*
banner

Bribery attempt on adjudicator...

A brass banding snippet for the archives reveals that our contesting history wasn't always a bastion of Edwardian rectitude...

Bribery
  Not even the promise of gold could change the adjudicator's views on contesting probity

Bandsmen and women are always prone to querying the probity of adjudicators, but as can be seen from this south Wales newspaper report from 1908, they have sometimes found themselves in some awkward predicaments even before they have stepped foot into the tent...

Contest sensation

This report comes from the Weekly Mail of 11th July 1908 under the heading: 'Aberdare Band Contest Sensation' and reports on a meeting with a stranger that befell the adjudicator for the event as he stepped off the train in Cardiff...

"A unique experience befell Mr. Brier, the adjudicator in the band contest at Aberdare, on his first visit to South Wales.

On his arrival at the Great Western Railway Station, Cardiff, he inquired of a stranger the way to the Taff Vale Railway Station in Queen Street. The person responded to the inquiry with alacrity, and he and Mr. Brier directed their steps towards the latter's destination.

They had not walked many yards when the unknown remarked: "I've come to see you on behalf of a certain band, who will..."

Mr. Brier (interrupting): "Who will what?"

The Stranger: "Give you £5 (and the five golden sovereigns were made to tinkle in the palm of the individual's hand) if you will award the cup to them."

Mr. Brier: "I don't think it is worth my while, my good man."

The Stranger (persistently): "Well, what about ten?"

Mr. Brier: "No; put the money back in your pocket. I should not like anybody to allow himself to be bribed if I were a competitor, and I don't want to be one to do such a dishonourable thing."

The Stranger: "No one but ourselves need know anything about it. I have got a sole copy, as our band is going to play the piece. All I have to do is to give you the copy and the money in exchange for the cup."

Mr. Brier: "But what band is it?"

The Stranger: "Promise me the cup first, and I'll tell you the name of the band. I may say, Mr. Brier, that you would get any number of engagements in South Wales if you would accept, but if you don't, you won't come here again as an adjudicator."

At this threat Mr. Brier apparently lost his temper, for he peremptorily told the individual that his unwillingness to "clear off" would cost him a sound hiding.

And the frustrated briber took the hint, as he made a prompt exit from the Queen Street Railway Station.

The unknown stranger was clean-shaven, about 5ft. 4in. in height, and wore a navy-blue serge suit.

The foregoing story was related by Mr. Brier to one of our representatives, who sought his views on the standard of band- playing in South Wales.

The all-important question is: What band did the stranger represent?

At this threat Mr. Brier apparently lost his temper, for he peremptorily told the individual that his unwillingness to "clear off" would cost him a sound hidingWeekly Mail newspaper, 1908

The contest itself...

Although there is no further report to state that the person was eventually identified, the report from the contest did give the eventual result.

The first prize in the Class A competition was £15 and £10 in Class B and C.

Class A:
1. Aberdare Town Band
2. Cwmparc
3. Ferndale
4. Cory's Workmen

Class B:
1. Dinas
2. Gilfach Goch

Class C:
1. Lewis Merthyr
2. Rhymney
3. Cwmamaman
4. Deri

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    


Wychavon Festival of Brass

Wychavon releases draw details

September 11 • The draws have been made for the popular Wychavon Festival of Brass in November.


aobba

Cheltenham experience added to new AoBBA intake

September 11 • Four musicians will enjoy an insight into the adjudication process at the National Finals in Cheltenham this weekend.


Rockingham

Decade of joint music making to come to end at Rockingham

September 11 • Adam Whittle will step down from his role as Musical Director of Rockingham Band at the end of this year.


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


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


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd