t a Public meeting held in the Victoria Hotel, Dukinfield in the Autumn of 1888, the following were elected to form a committee to organize a band. Messrs. S. Knott, W. Haigh, T. Bradburn, W. Lindley, James Hartley, S. Cock Senr., J. Fletcher, J. A. Fletcher and John Hartley.

Mr. Knott was elected Chairman, Mr. J. Fletcher Treasurer, and Mr. John Hartley Secretary, the title of the band then being Astley Victoria Reed Band.

Some years previous to 1888 an unsuccessful attempt had already been made to form the Astley Victoria Brass Band, and it eventually came to the knowledge of the Committee of the newly-formed band that the Astley Victoria Brass Band had accumulated about £20 and this was held in trust by Messrs Benson & Co. Ltd., Instrument makers of London, and after prolonged negotiations with them it was agreed that the newly formed band could have instruments to the value of £20, providing the signatures of Daniel Adamson Esq., and T. H. Sidebottom Esq., M.P., could be obtained, these gentlemen being Trustees of the band. Extreme difficulty was experienced in obtaining the signatures as Mr. Adamson only came to the works about once a fortnight, and Mr. Sidebottom was busy on Parliamentary duties in London. Deputations were appointed to wait upon these gentlemen, and eventually their signatures were obtained. The instruments supplied were one Euphonium, one Baritone, and one Eb Bass, other instruments being obtained on the Hire Purchase System. About this time the Stalybridge Brass Band were having difficulty in carrying on, and eventually a whole set of instruments was obtained and brought to Dukinfield on approval. The instruments were retained for a short period and then returned as unsuitable.

Practices were now arranged at the Victoria Hotel, under Mr. J. A. Fletcher who was appointed Conductor, and the band, with the help of players from other bands in the district held its first parade on September 21st 1888.

Early in the year 1889 the band changed its headquarters from the Victoria Hotel to the Johnson's Signal Works, which at that time stood near Messrs Adamson's Engineering Works.

In February of this year it was suggested changing the name of the band to Adamson Reed Band, a more appropriate name, as Mr.  Daniel Adamson  had taken such a keen interest in the welfare of the band, and was practically the founder of Newton Wood, the home of the band, and interested in everything in the village, a course subsequently decided upon.

In August of this year the band paid a visit to the Towers, Didsbury, the residence of Mr. Adamson, travelling on two wagonettes, and a very enjoyable time was spent in every way.

In April 1890 the band again changed it headquarters, leaving Johnson's Signal Works, and returning to the Victoria Hotel with a vice- to being more in the centre of the village.

Here they struggled on as all bands that wish to prosper must do and met with a certain amount of success until the year 1892, when Mr. S. Arnold and his brother John joined the band. This year was rather an unfortunate one for the band, as owing to some difference at Whitsuntide every solo player in the band including the Conductor, Mr. J. A. Fletcher left, and made rehearsals impossible for a time until Mr. S. Cock one of the Clarinet players took the position of bandmaster, and under his tuition along with the help of Mr. Lindley as Secretary, the band worked on. Shortly after this the band again changed its headquarters this time to the Victoria Road Schools.

During the great Cotton Strike in 1892-1893, the band held parades one day each week accompanied by a cart collecting food and money for those affected by the stoppage and alter the parades a party was given to the children of the district.

Here another change in the Conductor, Mr. Rueben Taylor of Kingston Mills fame being appointed and under this gentleman's baton the band began to improve and in 1894 was engaged in Stalybridge at Whitsuntide; also taking part in one of the contests in that town, and were successful in securing Fourth Prize.

