Northampton Mercury, January 9^th 1864, transcribed by Susan Manton

Rushden – the Brass Band—On every Wednesday evening welcome strains of music can be heard in our dull village coming from the School Room, in which members of our new brass bands are taught by Mr. Alfred Beeby, whose skill and efforts are legibly disclosed in the great improvement recently made in the style of playing. It is indeed gratifying to observe the young members (about 18 in number) listening with grateful anxiety to Mr. Beeby’s instructions, which happily have been successful. Beyond two subscriptions of ten shillings each, the members have hitherto sustained the “trying” expenses attached to the supporting of the band solely themselves. Perhaps this harmless paragraph may fall under the eyes of some gentlemen inclined to encourage the credible exertions of the members. While a brotherly feeling prevails amongst the young men, there is to be felt a soft and chastening influence about the village band which many gatherings are destitute of.