Barnard Castle Band
Like all bands formed in the early or mid 19th Century, details of just how these bands were formed are almost impossible to find. What is known about Barnard Castle Band is that it was formed in 1860 and instruments were purchased by public subscriptions, hence its first name, Barnard Castle Subscription Band. Around the turn of the century and during the Boer war most of the band joined the local Volunteers and the name was changed to Barnard Castle Volunteers Band. This caused quite a hue and cry in the local press (Teesdale Mercury) at the time.
After the war the band again changed its name to Barnard Castle Silver Band and acquired a set of uniforms consisting of white flannel trousers, coloured striped blazers and straw hats. By 1939 the band was wearing traditional peaked caps, red military style jackets and black trousers, won many prizes at local contests and gained fourth place at the National Championships held at Crystal Palace, London. This led to yet another name change, Barnard Castle Prize Silver Band. In 1967 the band lost many players and with only six players left went out of commission. Many of the local school children made use of the available instruments and then in 1973 after meeting many of the keen youngsters Mr. Ronnie Henderson reformed the band with Mr. Trevor Wright as conductor.
Once again the bands name was changed to its present title, Barnard Castle Band. In 1974 Trevor injured his arm after a fall and the baton was taken over by Mr. Peter Hartley, who led the band to many victories at contests, promotion from fourth to second section in the Durham Brass band League and twice reaching the National Finals in London. Peter Harley died in 1980 at the young age of 47, but will always be remembered as one of the greats of the Barnard Castle Band history.
The early part of the 1990s saw the band build upon previous success under the musical direction of Mr. Gary Hutchinson. The first fruits of the bands new endeavours were born in 1992 when the band achieved National Brass Band League Forth Section and Durham League Section D Champion status. 1993 saw a similar picture of success in both the Durham and National competitions resulting in a promotion to the Third Section Nationally and a first placing at the George Allan Entertainment Contest.
In 1994 the band won the Murton Colliery Entertainment Contest and was promoted to the National Second Section and Durham League Section C.
1995 was to see further success for the band and Gary, with prizes for the National League Second Section Area Contest. The band narrowly missed out on a trip to the National Finals but did win further promotion to the heady heights of the First Section Nationally. With confidence high, the band entered the 1996 Durham League Contest with one aim only to win! Not only did the band win with a two point margin, but also won prizes for the Best Principal Cornet, Euphonium and Bass Section. Promotion followed with the band moving into Section B in the Durham League then straight into Section A the following Year.
This year the band have competed in the Northern Area Contest, finishing in a respectable 6th place in the 3rd section. The band are planning on a return to its community roots over the coming year and will be playing at many local event over the spring and summer period.
Would you like to play with us?
The band are always looking for players willing to strengthen the ranks. Click here to visit our contact page to see how you can contact us, or have us contact you!
Rehearsals
The Band rehearses on a Sunday and Wednesday evening from 19:30 - 21:30.
Rehearsal venues tend to be flexible and can be prone to change to suit the needs of the players. The band always rehearses in Barnard Castle, but the venue can change, so it's always best to phone Gary or our Secretary Bert before turning up.