*
banner

Marsden's honest toil reaches 125

The Marsden Band will celebrate its 125th birthday in 2014 — a great achievement based on good old honest toil.

Marsden at 125
 

2014 will mark the 125th anniversary of the Marsden Band, and to celebrate the landmark they have produced a 100 page booklet that has unearthed some great bits of their rich history.

Honest Toil

'Honest Toil' – inspired by the name of the famous William Rimmer march, was commissioned by Band President Brian Boothroyd, and was compiled by former bandsman and British Bandsman journalist Ron Massey.

Brian, who played cornet with the band for 30 years, enlisted the help of Colne Valley High School pupils to research the band’s history for its centenary in 1989, but nothing was published at the time.

Expert help

However, on this occasion he enlisted the help of one of the UKs foremost experts on brass banding to come up with a definitive potted history of the Yorkshire band.

In an interview with the local Huddersfield Examiner newspaper, Brian admitted that not much of the band’s history remained and said: "The task has not been an easy one. There was a dearth of information available but the fact finding has been a revelation. The publishing of the book is the realisation of a dream."

Band Jack

One of the most interesting stories in the book concerns mill worker ‘Band Jack’, who was born in 1877.

Jack was a loom tuner at Bank Bottom Mill and was helping a workmate when he was accidentally struck in the mouth with a hammer. The blow knocked out a tooth, but being a resourceful bandsman he fashioned a new wooden one from the shuttle of a loom and was able to play on!

There was a dearth of information available but the fact finding has been a revelation. The publishing of the book is the realisation of a dreamBand President Brian Boothroyd

Origins

The book reveals that the roots of the band go back as far as the 1850s but it formally became Marsden Band on June 22, 1889.

Some of the band’s oldest material includes a poster for the 13th Annual Open Air Musical Festival dated July, 1898, whilst the oldest known picture dates to 1925.

The band has printed an initial 250 copies of the book and costs have been met by the Cuckoo’s Nest charity shop in Marsden.

Copies cost £5 and are available through the band.

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    


Whit Friday

Register importance at Tameside Whit Friday

May 21 • Bands can make their Tameside Whit Friday experience easier with just a little bit of pre-planning.


Whit Friday

Saddleworth Whit Friday details announced

May 21 • There is plenty of prize money to be won on the Saddleworth Whit Friday circuit this year, but bands can make their travels easier with a pre-registration option.


Groarke-Booth

Groarke-Booth tenure at Rainford reaches end

May 21 • After six impressive years the musical partnership between Rainford Band and Sarah Groarke-Booth has come to an end.


Fenwick

Fenwick appointment at Grand Shield champion

May 21 • The EverReady Band has conformed the appointment of Jonathan Fenwick as its new Resident Conductor.


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Otley Brass Association - Joanne Dexter, Soprano

Saturday 31 May • The Bridge United Reformed Church. Bridge Street. Otley, LS21 1RW LS21 1RW


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Rainford Band

May 21 • NW Area Championship Section Rainford Band are now accepting expressions of interest for a Musical Director to take us for all rehearsals, concerts and contests. We rehearse Mondays and Thursdays 19.45 - 21.45 in our own band room in Rainford, St Helens.


Fulham Brass Band

May 21 • Fulham Brass Band is currently looking for a 2nd Trombone, 2nd Euphonium and back row Bb Cornet to complete our friendly, ambitious band under the leadership of Musical Director, Sam Hairsine.


Otley Brass Association

May 20 • An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Musical Director to join Otley Brass Band. . . Owing to our current MD relocating for a new job, our friendly, non-contesting band is seeking a new and enthusiastic MD.


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd