4BR has been asked to see if we can help solve something of a 'medal mystery' after being contacted by Derrick Mann over the identity of two awards presented to his late father at contests in 1935 and 1936.
Euphonium star
W. Mann played euphonium for the now long defunct Canal Iron Works Silver Band. The first medal was presented to him on February 23rd 1935 and has the contest initials W.R.B.B.A. on it, whilst the second is more simply dated 1936 and has the initials C.I.S.B. (Canal Iron Works Silver Band) with the letters C. P.
More information
Derrick told 4BR: "I have been able to find out some details but would be grateful if anyone could help with more information. I presume these medals were presented to the best euphonium player at the contests, but I would love to know more."
4BR understands that W.R.B.B.A. may well stand for West Riding Brass Band Association, given that the band was a regular competitor at the Association contest during the 1930 onwards.
Canal Ironworks conducted by Gershom Collison was marked in the 1936 Crystal Palace National Championship programme as taking part in The Daily Mirror sponsored Junior Challenge Cup contest, which they won4BR
Crystal Palace
Meanwhile, Canal Ironworks conducted by Gershom Collison was marked in the 1936 Crystal Palace National Championship programme as taking part in The Daily Mirror sponsored Junior Challenge Cup contest, which they won — although there is no mention of a special euphonium award in the prize lists.
