4BR has been exclusively informed that the name of Hammonds will be seen again in championship banding after it has been revealed that management of the current YBS Band has linked up with the sauce making company.

Speaking to 4BR, Band Manager Dave Long told 4BR that the band has officially launched its new identity — Hammonds Saltaire Band.

Historic return

The news sees a historic return to the company that had sponsored the band from the late 1940s to 1993, although Dave was quick to point out that it won’t mean a return for the infamous beige and suade uniform combo that the band wore in the mid 1970s!

We are delighted that the Band has decided to use the Hammond’s name againLisa Rogers, Marketing Director

150 years

Dave reveals that the name harks back almost 50 years when the then local Hammonds Sauce Works which was based in Saltaire. The name Saltaire also reflects the band’s roots as being the place where the original band was founded over 150 years ago by Sir Titus Salt at his mills in the town of Saltaire, Bradford.

The new name became effective on the weekend, when the band played at Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough.

Excited

John Myles, Chairman of the Band told 4BR: "We're very excited about the name change. While the band has been hugely successful under the YBS banner, it feels that now is the right time to move forward with a new name. It was unanimously agreed that Hammonds Saltaire Band was the right name to reflect the Band’s heritage and take us forward — back to the future!"

Next chapter

John continued: "Following discussions with McCormick (UK) Ltd, who now own the Hammonds brand name, they were delighted to welcome us back and we are looking forward to working with them in the next chapter of the band's 150 year history."

Delighted

Lisa Rogers, Marketing Manager at McCormick's told 4BR: "We are delighted that the Band has decided to use the Hammond’s name again.

"We are very proud of our heritage with this brand which was started by Mrs. Goodhall back in 1853 when she invented the Hammonds relish recipe in her Leeds kitchen. After 2 World Wars and numerous location moves and ownership changes the name is still going strong and we will be investing in it for the foreseeable future."

Anyone wishing to contact the band can do so on its new website www.hammondsband.org.uk