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.
