*
banner

National Finals countdown — 4 days to go

The last time Barton Town played at the National Finals women had just been elected MPS in Finland and Sheffield Wednesday won the FA Cup. 1907 was a long time ago...

Albert Hall
 

The Barton Band is set to make its National Finals return this weekend – a mere 105 years after its last appearance.

Barton Cycle Works

The Lincolnshire based band, then called Barton Cycle Works, last took to the stage at the great Crystal Palace on September 28th 1907, drawn number 14 in a field of 18 competitors.

1907 was the year when New Zealand became a dominium, the first women members of Parliament were elected – in Finland, Baden Powell set up the scouts and Sheffield Wednesday won the FA Cup.

Gems

The test piece was ‘Gems of Schumann’ arranged by W. Short LRAM, and under the baton of W. Holdsworth they followed on Crossfield Soaps Works, who eventually came fifth.

Wingates Temperance conducted by the great William Rimmer were the eventual winners, taking home with them the magnificent One Thousand Guinea Challenge Trophy and £40 in prize money.

Second place went to Goodshaw directed by William Halliwell (who conducted five bands at the contest), although third prize was claimed by the now long forgotten King Cross, directed by W. Halstead.

1907 was the year when New Zealand became a dominium, the first women members of Parliament were elected – in Finland, Baden Powell set up the scouts and Sheffield Wednesday won the FA Cup4BR

Other attractions

The three men in the box were Charles Godfrey, W. Short himself and Richard Stead, whilst the attractions for bored bandsmen (eight other contests going on at the same time) included the Ethnological Museum which featured, what was described as ‘interesting picturesque tableaux representing scenes and customs in the lives of native tribes of Africa, India and Australia’.

Sherlock Holmes

There was also a performance of, ‘Sherlock Holmes’ — ‘the most thrilling play ever written’ in the theatre, the, ‘Lilliputian Circus’, Don Pedro the ‘King of the High Wire’ and even a chance to see a football match between Crystal Palace and Queen’s Park Rangers.

Will these days ever return?

4BR coverage

4BR coverage of the 2012 National Championships of Great Britain starts later today.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Cory

New President at Cory

July 3 • Long term supporter Ken Price has accepted the Band President role with Cory Band.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Chinnor Silver

July 3 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet fortnightly on a Monday morning (next rehearsal 7th) and we welcome any players who want an extra blow.. We require no allegiance just come and enjoy the friendly blow with coffee and cake thrown in.(Its all free)


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd