Our History 1891 - Present Day
Barnton Temperance Band was first formed in 1891 and (using instruments on loan from the original Brunner Mond & Company) had its first band rehearsal on Thursday September 3rd, in an old hay loft and shoemaker’s shop, at the residence of a Mr Edward Hindley.
After a few months the name was changed to "Barnton Subscription Band" allowing a broader membership before finally becoming Barnton Silver Band.
In 1894 a disused wooden pump-house in Oakwood Lane, Barnton, was converted into a band-room.
In around 1910 the band was photographed (see below). This picture was kindly sent to us by Paul Latham whose great grandfather, Philip Fogg, is a cornet player on the front row 4th from the left.
The Great War
In the early part of the war the band paraded at Winnington, Barnton, Anderton, Comberbach & Antrobus, to raise funds for soldiers' comforts.
15 bandsmen joined the forces, 12 of them in 1914. They all came back, though some had life-changing injuries, and one man died later of disease contracted during his time in Greece. One bandsman was awarded the DCM and the Italian Medal for Valour (unfortunately his name is unknown. If you know who it was, or have any information, please contact us).
After the war
The band was active in the local community.
Comberbach Village Hall records show that “On August 27th 1921 the band led a procession to open the new Comberbach War Memorial and Recreation Field to the strains of ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’" There were free teas for the children, and also, for those who had lost someone in the war. This was the band's first recorded job.
During the 1940s the Leicester family dominated the band personnel. It was suggested if there was a call “Leicesters fall out”, there would be no one left in the band!
Over the years the band has taken part in brass band contests in the 4th Section and reached the dizzy heights of the 3rd section for a while under the baton of Steve Yates.
Trophies were won on a number of occasions, including 1994 & 1995, and are now adorning mantelpieces around the local area.
The band no longer competes in the National Area competitions but still partakes in the occasional entertainment competition for fun and to stretch the band's musical technique.
The band also continues to play at the TATA Chemicals (formerly The Brunner Mond & Co.) Remembrance Service every year at their War Memorial in Winnington, a link to the band's first roots and the loan of the instruments.
We'd love to hear of any more history from band members, relatives etc so please email us.