Black Dyke has been reunited with a beautiful memento of its rich history, after being presented with a rare commemorative water jug dating from 1883.

£100,000

It is one of just a handful now in existence that records the prizes by the 'Black Dike Band' at venues throughout the Great Britain from 1856 to 1882 — amounting to £2011.9.0 (worth approximately £100,000 today)

The jug is one of around 50 thought to have been made, of which three are now in the possession of the band — the latest thanks to the generosity of Les Bower on behalf of himself and his late wife Irene, who used to live in Queensbury.

Re-united

It has been in the Bower family for over 60 years, and has been featured in the Antiques Roadshow presented in Brighton in the past. Les thought that the rightful place for the jug was to be re-united with the band, and so contacted them to present it into their safe-keeping (above).

Interestingly, another jug was bought by a group of friends in 2005 for over £600 at a charity auction at Black Dyke's 150th anniversary concert, which 4BR understands is currently residing on a sideboard somewhere in Scotland.

We are extremely grateful to Les and Irene for their kind donation to the band, which we will treasure for generations of Pondasher supportersBlack Dyke Secretary, David Hirst

Rarity

Black Dyke Secretary David Hirst told 4BR: "Black Dyke has a wonderful heritage which we take great pride in and which has been celebrated in many ways since its inception in 1855.

This beautiful commemorative jug is such a rarity and will join just two others we have on display in the bandroom for visitors from all over the world to enjoy."

He added: "We are extremely grateful to Les and Irene for their kind donation to the band, which we will treasure for generations of Pondasher supporters."