Rushden Research Group: The Town Band

The Town Band

Notes on Bandsmen

A picture - probably from an article in the Evening Telegraph, as part
of their "Down Memory Lane" series, in the 1980s.

A smart turn-out by the to wit

A PROUD moment for members of Rushden Town Band in their new uniforms. The picture was taken at Manton Road, Rushden, where the band used to practise. The picture belongs to Mrs Elsie Faulkner of Milton Street, Higham Ferrers. Her father, Samuel Barnes, in the centre of the middle row, was still with the band when he reached his 80th birthday.

The Rushden Echo, 20th May 1898, transcribed by Kay Collins

THE TOWN BAND—This band appears likely to have a busy season under Mr. H. Baker, who on Sunday made a very creditable debut as conductor. Engagements are being rapidly booked. In Whit-week, the band will perform at Franklin’s Gardens on the Tuesday, and at Tilbrook on Wednesday, besides taking part in a contest at Towcester on the Thursday. On June 15th and 16th, the band is engaged for the Northants Agricultural Show, and on the 18th it will take part in a contest at Gravesend and give two concerts on the following day.

Rushden Echo, 4^th July 1924, transcribed by Kay Collins

The Rushden Town Band, ably conducted by Mr E E Whitworth, gave an excellent concert in Spencer Park on Sunday afternoon, many people attending.

Rushden Echo & Argus, 29^th September 1944

In Memory—At Rushden Hall Grounds on Sunday afternoon the Town Band played “Deep Harmony” as their opening number in memory of their late drummer, Mr Ernest Cross, who was killed in a road accident on September 21^st.

A.B. Owen Cumberpatch

Rushden Echo and Argus, 16th May 1947, transcribed by Kay Collins

Bandmaster resigns
Mr M J Roberts has resigned the conductorship of Rushden Town Band, in which he has served since he was only nine years old. The resignation follows a hint given at the band’s annual meeting, and steps are now being taken to find a successor.

For many years a cornet soloist of much ability, Mr Roberts has had both brass band and orchestral experience, and gained valuable experience in a Navy band during the First World War. Under his direction the Town Band has gained many of its best contest successes.

Mr Roberts is vice-president of the Northamptonshire Brass Band Association.

Obituary Mr A W Neville 1944

Town Band - Mainpage

Please contact us if you have a concert programme or any information about this band.