*
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    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd