Archived Histories of Brass Bands

 

These pages are an archive of historical details from existing or defunct brass band websites. This is being maintained to provide a record of this information in the event of a band folding, its website disappearing or other loss of the historical record.

Where possible, and appropriate, the information cached will be updated from time to time - and any corrections or updates are welcome.

Audley Brass Band

Prior to the 20th century when radio and television were yet to be invented, people were required to make their own forms of entertainment, and music was one form available to most. At the beginning of the 19th century the British brass band really came into being and the formation of such bands was actively being encouraged by employers.

Most cities, towns and villages could boast to having a band and North Staffordshire was no exception having bands registered in Burslem, Hanley, Longton, Kidsgrove Silverdale, Stafford, Stone and Audley. Of these areas few of the original bands remain with exception of Audley.

It is believed that the band was formed as a Mission band in 1902. The band was connected to the Primitive Methodist Chapel and was led by Mr Mothershaw. In July 1921 members of the band purchased its very own band room at Dean Hollow in the village. The hall was brought from the trustees of Thomas Rowley (deceased) for £120.

The band began to become very successful and won the Stalybridge Cup in 1925 and we renamed Audley Prize Band. The band kept going throughout the Second World War and continued to perform well under a number of conductors such as Bob Herod, John Henry Mayer, Percy Bateman and Vic Johnson.

In the 1970s a disagreement over the purchase of an instrument led to the band almost folding. The band was run by two committees the Management and the Ladies, who were responcible for fundraising. The Management wanted to take control of the funds raised by the ladies, who in turn wanted to purchase a new trombone for the band. Solicitors were brought in to resolve the situation but the ladies had already purchased the instrument leaving no funds for the management committee.

The result led to the Ladies Committee resigning from the band taking their families with them. Those that had left formed a new band in 1977 called the Audley & District Band taking with them Vic Johnson as MD. The band rehearsed in the disused chapel in Wereton Road in the village. The band did not have to pay rent but were responsible for the insurance of the building.

In 1985 the band were now conducted by Ken Wareham and paying rent on the hall. The Prize band continued to rehearse in Dean Hollow but had very members and in 1988 when the District band left the chapel due its pending sale. Without a home the District band approached the Prize band to consider a merger. It was thought that a merger was mutually beneficial and bands joined together as Audley Brass.

In 1989 Reg Barley was appointed to conduct the band and remained with the band for two years. In 1991 Marie Harrison began taking the band with the valued help of Granville Jennings, a well known local bandsman who had previously starred with the famous Fodens Motor Works Band from Sandbach. Marie worked with the band until 1994 when Kevin Birch http://kevinbirchmusic.googlepages.com was appointed as the bands Musical Director.

Having not contested for a very long time Kevin began preparing the band compete again and in 1997 the band won the 4th section at the Pontins Brass Band Championships playing John Golland's 'Prelude, Song and Dance', this demonstrated the lengths the band had improved.

In 1999 the band reached the National Brass Band Finals of Great Britain following a triumph in the 4th section at the Midlands Regional contest.In January 2000 were promoted to the 3rd section of brass band competition.

During this time the band had also submitted an application to the West Midlands Arts Council Lottery Fund to supply a new set of instruments and this was approved in May 1998. The subsequent receipt of the money enabled the band to re-equip and pass on the old instruments to our training band Audley Training Band.

The band continued to improve under the leadership of Kevin Birch, with the band picking up many prizes at contests including awards at Milton Keynes, Rhyl and Derby. In 2003 the band again qualified for the 3rd section National Finals this time being held in Dundee!

Promotion again followed this success and in 2004 the band moved to the Second section. The level of banding at that level is extremely tough and sadly solid performances were not enough to keep the band up and in 2007 were relegated back to the third section.

Kevin Birch left the band in July 2006 and was replaced with Clive Fox who had a short stay with the band leaving in October 2007. His replacement Shaun Farrington also had a short stay, departing in October 2008. Following Shaun the band appointed Colin Hartley as their new musical director, Colin worked with the band until December 2010, when Ian Turner took charge.Ian Turner.

In 1995 a Building Fund was put into place to replace the decaying bandroom. After many years of fundraising and saving the band demolished the old building in July 2006. After long wait building delays and rising costs the band finally moved into our rebuilt home in January 2008. The band was assisted in its completion of the hall by Audley Rotary and Audley Male Voice choir.

During the time without a permanent home the band were extremely grateful to the support received by St James Church and Audley Theatre who allowed the band extensive rehearsal space.

Throughout its history the band has always worked hard in its community providing musical enjoyment for the many players that have passed through its band room and to its listening public. The band continues to perform in many concerts and contests across the local area taking the name of Audley wherever they travel.