The G.U.S. (Footwear) Band was formed in 1933 as a works Brass Band by the Footwear Manufacturing Firm of Munn & Felton Ltd., and was known as the Munn & Felton's Works Band. Within two years of its formation the Band won the Crystal Palace World Championship, and since that date has never looked back.

in 1954 the Band won the British Open Championship at Belle Vue, Manchester and in 1955, 1957, 1960, 1964 and 1966 won the title of National Champions at the Royal Albert Hall, London. The Band has won the title of Midland Area Champions eight times and has also taken five National Championship third prizes and three fourth prizes. A quartet from the Band won the National Quartet Championship for 1966, and in this same year the Band won a World Championship Contest in Holland.

The Band has made Ten L.P. records for Columbia Recording Company and has well over 250 broadcasts to its credit. During the past few years the Band has made four tours of Holland and Denmark, and in 1965 made its first visit to Switzerland, where the receptions and enthusiasm of the people were something the Band will never forget.

In April 1962 the name of the Firm was changed to G.U.S. Footwear Ltd., and consequently the name of the Band was changed to G.U.S. (Footwear) Band, as it is now known. The President of the Band is the Chairman of the Great Universal Stores Ltd., Sir Isaac Wolfson, Bart., Hon LLD. (London) Hon. F.R.C.P. and the Vice-President of the Band is W. J. F. Legon Esq., Managing Director of G.U.S. Footwear Ltd. Mr. Stanley H. Boddington L.R.A.M., A.R.C.M. the Musical Director has been with the Band since it was formed in 1933, and has led it from strength to strength. Mr. Boddington started his Brass Band career as a seven-year old cornet player, and made a name for himself as a virtuoso of the Cornet before he became a Conductor. He has been honoured in England by the presentation of the Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians and at the Royal Albert Hall in October 1966 was presented with the "Baton of Honour" in the annual "Spotlight on Service" Ceremony. He is looked upon as one of the greatest Brass Band trainers and conductors in the Country.

The G.U.S. (Footwear) Band has no superiors in its taste and presentation of Brass Band Music, and its outstanding soloists add further prestige to its magnificent reputation.

Formed in the year 1875, the band was at first a mixture of brass and reed instrumentation, but after a year or so was changed to a brass band.

Since that time the name of the Rushden Temperance Band has appeared regularly in competitive circles. The 'Temps' were winning prizes at Bell Vue in 1902, more recently, in the National Finals in 1953, the 'Temps' were 4th, and in 1956 and 1959 were Area Champions.

Quite naturally a band that has been in existence for nearly 100 years has suffered its ups and downs, but bandsmen never give up, and a subscription band like the 'Temps' make music for the love of it. They enjoy competing with works bands.

It is hardly surprising that the financial resources of such a band become strained. One such time was in 1964. It was at this time Mr. Arthur Mills took over the Presidency of the 'Temps'. Under his leadership, and with the hard work of the bandsmen, and everyone associated with the band, the high standard of playing is a credit to all.

In two and a half years a large overdraft had been wiped out. The entire fees from the B.B.C. broadcasts and band concerts given in many London Parks helped considerably so that once again the 'Temps' are in a sound position.

At about the same time as Mr. Mills took over the Presidency, Mr. Ernest Denton agreed to become the Band's musical director. Mr. Denton had for many years been principle cornet, and a very hard worker for the band, and under his direction the 'Temps' are looking to this year's contests. The band is very grateful for the help and tuition of Mr. Stanley H. Boddington.

And so we come to Sunday, April 2, 1967, another very important date for the 'Temps' scrap-book. The Rushden Temperance Band feel very proud to appear at this concert tonight, with the World and National Champions.