championship rivals, unsponsored by business and commercial interests and therefore faced the

"... unenviable task of raising £4,000 in six months to take the Band to Dundee."

for the privilege of representing County and Town at the highest level. (15)

Competing with financially well supported Championship rivals not only placed the Knottingley Band at a pecuniary disadvantage but also musically. Apart from their wider experience at Championship level, the high-ranking bands are generally ones with manufacturing and commercial origins and connections and well placed to offer attractive employment opportunities as a means of recruiting gifted instrumentalists to their ranks. Nevertheless, the Knottingley Band had manifest belief in its power to overcome all odds and the statement of the Secretary that

“...we truly believe we can return [from Dundee] as National Champions."

expressed the opinion of all concerned. (16)

To celebrate its accession to the top rank the Band gave a special concert in Knottingley Town Hall on Friday 5th March 2004. The Band amply illustrated its versatility with a wide range of music, including the test piece 'Tristen Encounters' by Martin Ellerby. (17)

Disappointment was to follow a few days later, however, when on Sunday the 7th of March the Band only managed 14th place in the Yorkshire Area Championships held at Bradford. The Band performed well but the contest emphasised the high standard of the top class bands at Championship level. Undaunted, the Band took the opportunity to hone its musical skill by undertaking a full concert programme. Following an al fresco performance at the riverside at Wetherby in May the Band appeared at the Birdwell Theatre in July and in the same month played at Knottingley United Reform Church to celebrate the bicentenary of its establishment. August saw attendance at the Mirfield Show while concerts at Pontefract and Methley Methodist churches followed in September and October respectively.

A visit to Blackpool for the Spring Festival Contest occurred at the beginning of May and to Rhyll for the Pontins Contest at the end of October. (18) Entry to the Blackpool contest at the Winter Garden Theatre was by invitation only. Knottingley Band, participating for the first time at the event, was one of 120 invited bands which were divided into three sections. Knottingley came 4th in their section, beating some well fancied rivals and thereby gaining automatic entry into the following year's event and promotion to a higher section. (19)

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Festive Season fundraising activities commenced with a carol concert at the United Reform Church, Knottingley, on Sunday 5th December and a Gala Concert at Castleford Civic Centre two days later. A Christmas Concert at Knottingley Town Hall on the 17th December rounded of the concert programme but interspersed between the more formal events were the usual appearances at local supermarket concourses and town centres. (20) The commitment to the traditional Remembrance Sunday event was maintained as usual while a further feature was the production of the 'Solid Silver' C.D., launched in 2005. (21)

Not unnaturally, given the odds against success, the enormity of the task facing the Band in the National Championship proved too great and following a brief but valiant spell in the Championship Section, the Band re-entered the 1st Section in January 2005. Positive benefits accrued from the status conferred by participation within the top rank not least in the recruitment of highly competent and dedicated players who travel on a regular basis from locations such as Huddersfield, Leeds and Malton to participate in the Band, thus ensuring its continuity and future success.

Gone today is the monthly newsletter of the eighties and the occasional reports within the columns of the local newspaper as vehicles for public information. In the early 1990s news concerning the Band was communicated by a website which was reconstituted in 2005, taking its title from that of the Band: www.knottingleysilverband.com. (22) The new website provided the medium for news of the recent retirement of two stalwart members; Roy Baxter and Terry Clayton. The long-serving Secretary stood down from administrative duties and also as a percussionist in 2005. Quite apart from the adverse effect on health caused by the stress of the Secretarial duties, the strain imposed on the domestic life of Band members is considerable - an aspect not immediately apparent. In the case of Terry Clayton, serious health problems have ended a Band career of over 60 years in which his wide experience and expertise has proved invaluable not only to Knottingley Band but the band world generally and have earned him numerous awards and national acclaim. The departure from the ranks of both men marks a watershed in the history of the Band and the dawning of a new era.

In analysing the essence of banding, an eminent figure of the brass band world of yesteryear expressed an opinion which is as true now as it was then, that

'The character of a band is the character of the men and women who play in it. It derives from their hereditary and environmental factors, their livelihood, their social surroundings and interests. In amateur banding these interests merge to form a service to be freely enjoyed by others - the public who listen."

The existence of Knottingley Silver Band has, however, had a significance which extends far beyond the purlieus of the banding world and even the confines of the bandroom itself for John Hargrave's dictum that

“A town is only half a town without a band and it is still an honour to be a member. It's the icing on the cake, a civic shop window on the community."

sums up the relationship between the township of Knottingley and its Band. (24)

For almost a century and a half the members of Knottingley Band have represented the town and its citizens as ubiquitous ambassadors. It was ever thus and long may it continue to be so.

Terry Spencer 2006

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CHAPTER SEVEN NOTES:
(1) Minute Book 'D' 23-3-2001.
(2) I am indebted to Mr R.H. Baxter and Mr B. Pollard for much of the information upon which this chapter is based.
(3) Pontefract & Castleford Express, Second Section, 23-3-2000. (4) loc cit 5-10-2000 p16. Letter submitted by Mrs S. Holmes of Pontefract.
(5) Minute Book 'D' 3-1-2000.
(6) ibid 21-3-2000.
(7) ibid 3-1-2000
(8) ibid 21-3-2001.
(9) ibid.
(10) ibid.
(11) ibid 3-10-2001.
(12) ibid.
(13) Pontefract & Castleford Express 20-3-2003 p21. (14) ibid 13-3-2003 p3. Letter from Mr G. Hart, Knottingley.
(15) ibid 20-3-2003.
(16) ibid.
(17) Knottingley & Ferrybridge Digest, M. Norfolk (ed), No7, March 2004 p3 & p16.
(18) loc cit, No8, April 2004, p8 & No11, July 2004, p22.
(19) ibid, No 10, June 2004 p7.
(20) ibid, No16, December 2004, p22.
(21) ibid, No18, February 2005, p22.
(22) The original websiite address was w w w argonet.co.uk/KSB.
(23) Cooper T.L, op cit, p150.
(24) Pontefract & Castleford Express 30-5-1951.