B&R – Snapshot In Time (1881-1944)
It is known that during the mid to late nineteenth century, amateur music making, in all its forms thrived in the industrial areas of the North of England. In the wider Calder, Holme and Colne Valley areas of the West Riding of Yorkshire, various choirs, orchestras and bands of varying instrumentation were founded. The Brighouse and Rastrick Temperance Band, formed around 1881, was one such unit.
The local populace subscribed funds to found and maintain the band and it drew its players and officials from the local area. Until the 1920’s, B&R, as it is often affectionately known, could be described as ‘just another typical local band’.
It no doubt suffered occasional successes but probably had its fair share of disappointments. In addition to playing many concerts throughout the area, bands thrived on the spirit of competition regularly meeting each other at the host of local and regional brass band competitions of the time.
We don’t know what the particular catalyst was but during the 1920’s a much more determined effort was made by the then members to improve their status among the nation’s brass bands. Better players were attracted, probably from a slightly wider area.
Fred Berry, who had toured the world, playing euphonium, with the famous Besses O’ Th’ Barn Band, was appointed conductor. He was to be a great influence. During this period, ‘Temperance’ was dropped from the band’s name, the only name change the band has ever had. The hard work paid off in 1929. B&R broke into the highest level of brass banding when they won both the July and September Brass Band Contests at Belle Vue, Manchester, a feat achieved only once before, and not equalled since.
They consolidated their position in the top echelons when then won the September (today called the British Open Championship) again three years running in 1932-33-34 conducted by their professional conductor, the great William Halliwell. Barred from competing in 1935 they regained the title once again in 1936. They have remained in the top league of brass bands ever since, continuing to feature in the premier championship prize lists, but it wasn’t until 1978 that they managed to win the ‘Open’ again, led on this occasion by Geoffrey Brand.