Centenary Concert Programme - SWINESHEAD SILVER BAND 1886-1986

The following is transcribed  from the above programme and it is written in the language of that time. Notes in [] are Webmaster additions.

1886

At a meeting held on the 28th July 1886 it was proposed by Mr. J. L. Nunnington and seconded by Mr. A. R. Sparrow and carried unanimously that a brass band to be called the Swineshead Brass Band be organized.

The following attended the meeting:

Mess'rs: Morgan, J. L. Nunnington, A. R. Sparrow, W. S. Barratt, F. Cone, J. Cone, A. Sparrow, N. easar, Favell, Lind, Woodward and R. Greetham.

Proposed by M. T. Morgan. Seconded by A. R. Sparrow that Mr. Nunnington act as Secretary.”

The above is the first entry in the Minute Book, thus the Swineshead Silver Band as it is now known came into existence.

Reading further one finds that the running of a self-funding band posed the same problems in 1886 as it does in 1986, the biggest problem being raising money to buy instruments and music.

This becomes apparent on page two of the Minutes, Proposed and unanimously carried that 1/- (one shilling) [equivalent to £5.50 today] be paid by each member on the 1st Saturday in September 1886 and that 6d (sixpence) [equivalent to £2.75 in 2025] be paid in each following month on the first Saturday and that an additional 6d (sixpence) be paid into the instrument fund by those who wish to buy their instrument out.

The first public playing the band undertook was Christmas Carol playing that year in the Village. Lamp carriers were paid 6d each.

1887

[Entered Kirton Band Contest, 14th. July 1887, did not play as the notes for the event state, "Swineshead withdrew as they could not find their conductor"]

1889

1893

Most of the early Minutes were concerned with monies in one form or another. In a list of Rules drawn up in 1893.

Rule I states that the Conductor is to have complete control and anyone not obeying his orders shall be fined 2d each [equivalent to £1 in 2025].

Rule 2 stated -anyone being late for rehearsal shall be fined 1d [equivalent to 50p in 2025] and if absent fined 3d [equivalent to £1.50 in 2025]. Anyone found giving an incorrect statement of their absence shall be fined 6d [equivalent to £2.75 in 2025].

It would seem that Bandsmen in 1893 had to be quite well off or at death’s door to miss rehearsal.

1880’s

In the late 1880's the band seems to be going from strength to strength playing for Parades, Garden Fetes etc. in the local villages. The band fund was growing, Membership was growing and with the Membership fee of £1 [equivalent to £100 in 2025], and 1/- [one shilling equivalent to £5.50 in 2025] per month being paid by members. The band could afford to pay the Secretary 10/- [10 shillings equivalent to £55 in 2025] a year salary.

1895

These early meetings were held in the Red Lion Public House. In 1895 the venue changed to the Green Dragon and then alternated between the Red Lion, Green Dragon, Elephant and Castle and The Bull, so it appears that bandsmen have always had an affinity with Public Houses, a tradition that continues to this day. [only The Green Dragon remains open in 2025].

1899- 1907

There are no Minutes for the period 1899 - 1907, perhaps the Secretary wasn’t paid his 10/- (10 shillings).

1907

On August 6th 1907 a meeting was called to re -organise the band and accept new members. Those present elected Mr. W. Booth to the Chair, Mr. A.  Motson Secretary and Mr. J. Favell Treasurer, Mr. Booth was also Conductor.

1908

Again the bulk of the Minutes are concerned with money, music and instruments.  In 1908 this band purchased four new instruments, one of which, a flugal horn is still in use teaching new members today [1986].

1909

An entry for two members expenses to Nottingham to buy new Instruments, was paid, the sum 17/-  [17 shillings equivalent to £95 in 2025].

The lamp carriers at Christmas for Christmas Carol  playing, were paid 5/- [5 shillings equivalent to £25 in 2025] for their services at that period.

1910

The band entered two contests. The first in Lincoln, the second at Grantham. No mention of position gained was entered in the minutes so we must assume that they didn't ‘get the in frame’.