After this the band worked on but owing to illness Mr. Taylor was forced to resign, and the band seemed to drift the wrong way. Some players left, others failed to attend rehearsals, until at last Mr. Cock was again persuaded to take up the baton. Then with a view to getting the band to the front again the Committee engaged the services of Mr. J. Wood as Conductor. This gentleman was a cornet player with the Kingston Mills Band. The band again changed its headquarters this time to St. Matthew's School in Globe Lane which consisted of a Church and School. In the centre of the schoolroom was a large stove with a tin chimney about 72 inch diameter running through the roof, and after rehearsal the players used to sit on forms on either side of the stove having a chat before proceeding homewards. One night a rather amusing incident occurred, the majority of the players were sitting round the stove when one of their number stood up to practice the Trombone Solo from the Selection "Maritana" which is the popular song "Let Me Like a Soldier Fall" when the chimney gave way, whether with vibration or did not like the selection one cannot say, but it finally came to rest on the music stands, after making the acquaintance of some of the members. It was in this School that Mr. S. Arnold was appointed conductor in the year 1897 and the appointment was made in a very unusual way. The band was waiting for rehearsal and Mr. Wood had not turned up ; the members suggested that "Sam" should go in the middle, but being a mere youth, and knowing there were players older than himself he at first declined. Nothing would satisfy- the members but his going in, so he yielded to their pressure, with the result the following week he was unanimously elected conductor. After this the band settled down, determined to come to the front under one of their own members. Parades were arranged to a successful end. The Honorary Members scheme was overhauled, and contributions began to flow into the funds, in fact everything seemed to go the right way. In the year 1898 the members and the committee were so elated at the success of the band under its young conductor, that they presented him on November 24th with a marble clock as a token of respect and gratitude. The band began to renew its instruments and enlarge its membership, until it was found necessary to have some kind of uniform. At this time the purchase of new uniforms was out of the question, so the band had to be content with peak caps and white vests, these being generously provided by the late Alderman Henry Pratt who was at the time President of the band.

Previously, uniform was only required at Whitsuntide and this consisted of every man wearing a White Rose, and the bandmaster a Red Rose.

In the years 1903-5, the band commenced to attend the various demonstrations. At that time there were demonstrations at Hyde such as the Indian famine fund and the Hyde Benevolent Fund. At these fetes march band contests were held, with a result that out of four times competing the band secured three Firsts and one Third Prize. There was also a demonstration about this time held near Compstall to which the band was invited on condition they played in the procession they were allowed to take part in the contest which was being run in connection with the demonstration, but, when it came to the turn of the Adamson Band, to play, other bands objected owing to the Adamson Band having reed instruments, but as the band had fulfilled the conditions of the contest they insisted upon taking their place, with a result the promoters disbanded the contest that day. The contest was held about a month later and the Contest Committee sent to the Adamson Band a donation and asked them not to compete.

These successes of course spurred the band to further efforts. There was a contest held at Stalybridge in connection with the Ashton Federation of Bands, of which the Adamson Band was a member, but the contest was an open one, and the band was pitted against practically all the best amateur bands of the country, yet although unfortunate to draw number one, they were Successful in securing Fifth Prize, a very good performance considering the opposition.

Determined not to give in, the band worked on and at this point Commenced a fund for a band room of its own. Over £40 was collected for this object, but it was found the band required new instruments, so instead of proceeding with the original idea of a band room, the money was turned into an instrument fund, with the result a new set of bass instruments were purchased for £68 this was a great acquisition to the tone of the band. About this time the band returned to the Victoria Hotel for its headquarters, the landlord, the late Mr. J, E. Barrowclough, placing a room at their disposal free of charge.

In 1906 the band had another good year and amongst other engagements were engaged to play for Dukinfield Hall and Victoria Road Joint Sunday Schools at Whitsuntide

It now became apparent that if the band was to take its place amongst the best, a smart uniform was required, and this was purchased for over £70 in 1907. The band at this time was taking its place amongst better company thanks to the energetic efforts of its young conductor Mr. S. Arnold and the efforts of other members notably his brothers John and William and Messrs. T. Bayley, A. E. Pickstock, E. & J. Thornton and W J. Burns. During 1907 the band was again to the fore with engagements etc., but at Whitsuntide they met with a disappointment, and if it had not been for the generosity of the Mayor of the Borough the late Councillor George Heathcote, would have been without engagement this gentleman engaging the band to render selections at the front of the Town Hall it being Empire Day on Whit Friday. The improvement in the band was maintained and the band launched out and attended the Reed Band Contest held at Crystal Palace, London, and although unsuccessful in securing-a prize the members benefited by the experience.

It was in the year 1908 that the association commenced with Flowery Field Church, the band being engaged for their Whitsuntide festivities, and the engagement has been renewed each year until the outbreak of war in 1919. In the year 1909, the band through its connection with Flowery Field, made the acquaintance of the Rev. John S. Burgess who was appointed minister of the Church, and proved a sincere friend and counsellor to the members and the organization.

The next item of interest in the band's history was its attendance at the Southport Military Band Contest in 1911 when they competed against the best amateur bands of the country. They secured the Second Prize, being beaten by two points only for the first Prize by Dewsbury Military Band ; and obtained ninety-five points out of a possible one hundred. Again in 1912 the band attended the Southport Contest and after a very good performance were awarded Fourth Prize. The band by this time was receiving a fair share of engagements both locally and in the Manchester district and having now attained the instrumentation of a Military Band, it was decided to change the name to The Adamson Military Band. The band being now thirty two strong, the room at the Victoria Hotel was too small so it was decided to approach the Dukinfield Education Committee with a view to obtaining the use of the Victoria Road School. This was successful and the band returned there in 1912. The year 1913 was another successful period in the band's history. They had a full season of engagements and also attended the great Military Band Contest held at Crystal Palace, London, and although unsuccessful in obtaining a prize gave a great rendering of the Test Piece.

1 9 1 4 - 1 9 1 8

The ill-fated year for all, dashed the previous good work to the ground. By this time, the band had got together a combination of players equal to any in the country, and nearly all young players, but although the band had a full seasons work before them players commenced to enlist, with the result that out of thirty-two members, twenty-seven joined the forces and served on every front where fighting took place with the result that seven of their members, Pte. F. Bacon. Pte. J. Phillips, Corpl. A. E. Pickstock, Pte. Stanley Green, Driver T. Cook, Bandsman C. Weston and Pte. H. Ashton paid the supreme sacrifice. All through the war, although seriously handicapped the band was kept before the public, doing a great amount of work for various charities, and assisting to raise hundreds of pounds. All kinds of methods were adopted to keep the band going, young players were taught and as they became of Military age they listed, other had to be taught, all this falling on the conductor who did it cheerfully. Another method adopted was to ask old members who had resigned and who were over Military age to assist until the lads came back, the most notable of the old members being Mr. S. Cock, the old bandmaster of 1892-3, who returned to help and played on the third clarinet under his old pupil Mr. S. Arnold, being proud to do it to keep the flag flying, and this after a retirement of twenty years.

After the Armistice the members who had joined up began to return to the band, and the old members who had so nobly assisted to keep the band going during the troublesome period resigned to enable the younger members to once again take their places which they had so nobly left to serve their King and Country.

It should be mentioned that up to this time the band had numerous Secretaries including Mr. John Hartley the first Secretary, who held the position twice also Messrs. W. Lindley, F. Foden, I. Leeming, W. Arnold, F. Mace, T. Halliwell, A. E. Pickstock , E. Thornton and W. J. Burns. All these gentlemen rendered valuable services during the first 30 years of the Band's existence. Mr. Burns held the position until September 1918 when the present Secretary, Mr. W. Fletcher was appointed, and under his Secretaryship the band has gone from success to success.

1 9 1 9

In this year much work had to he accomplished in reorganising the playing strength of the band, which had now grown to forty players, and the committee left the matter entirely in the hands of the Chairman and Secretary. The finances of the band were like every other organization, very much depleted owing to the depressing times, and various methods had to he adopted to raise funds to enable the band to carry on. It was in the month of July the band commenced to visit Flowery Field Church to tender Musical Service, at the invitation of the Rev. John S. Burgess, on which occasions a collection was taken for the Band Flund. Later during this year the band commenced the Sunday evening Musical Recitals in Hyde Town Hall which proved very attractive to the public, and also proved a great asset financially to the band enabling new instruments to he purchased.

