*
banner

Old timer returns to Dumfries

A wonderful timepiece has been returned to Dumfries Town Band over 100 years after it was first presented.

Clock
  Calum and Julia Gray handed the old timepiece back to Dumfries Town Band

An old clock which was presented to a former member of Dumfries Town Band on his wedding over 100 years ago has been returned to the band.

The ornate wooden case wall clock was a gift to Henry Wells on his marriage on 16th July 1909.

Henry's great grandson Calum Gray and his wife Julia decided to return the clock to the band for future generations of musicians to appreciate. It will now be hung on the wall of the Dumfries band hall for all to admire and enjoy.

Marriage

A brass plate inscription on the timepiece reads: "Presented to H. Wells by the Dfs Town Band on the occasion of his marriage. 16/7/09."

Calum said: "The clock had been hanging on the wall of my parents' house all my life. It also travelled with them on their travels to homes in the UK as well as Turkey and Spain.

My grandmother also lived in Dumfries and Glasgow so the clock would also have travelled to those places with her before that. It was an important part of family history for my granny who'd had a difficult life. I'm sure she could have sold the clock when times were tough but she kept hold of it as it had belonged to her parents."

It is uncertain what instrument Henry played or what role he had with the band, although it is hoped that the band will now find out.

I'm sure she could have sold the clock when times were tough but she kept hold of it as it had belonged to her parentsCalum Gray

Impressive

Band chairperson Gillian Tweedie added: "We were delighted when Calum and Julia offered the clock back to us to out up in the band hall.

It is such an impressive timepiece which represents such a happy moment in our band's history — and we are sure it will keep time for us for many more years to come."

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    


Results: 2024 Swiss National Championships

November 24 • Valaisia returns to the top of the podium in Lucerne.


Perth

Result: 2024 Besson Scottish Open

November 23 • Milnrow play like angels to repel rivals and claim Scottish Open title in Perth.


King

Superbrass Saturday: Good King Wenceslas (trad. arr. Jock McKenzie)

November 21 • One of the most famous festive tunes of all is ready and waiting to be performed in a fantastic series of arrangements.


bbe

Rule changes to Youth Championships

November 21 • Brass Bands England announces rule changes to help competing bands at their National Youth Championship events in 2025 and 2026.


Dobcross Silver Band - Wardle Anderson Brass Band

Sunday 24 November • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 7 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF120JZ


Longridge Band - Christmas Concert

Saturday 7 December • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HJ


York Railway Institute Band - Voices & Brass Christmas Spectacular

Saturday 14 December • Selby Abbey YO8 4PU


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Festive favourites - Music for Christmas.

Saturday 14 December • St Mark's Church, Bilton, Rugby CV22 7LX


Chinnor Silver

November 25 • You need to be quick, we are almost full but just require Eb bass and percussion. We are a friendly, welcoming and ambitious band and start 2025 at the top of our second section ranking table. We rehearse on a Wed evening in our own bandroom in Chinnor.


Hathersage Band

November 25 • Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving community band. We enjoy making music and have a good gig schedule. An opportunity has arisen for the right person to join our Principal Cornet Ed as co-principal. Are you up for the challenge? This is our only vacancy.


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

November 23 • Bb Cornet, Euphonium, Eb Bass and Percussion required to complete the line-up.. Under the Direction of Duncan Beckley, the band is keen to fill these few remaining seats.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd