EARBY Brass Band must be one of the oldest brass bands still in existence - it is is believed to have started in 1841, although the first documentary evidence dates from the 1860s. Earby and District Local History Society will this weekend launch a book written by member Stephanie Carter on its history. Bob Abel, chairman of the history society, tells us about it.

IN the 19th century, entertainment for the few free hours available to most people had to be self-generated, and music featured highly. Earby like many other towns, has an illustrious musical history.

The brass band movement dates back to the early 19th century, and many bands formed by local communities became part of the fabric of everyday life. They led processions, played for entertainment and dancing and also entered contests, where the competition between bands was fierce.

John Hartley was a recognised authority on local history, writing numerous articles in the Craven Herald and the Pioneer; and in 1922 he wrote: “One of the oldest members of the band informed me that he can remember on a Sunday afternoon, after he had been to Sunday School, he saw a few men who had been at ‘Jack at Vargis’s Farm’ for a practice. Among the party there were farm hands Joe O’Dave’s from Dodgsons Farm, Brown Smith, William Sephton and Wilson Clough. These parties continued to meet numbering seven or eight persons, and went in for a few up-to-date instruments.”

Local rivalry between bands started in earnest in 1868 when a band contest was advertised to be held at Salterforth. Those who entered were: Barnoldswick Ribblesdale Band., Conductor William Rushworth; Earby Band (17 performers), Conductor William Rushworth; Barnoldswick Model Band (18 performers), Conductor John Lord; Kelbrook Band (18 performers), Conductor W Jasper.

It was reported that most of the inhabitants of the three villages “swarmed to Salterforth” and showed “intense enthusiasm”.

The Earby Band won the first prize, £4 4s and one Star Jupiter cornet value £9 9s.

And so started a period of successful competing in band contests with many deserved prizes being earned and the band becoming known as Earby Prize Brass Band.

Throughout its existence, Earby Brass Band has been present at many entertainments, celebrations and official functions not only in Earby but also in surrounding towns. Whenever there was a procession, be it religious or secular, Earby Brass Band marched proudly at its head.

The band had many family bonds, with succeeding generations becoming members. They included the Firth family, who made an outstanding contribution not only to Earby Brass Band, but to the whole brass band movement. The musical dynasty stemmed from Greenwood Firth, who lived from 1830 to 1912. A warp dresser by trade, he had 50 years’ experience playing in brass bands, including 24 as a first class trombone player with Black Dyke Mills Band. His son Squire Firth, 1865 to 1924, had an unequalled curriculum vitae. He played the cornet in the Black Dyke in the 1880s and became All England champion cornet player. He became a band trainer, conductor and adjudicator.

Squire Firth conducted Earby Band at many concerts and contests in the years leading up to the First World War.

Squire’s son Edwin Firth, 1888 to 1918, was born in Earby and cut his teeth with Earby Band at the turn of the 19th century and so prodigious was his talent that he became known as “The Boy Champion Cornet Player”. In 1909 he was head hunted by Fodens Band and a glittering career seemed to be spread before him. However, his potential was cut short in the First World War when he was killed in action in France. His nephew , Squire, played for a number of years with Earby Band and there are in fact still Firths playing in the band today.

Another banding family was the Cowgill family. George Cowgill’s sons, William, Charles, John and James were all at one time associated with Earby Brass Band and three grandsons Clement, Edwin and John all played in the band.

A true brass band legend was Arthur Laycock. He was born in Todmorden and began his banding career playing in Cornholme and Todmorden Bands. Under expert tuition he made great progress and became assistant soloist in Hebburn Colliery Band. He joined the Earby Band to play with a better band and to improve his skills. Following his stay at Earby he went onto have an international career as a cornet player and appeared in two command performances for the King and Queen.

In the earlier days of the band, premises for practicing were always a problem and a room above a fish and chip shop and a stable were at one time used. By 1913 sufficient funds were collected to erect a purpose built band club situated on New Road. Two world wars interrupted the band’s progress - it was suspended for the duration of World War Two and it took a major effort to get the band back on its feet afterwards.

The band has had a number of well- known conductors throughout its history and has produced many fine instrumentalists some of whom have moved on to continue successful banding careers elsewhere.

Like many organisations Earby Band has had its ups and downs over the years and one particular revival of fortunes occurred during the decade between the mid 1970s and mid 1980s. During this time the band had several competition successes, appeared on both radio Manchester and Radio Leeds and produced the long playing record entitled “In Perfect Harmony”. They also shared a platform at Silverman Hall in Nelson with the world renowned Fodens band.

Previous highlights included qualifying for competitions at the mecca of banding events at Manchester’s Bellvue and the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain the most prestigious brass band competition in the world in London.

The book on the history of Earby Brass Band is due to be launched on Sunday October, 7 at New Road Community Centre in Earby.

The event starts at 1pm when there will be chance to view and exhibition about the band. The official book launch will be at 2pm and the band will give a concert at 3pm. Entry is free and refreshments will be available.

The book costs £10 (plus £3.50 UK post and packaging ) and will also be available after the launch at New Road Community Centre archive room between 10am and 12 noon on Friday mornings or contact info@earbyhistory.co.uk or telephone 01282 863160.