1 9 2 0

During this year the band was equipped with a new uniform at a cost of £200, and during this period a re-union party was held in the Victoria Road Schools, at which presentations were made to Mr. W. Arnold, Mr. E. Bayley and to the widow of the late A. E. Pickstock, for their long and valuable services to the band. About this time a ladies committee was formed which did valuable work in raising funds and so place the band in a favourable position financially. Engagements during this year were quite up to the average both locally and in the Manchester district. The band was engaged to play in Stamford Park on the occasion of the visit of the Prince of Wales to Ashton.

1921

It is safe to say that the year 1921 was one of the must important years in the history of the Band. Apart from having a very busy year from engagements. It was the year the Open Military Band Championship Contest was inaugurated at Belle Vue, Manchester. This competition being the only one of its kind in the North of England it was not surprising to find the Adamson Band amongst the early entries.

When the entry forms were received it was found that the Band was placed in an awkward position as one of the rules stated quite clearly that competing bands would only be allowed 28 players, whereas the playing strength of the band at that time was 37, and being the first Championship Contest every member desired to participate. This created a very awkward situation for the Conductor, Mr. Arnold, but a resolution was passed leaving everything appertaining to the Contest, both musically and financially, in his hands. With this resolution passed Mr. Arnold studied the position from every point for a few days, and with the object of providing himself and the members with a higher education in the art of music, he engaged one of the greatest Conductors of bands ever known, and one who would take the responsibility of selecting the players to take part in the contest and therefore reduce the number to 28 allowed.

With this object in view we communicated with Mr. W. Rimmer of Southport, who replied that he was not able to take the band and recommended Mr. Arnold to Mr. W. Halliwell of Wigan. (It should here be stated that one of the rules allowed a Professional Conductor). Mr. Arnold then communicated with Mr. Halliwell, who at once accepted, and this was the commencement of Mr. Halliwell's long association with the band. The next question was to let the members know what had transpired, as it was something they would never expect, so he decided to inform them at the earliest possible moment. The following Sunday the band was giving a Concert in Denton Park and after the performance Mr. Arnold asked all members to attend on that following Wednesday evening, as he had some important news to impart respecting the Contest. The whole of the members attended and the rehearsal concluded about 9:00pm when Mr. Arnold, as Chairman, opened the  meeting. The atmosphere was very tense as each member was keen on the contest. Members were asked to confirm the resolution already passed leaving everything to the contest in his hands. This was done unanimously and Mr. Arnold then informed the members that for the coming contest they would be prepared and conducted by Mr. Halliwell of Wigan. Needless to say this was a great surprise to all, first one, then another showed their disappointment of what had been done ; ultimately the general feeling was that Mr. Arnold take the band and that they had every confidence in him ; several members wished to ask questions but he kept quiet until the excitement had subsided then rose again and pointed out he was sorry he could not see eye to eye with them, drew their attention to the resolution they had passed and confirmed, maintaining the action taken was part of their own resolution and they were bound to accept the position ; it was stated that to answer questions at this stage would be of no avail but if there were any questions to be asked after the contest he would readily answer them, and advised the players to take and study their parts in readiness for Mr. Halliwell's visit the following evening when every man was expected to be present.

The band settled down to hard work, and went on to win their first Championship Contest, being awarded first prize out of 23 competitors, needless to say after this success there were no questions asked or answered.

Mr. Halliwell has been connected with the band as professional Conductor ever since their first success and was held in very high esteem by all members and no one more grateful to him than the residential conductor and chairman Mr. Arnold.

The Sunday week after the contest the band paid their visit to Flowery Field Church to render, among other selections the test piece "La Boheme", and it was a sincere regret that Mr. Arnold, who had been taken ill during the week, could not accompany them and conduct in the hour of their success and it was also a very great disappointment to Mr. Arnold himself.

After the result of the Contest had been declared, and the band was on the platform to render another piece, it was found the Bass Drum and Bb Bass instrument were missing and could not be found, with the result the Overture "Poet and Peasant" was rendered without them, eventually the instruments were found in the care of a policeman, who informed the librarian they had been hiding under a "Woodbine" packet.

1 9 2 2

The Band continued to progress and in this year were invited by the Droylsden Trinity Wesleyan Sunday School, to take part in their Whitsuntide celebrations and have taken part in the same ever since. During this year amongst other engagements, the Band was engaged by the Hyde P.S.A. to play at their Anniversary Services in Hyde Town Hall and later during the year the band was engaged by the Hyde Liberal Association. The Band also entered the Military Band Contest at Crystal Palace but owing to insufficient entries the contest was cancelled.

