One of Yorkshire’s oldest bands is starting to recover slowly but surely from a period of contesting inactivity thanks to the commitment and dedication of players and a conductor who is determined to return to the competitive stage.
Contesting history
Holme Silver can trace its contesting history back to the early part of the 1870s, but last took part in the Yorkshire Area Championships in 2010.
Since then the familiar tale of loss of players has seen the band, which won the Second Section National title in 1999 and was Yorkshire Champion as recently as 2009, reduced to a hardy core of stalwarts who have got together just once a month to make sure the band survived.
Looking up
Now things are looking up though, as with the return of former MD Duncan Beckley (seen above the band in 2008), player numbers have increased and the monthly rehearsals are being held with that long term goal of returning once more to the contesting stage.
"It’s been a very difficult time for the band," Duncan told 4BR.
"However, the amazing never say die spirit has ensured that they have never closed its doors. Now we are enjoying monthly rehearsals with more and more players returning to the fold — all with the aim of returning to play in a contest in the future."
Sustainable
Duncan, who has enjoyed two highly successful spells as MD is also determined to ensure the band has a sustainable future too.
"We want to put in place all the right structures to keep the band growing and developing — so short term contest success is not the goal — long term sustainability is.
This is a band with a very proud history and it deserves to have a proud future too."
This is a band with a very proud history and it deserves to have a proud future tooDuncan Beckley
A Holme for you?
So if you are looking to enjoy your banding and can commit at present to one rehearsal on the first Wednesday of each month, then Holme could be where the heart is for you.
If you are, then why not give Duncan or Vaughan Williams a call on 07973 389707 or 01484 605390 — you could be helping a fine band to enjoy a great future.