1912

The band organised a contest with a view to raising money for new instruments. The Contest was held on the Saturday previous to the August Bank Holiday Monday. The test piece was "Apollo” and “Maritana” and an own choice Quickstep Contest Test Piece from the “Champion Journal”. It was proposed that Mr. Baker (Rushden Band Conductor) be asked terms for judging the contest. In the event a Mr. C. H. Mercer of Sheffield was chosen to adjudicate from a number of applications; being paid £2.10.0d [£2 10 shillings equivalent to £250 in 2025]. 

The contest to be held in Mrs. Evans’ paddock. 

The Prizes would be 1st £5 [equivalent to £500 in 2025],  2nd £3 [£300], 3rd £2 [£200].

Entrance for bands would be 7/6d [7 shillings and sixpence equivalent to £40 in 2025] bands to find their own music. Ticket priced 9d [9 pence equivalent to £4 in 2025].

Several fund-raising events were organised to finance the contest, skittle competitions, concerts, Bowls competitions etc..

The bands invited were:

Burton Latimer, Spalding, Crowland, Sutton Bridge, Whaplode, Kirton, Boston Excelsior, Abbots, Hornsleys, March, Clowne, Menai Bridge, Sutton in Ashfield, Ripley,  Sleaford, Kettering, Boston Railway,  Lincoln Malleable Sheaf Works, South Notts, Albert Hall,  Rushden, Gainsborough, Hucknell, Felton and Keal Coats.

Unfortunately, the outcome of the Contest is not recorded.

The band continued with the usual summer activities, galas, fetes etc.. Carols at Christmas.

New members joined, some members left, or were expelled for a variety of reasons, non-attendance, not paying subs and the like.

1914- 1918

During the 1914/18 War the band continued to rehearse. At a meeting dated Feb 2nd 1915 it was decided to “darken the windows of Central Hall and to recommence practice Monday night”.

During this period the Minutes contain names some of which still connected with the band [1986].

Names like H. Thorpe, H. Ceasar, F. Atkinson, J. Eaglen, F. Green, A. Beecham, F. Hammond, C. Middlebrook, H. Woods, F. Cox and many more, some of whose descendants are still "blowing" with Swineshead”.

1924

One of the more amusing entries for a meeting of Nov 3rd 1924 (Names have been omitted to protect the innocent).

"Proposed by (      ) sec. by (             ) that as from Jan 1st 1925 that each member of the band shall pay 3d [thruppence equivalent to 75 pence] per week and raise to 6d [sixpence equivalent to £1.50] if members think fit, the proceeds to go towards an outing for himself, wife or fancy lady whichever the case may be – carried.

Things must have been going quite well financially in 1924, not only were the members still taking their cut (from the money earned during the summer) they also ordered new uniforms from Messrs Evans.  A set of rules were drawn up to cover the wearing of the uniform, to which everyone appended their signature.

1920’s

The middle to late 20s were occupied with Galas Whist drives and Dances raising cash to support the band, with the usual names cropping up again and again , much the same as today [1986].

1927

Two members in default for reasons unstated were asked to return their instruments to the Committee.

Band membership was still £1 [equivalent to £50 in 2025] with an extra levy of 6d [equivalent to £1.25 in 2025] per month paid by member, on the first practice of the month.

1928

Two more members were written to about attendance at practice , no mention being made after this one assumes they didn't take heed.

1930- 1931

Saw Mr. H. Ceasar elected Deputy Bandmaster, he was elected by a 6 votes to 3 majority from Mr. L. Thorpe.

The Balance Sheet for the year showed:

Income: £88/16/4d [£28 16 shillings and fourpence equivalent to £4,886 in 2025].

Expenditure: £67/13/3d [£67 13 shillings and thruppence equivalent to £3,743 in 2025] so the band had £21 [£1,143] in the bank. Two years later it looked a little different, with the figures reading;

Income: £100/1/51/2d [£100 1 shilling and five and a half pennies equivalent to £5,922 in 2025]  

Expenditure:  £100/1/7d [£100 1 shilling and seven pence] the band owed money.

1933

Mr. F. E. Hammond resigned from the band, a long-time member, having been both Conductor and Chairman , and was indeed both at the time of his resignation. Mr. F. Atkinson was elected Chair in his place. Mr. H. Ceasar was made Bandmaster a position he was to hold on and off till 1979.

1936

Mr. J. Eaglen was elected Chairman In 1936. Those present at the meeting including a Mr. Hammond, so we must assume that he regretted his decision to resign two years earlier. The band must have appreciated his return as they elected him Bandmaster again, in fact he was proposed by Mr. H. Ceasar. In the same year the band attended the Spalding Contest in September winning two first prizes.

1937

Saw Mr. F. Atkinson elected Chairman once more.

Late 1930’s

During the days leading up to the Second World War the band continued raising money for music and instruments in the traditional way,  Garden Fetes, Galas, Christmas Carols etc.. To the non-players reading this, garden fetes and galas usually consist of sitting in a field, with a gale blowing, playing musical selections and arrangements to crowds of people who aren’t in the least bit interested.

1939- 1945

The band continued playing throughout the War. Some members were called up others, who presumably worked on the land (which exempted them from service) carried on playing.

1940

On November 5^th.1940 the first mention is made of Swineshead Silver Band.

1944

On November 10th. 1944 the band took over the room at the Methodist Chapel as a practice room, the rent was £5 [equivalent to £190 in 2025] per year. The first payment being due on 10^th. November 1945, I wish the band could get a year’s credit these days.

1946

On the 3^rd. December 1946, Mr. H. Herbie Thorpe was elected. Secretary, He held this office, uninterrupted, for the next 30 years, until his resignation in 1977. The longest continuous serving officer in the band’s history, his contribution to Swineshead Silver Band cannot be praised too highly.

Band fees in 1946 were 2/-[ 2 shillings equivalent to £4 in 2025] per hour from leaving the band room to return. One quarter was retained for band funds, the rest being shared among the members.

During the 1940s the usual fund raising went on, Whist Drives, Dances, sitting in fields in gales etc.. The usual members held office. H. Ceasar, Eaglen, H. Thorpe, F. Atkinson, F. Gwyn.

1951

The Quadring Band was paid £3 [equivalent to £80 in 2025] for a set of music stands and some music. We can only guess at the cost today, probably^- £150 [equivalent to £440 in 2025] or there about.

1952- 1953

During the 1950s The Band played on so to speak. In 1952/3 the members invited some of the local farmers and business people to become President and Vice President. Mr. A. G. King became President and the Vice Presidents were Messrs. H. H. Bowser, C. E. Smith and A. Olivet.

1956

The band entered the Leicester Contest held on Easter Monday 1956 and were awarded 160 points out of 200. The following year the Leicester Contest was entered again but no record of points or position recorded.

1960

Seventy four years after its inception the band purchased a building in South Street, Swineshead, which in its time had been variously used as a carpenters shop, (in which, among other things coffins were made), chicken shed and potato store. The price being £100 [ equivalent to £2000 in 2025]. The money was raised by three or four members begging donations from local farmers They then set about converting it into a practice room, which the band Still uses to this day. [see Story of the Bandroom].

During this period the band members grew quite a bit. The old names being augmented by names which crop up again and again. Names like R. Patches, R. Buller, B. Pinner, B. Eaglen, J. & W. Pordham, Frank Green was Chairman, R. Patchet was Conductor, Herbie Thorpe was still Secretary.

1962

A new position was created, that of Band Sergeant, the first being Mr. R. Papworth who continued in the post for three years after which he seems to have left the band. His position was taken by Mr. B. Pinner who held the office for two years after which he too appears to have left. The office of Band Sergeant was discontinued after this, possibly to ensure that the number of members didn’t fall too drastically.

1968

The present Chairman. John Holland, was elected and has been in office to the present day [1986]. Without the drive and enthusiasm of people like these many village bands would cease to exist.

1973

Saw the first of many young girls join the ranks of the band. (although a Miss W Patchett is mentioned in 1960) they were Beverley Fletcher, Lynne Ulyatt and Sally Johnson. Lynne is still playing with the band today [1986] on Flugel Horn.