1 9 2 3 - 1 9 2 4

Owing to the continued success of the Band at the Military Band Contests, engagements were now being secured far afield and in addition to repeat engagements locally and in the Manchester district, engagements were secured at Peel Park, Bradford, Yorkshire and at Swinton. The Band was again successful in securing First Prize at the Contest in 1924.

When the band was visiting, Bradford, Yorkshire, a stop was made at a well known hotel on the moors for lunch, and it was observed a large number of home-cured sides of bacon and hams were hung round the rooms, and after bargaining with the proprietor to purchase some he made a promise to let us have a supply upon our return. However all eyes were on deck when we were returning when lo and behold a light was seen at the Hotel, shades of bacon for breakfast on Monday morning. On arrival one of the members knocked at the door calling "Please we have called for the bacon" and in spite of the pleading the only response was the light being extinguished. A sad Company wended their way home.

1 9 2 5

This was again a good year in the history of the band, as having again won the Championship the band were engaged to broadcast from 2ZY Station, Manchester on two occasions and in addition to the usual list of engagements were engaged for a week-end engagement at Lister Park, Bradford, Yorkshire, and a full week's engagement at Morecambe, again finishing the year by securing First Prize at the Military Band Contest for the third time in five years.

1 9 2 6

Without doubt this was the most successful in the history of the Band so far as engagements were concerned, as in addition to appearances locally the Band was again engaged to broadcast, and also secured engagements under the Corporations of Manchester, Stretford, Buxton, Shaw, Horton Park, Bradford, Yorks, Band Committee, the London Midland and Scottish Sports Club at Newton Heath and the London and North Eastern Railway Sports at Belle Vue. In this year the Band was equipped with their first uniform of scarlet and gold.

On the occasion of our visit to Bradford we were invited to render music at the local hospital for the patients between the performances, which the members readily agreed to, and their action and the playing was greatly appreciated.

1 9 2 7

This year was again a very successful one from all points of view, as in addition to the engagements mentioned previously, additional engagements were secured under the Corporations of Oldham and Salford.

1 9 2 8

During this year the band was again successful in securing a full season of engagements, fresh places to be visited being Accrington and engagement at Mottram Show. It was in this year Mr. S. Arnold was presented with a Gold Dress Watch by the Minister and Congregation of Flowery Field Church in recognition of the band's 21st year at their Whitsuntide festivities.

Our visit to Blackburn on this occasion was very eventful. On the Journey "Lizzie", the motor lorry carrying the stands etc., broke down and one of the Chara's had to return to find it and bring the implements of torture to the Park to enable us to commence the performance. On the return one of the Chara's took a wrong turning and arrived in a mill yard. Imagine the astonishment of the lodge keeper to find a Chara's full of people visiting him at 10 p.m., well might he ask "Where'st Fire?"

1 9 2 9

The band was again successful in engagements at all towns previously visited, and in addition secured for the first time engagement under the Blackburn Corporation.

1 9 3 0

The band in this year suffered a serious loss from a playing point of view through the death of Mr. W. Arnold, solo trombone player, who had 37 years service with the band and during this year the band secured engagement to play in the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, in addition to a new engagement under the Bolton Corporation.

1 9 3 1

This year was again a very successful year so far as engagements were concerned, and it is safe to say the heaviest year in the band's history, as in addition to repeat engagements the band was engaged for a fortnight at Belle Vue, Manchester, also for the Hyde Pageant, and additional engagement with the Oldham Corporation. In this year the band was equipped with their second uniform in scarlet and gold, the year being brought to a very successful close by winning the Open Championship Contest and becoming the first holders of the 50 Guinea Challenge Cup.

At the final rehearsal for the Contest the members received a visit from a BLACK cat, which leisurely made its way to the stand occupied by Mr. Halliwell, surely the members thought a good omen for tomorrow, which it proved to be as the band was again successful in securing First Prize.

