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A Brief History of Denton Brass Band
Courtesy of
Mr. F. Brown, Denton Local History
Society
Denton’s
very first band was formed in 1818 and began playing in public for
various celebrations. The townspeople, and especially the hatter Joseph
Howard, had subscribed generously to the appeal for funds. They were able
to buy a set of instruments, music paper and instruction books for a
grand total of £210.The big drum was duly painted with the title
‘Haughton & Denton Band’. Haughton, however,was at that time, a separate town and the Dentonians, who outnumbered the Haughtonians,
objected to this and so the name was eventually changed to ‘Denton &
Haughton Band’. It was very popular and played for many years. Up until
1869, it led the Saint Lawrence’s Sunday School Scholars’ Walk at
Whitsuntide.
But since 1859 it had a rival. This was the Baxendale’s Band, named after
their small factory at the top of Taylor Lane.
Thomas Baxendale formed a brass band at his works, which was known for a
time as Baxendale's Band, but afterwards became the Denton Original Band.
The Denton Original Band began its existence in 1859, its promoters recieving the
generous support of some of the hat manufacturers and local gentry. The
first headquarters were at Baxendale's, at the top of Taylor Lane, but
after a short time they were removed to a room behind the Bowling Green
Inn.
The band has a wonderful record, the crowning triumph coming in London in
1900 when the Denton Band won the thousand guinea cup which was open to
Great Britain and the Colonies. There were great rejoicings in Denton
when the result of the Crystal Palace contest became known. The
magnificent cup was kept at Denton Town Hall and security of 1,000 pounds
had to be given for its custody.
After this the band ranked with the highest class bands in the country
and was in great demand in all parts. During the twentieth century the
band maintained its reputation as one of the leading bands of the
Manchester district. Unfortunately, following a fire at band room in 1993
the band folded. However, Denton Original band had a second band “Denton
“B” Band”. Just prior to this time the “B” band split with the main band
and became Crown Point Brass which thanks to the efforts of Mr Roy
Prescott and Mr Jack Hansford (conductor)
struggled along for another six years keeping the tradition of banding
alive in Denton.
In 1999 The committee decided to re-form the band under the name Denton
Brass which is the current band. Due to the hard work and dedication of
the Players, Musical Directors, Committee and the Band’s late Chairman,
Mr Peter Gee, Denton Brass has grown from just a handful of players to
the band it is today.
Further
information can be found at the following links:
http://www.pittdixon.go-plus.net/denton/denton-band.htm
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