Mr. Ceasar became Bandmaster again, having held the position first in 1933. Also in the same year, our President, Mr. H. Rickett was elected. His help and enthusiasm over the last 13 years has been greatly appreciated by all members of the band.

1977

At the A G M of 1977, Mr. H. (Herbie) Thorpe resigned as Secretary after serving 30 years. His contribution to Swineshead Silver Band cannot be underestimated. Mr. John Percival was elected Secretary in his place and served for the next seven years

Life Memberships were introduced in the same year for Members over 65. those qualifying were:

Messrs: H. Thorpe. H. Ceasar. F. Atkinson. J. Eaglen. A. Simpson-Shaw and A. Hollingsworth. The first four becoming members respectively in 1920. 1921. 1926 and 1928.

Mid 1970’s

Mr. Roy Sales Headmaster of Swineshead Primary School became a member of the band. It was at this time that the number of players increased considerably as many youngsters from the School started playing brass instruments. The girls seemed to have more interest and determination, a trend which continues to this day as the female members of the band outnumber the male by three to one.

1979

Some new names appear in the Minutes. among them as that of the present Conductor. Mr. Derek Stephens arrived to Boston from Leicestershire and being a keen player from age of eight one of the first things he did was to find somewhere to have a blow. Luckily he chose Swineshead. Having played with many good bands and as playing front row cornet for Ibstock Building Products Band a Championship Section outfit he came with fairly good credentials so they let him join. 

As one hardworking member was joining the band another was. leaving Mr. H. Ceasar decided to retire after having over 51 years of loyal service to Swineshead Brass and Silver Band as both conductor and player his contribution to the band must be second to none. 

At the AGM of 1979, on a vote, Derek Stephens was elected Conductor, a position he has held ever since.

In order to boost funds, the band held a “Play In” which consisted of 12 hours continuous playing, this was achieved and raised more than £500 [equivalent to £2,400 in 2025] and no doubt a few swollen lips.

1980

Quite a lot was going on at this time. The band purchased a set of second hand basses from the Fairey Aviation Works Band, at a cost of £3,000 [equivalent to £15,000 in 2025]  which was begged or borrowed from various sources, they registered with N.E.M.B.B.A. [North East Midlands Brass Band Association] and The Brass Band Registry with contesting in mind. The band entered its first contest for many years, it being the N.E.M.B.B.A. Contest on the 20th. April 1980. Of course, during all this activity the usual round of fetes, galas etc. were being attended.

In 1980 a Ladies Committee was set up with the aim of raising money for the band, a task at which they proved to be very adept. Under the Chairpersonship [sic] of Janet Stephens they have boosted the bands finances by many hundreds of pounds, if not thousands.

1984

During the early eighties the band members worked very hard, the aim being to renew all the instruments.  In consequence most weekends during the summer they were to be found playing in galas and fetes, sometimes Saturday and Sunday, on occasion playing three engagements in one weekend. Over the next three years their aim was achieved, although the money involved gave the Treasurer a few sleepless nights.

The band continued to enter contests, not as many as some would like, more than enough for others. Not much success was achieved (although higher placing were being gained) until 1984, the band came second in the N.E.M.B.A. Annual Contest at Chesterfield winning The George Winfield Memorial Trophy and £100 [equivalent to £1,600 in 2025]. Spurred on by this success the band continued to enter contests but so far a second appearance “in the frame” had eluded them. Most of the band enjoy contesting if only to read the adjudicators’ remarks afterwards, some of which are quite amusing, others of which are unbelievable!

1986

A lot has changed in “Banding" in 100 years but quite a lot stays the same, the few usually do all work, but Swineshead wouldn’t be the same without its band.

To sum up, I think it is a great credit to the people of Swineshead that their band has reached its Centenary with recorded Minutes. It shows great dedication by successive Committees and players, without who, the band would long have ceased to exist. Let’s hope these type of people are still around for Swineshead’s Silver Bi -Centenary.

Finally, I know that all members of the band would like to extend a warm welcome to our guests this Centenary year; The John Foster & Sons, Black Dyke Mills Band, in the knowledge that they will show us how it should be done.                                                                   

Band Manager Mr. D. Moon