1 9 3 2

This year was not so successful as previously, as owing to Corporations curtailing expenses, engagements were not so numerous, but the band was fortunate to secure engagements for the whole of the summer season.

1 9 3 3 - 1 9 3 5

The years 1933 and 1934 were again up to the average and in 1935 the band in addition to securing numerous engagements were engaged to play during the evenings of Jubilee Week by the Corporation of Dukinfield, giving pleasure to thousands of inhabitants and visitors from surrounding districts.

1 9 3 6

The usual engagements were again secured and during this year the uniforms were cleaned and re-trimmed in Scarlet and Gold and again the band was successful in securing First Prize at the Championship Contest and Second Prize at the Southport Musical Festival.

1 9 3 7

In addition to the usual list of engagements the band was engaged for a week by the Southport Corporation and also by the Dukinfield Corporation to play each evening in front of Town Hall during Coronation week. A very successful year was brought to a close by again winning the Open Championship Contest.

During the engagement of the band at Southport the members were the guests of an ex Mayor, A. E. Grundy, Esq.. at a dinner, which was also attended by the Mayor of Dukinfield, Counc. W. Broadbent and the Mayor of Southport. The band was again successful in securing First Prize at the contest and on their return were accorded a Civic reception be the Mayor Counc. W. Broadbent.

1 9 3 8

In addition to the usual list of engagements the band was engaged at Dewsbury. Unfortunately the Conductor was taken ill a day or so before the engagement, and the band was conducted by the present conductor Mr. H. Green, at a moment's notice, and to make himself familiar with the programmes spent his time travelling studying the score copies, needless to say the members arose to the occasion and gave perfect renderings of the programmes, being congratulated by the officials of the town on their excellent performances. The band again competed at the Belle Vue Contest and once again was placed amongst the prize winners. The Golden Jubilee celebrations held in the autumn of the year brought another successful season to a close.

1 9 3 9

At the General Meeting of the members held in January of this year, Mr. Arnold expressed a desire to be relieved of one of the positions held by him, he being at this time Chairman and Conductor, as he felt the dual position was getting too much, so after a long discussion, the members decided to relieve him of the Chairmanship, he being appointed Musical Director and Conductor, Mr. H. Green was appointed Chairman. Mr. Arnold conducted the band on all engagement, during the season but at the close of the season left the band owing to a difference of opinion between himself and members. The band had another successful season of engagements, and again entered the Belle Vue Contest, but owing to the outbreak of War, the Contest was abandoned.

1 9 4 0 - 1 9 4 5

These being War Years the activities of the band were somewhat curtailed, although between the years 1941-1945 they received a fair share of any engagements going more especially locally, as outside engagements were somewhat curtailed during this period. The band was called upon to assist in many Charitable objects, and assisted at all the local weeks for raising money to prosecute the War such as “Wings for Victory” Week, “Salute the Soldier” etc., and gave their services in connection with local charities, concerts in the Aid to China Fund, Infirmary Fund, Welcome Home Fund and others. Although 14 members of the band joined H M Forces, serving on all fronts, in the Army and Air Force, and others were engaged in various defence forces, the remaining members with the assistance of friends from bands that had disbanded, by dint of hard work, carried on as they did in the 1914-1918 War, and their record is one of which they can feel very proud. In 1940 Mr. A. W. Bacon was appointed Chairman, with Mr. A. P. Fletcher, Vice-Chairman and Mr. H. Green Conductor.

In September 1941, we had to leave Victoria Road Schools. One Friday evening the Superintendent Mr. Gardiner, called upon Mr. Green, and informed him the School had been taken over by the Ministry of State, and that the band must leave at once, and clear all their effects. Off they went to the school and the sight was heartbreaking, everything belonging to the Band was bundled in the middle of the rehearsal room, Timpani's, Drums, Stands, Tubular Bells, and instruments all piled up, irrespective of value, in fact the room looked more like a Marine Stores. Mr. Green stood there very despondent, endeavouring to take in the position, all these things to he removed at once and nowhere to go. Another home had to be found for the Band, so Mr. Green thought of the old Globe Lane School, so he interviewed Mr. Norman High, the Education Secretary, who upon hearing of the plight of the Band, readily gave his permission to place the property in the school temporarily. What a blessing and relief; then he called upon Mr. A. W. Bacon, the Chairman, and Mr. A. P. Fletcher, and got hold of Mr. Pollitt of Audenshaw and set about removal. Music had to be parcelled, stands to be tied up, and eventually the removal was completed by about 10-30 p.m. What a night. We were allowed to carry on rehearsals at Globe Lane by the Education Committee but found difficulties for every time enemy planes were about the Ack, Ack, guns near by shook the mantles off the gas brackets, which was rather annoying as it was impossible to purchase mantles, therefore rehearsals had to be carried on by candle light, and the black-out regulations prevailing at the time made it necessary for other accommodation to be sought.

Eventually the Officials sought the assistance of the Old Chapel Sunday School who very kindly came to their assistance and placed rooms at their disposal in their school. In November 1946, the Sunday School officials intimated that owing to their activities, and the various societies having returned due to the termination of the War, they would require all the rooms, they therefore requested the band to find fresh accommodation and eventually rooms were secured at the Conservative Institute, Town Lane, for rehearsals. In 1944 at the invitation of Fairy's Aviation Band, the members of the band journeyed to Macclesfield to give a concert to the wounded soldiers in the hospital, which was greatly appreciated by the soldiers and staff. In 1945 the band was again to the fore in engagements, and paid their first visit to Brighouse; a brass band centre, and acquitted themselves with every credit being re-engaged for the following year. The band also secured an engagement at Bridlington for three days in connection with the Peace Celebrations and were engaged by the Corporation of Dukinfield for Victory Day.

1 9 4 6

Owing to pressure of business Mr. A. W. Bacon was forced to resign his position as Chairman and Mr. A. P. Fletcher was appointed in his stead with Mr. J. Kevitt as Vice-Chairman. The band was now receiving a fair share of engagements outside the Town and were also engaged to play at the opening of the Pole Bank Home for aged and infirmed at Hyde. During the procession at Bridge Street School, Audenshaw, on Whit Sunday morning the bass drum burst, and by a strange coincidence should again burst when heading the Whit Sunday procession at St. Barnabas, Openshaw, the following year.

1 9 4 7

The band was now reaping the reward for its services during the War period and engagements were secured at Warrington, Blackburn and Wednesbury. The band was now getting back to pre-war strength and wherever they went were complimented on their fine playing, a just reward for the hard work and perseverance put in during the troublesome years. Mr. A. P. Fletcher who was Chairman of the band, owing to removal from the district was compelled to resign during the summer, and at a meeting held in August Mr. H. Green was appointed to act as Chairman for the remainder of the year. It might be here stated that Mr. A. P. Fletcher had been a member of the band since 1915, and is the son of the first conductor of the band. Another innovation during this year was to give Concerts in the grounds of the Works for the workpeople and their friends, also the band gave two concerts during the Summer in the grounds of Hyde Hospital for the inmates of the Hospital.

1 9 4 8

This year proved to be a good one for the band, as all last season's engagements were re-booked with the addition of three appearances in Manchester Parks. This year was the Diamond Jubilee of the band, and a celebration to mark this occasion brings to a close another successful era in the band's history.

Open Championship Military Band Contest held at Belle Vue, Manchester.

Year      Test-Piece

1921      "La Boheme"
1922      "Aida”
1923      "Fingals Cave"
1924      "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 3"
1925      "Phedre" First
1926      "Marco Spada"
1927      "Robespierre"
1928      "Life Divine"
1929      "Norwegien Rhapsody No. 1"
1930      "A Day in Naples"
1931      "Norwegian Rhapsody No. 2"
1932      "Cappriccio Italien"
1933      "VltaVa"
1934      "Sylvan Scenes"
1935      "Slavonic Rhapsody No. 2 "
1936      "The Bartered Bride"
1937      "Mannin Veen"
1938      "Renzi"

No Contest since 1938 owing to outbreak of war.

Position

1st
4th
5th
1st
1st
2nd
2nd
5th
3rd
2nd
1st
3rd
2nd
4th
4th
1st
1st
4th