About Us

This is the History of Hebden Bridge Brass Band (so far!)

It is not absolutely clear when Hebden Bridge Brass Band was founded but in 1978 they held their centenary celebration. For many years it was believed that 1878 was the founding year, but an appeal to the local community for any information on the band’s history a couple of years ago revealed that the band was in existence around 1850. A relation of a Mytholmroyd man (village near Hebden Bridge) had collected newspaper articles and we were able to borrow and photocopy his scrapbook. In it are articles on contest results going back to the 1850’s.

In the early days of brass banding, members were made up from the workforce of the local mills who sponsored them and they, the mill owners, in return got relatively cheap advertising for the mill and products, particularly if the bands performed well and won prizes and recognition at local and national contests.

 

The Mortimers of Hebden Bridge

Fred Mortimer was born in Hebden Bridge on St Cecilia's Day (Nov 22nd) 1880, and his three sons, Rex, Alex, and Harry received their first musical training from their father. Harry Mortimer received his first cornet from Hebden Bridge Brass Band as the pre-war committee book reads:
"Master H. Mortimer is to be provided with a cornet on which to learn".

Fred had started his musical career as a cornet player in Hebden, working his way along the front row seats, and eventually becoming a 'playing' conductor, playing with the right hand and beating time with the left. During his tenure as bandmaster, Hebden Bridge Band enjoyed unrivalled contest success, including winning the British Open Contest in 1911 under the baton of William Halliwell.. They returned to Hebden Bridge to find the streets filled with crowds of well wishers wanting to share this great occasion with their band.

Honours and plaudits surrounded the family long after they had left the Calder Valley. Harry went on to become the most famous cornet and trumpet player of his generation, as well as a well-respected conductor, receiving an OBE and a CBE in the Queens Honours list for his contribution to music.

His father Fred was granted the freedom of his native town on Sunday 12th March 1944.

For this community band from the Pennine valleys, much has changed since its beginnings in the middle of the 19th century. However, they continue to serve the community and enjoy close links with their principal sponsors Hebden Royd Council.

Present day sees the band rehearsing at Cragg Vale, with a smart new bandroom on Thornber Business Park. Normal rehearsal days are Wednesday at 8.15pm and Sunday at 7pm.

A more complete history can be found here, courtesy of information provided by Ian Coleman, our longest serving band member.

Rick Cowens, our principal Bb bass player has provided a list of placings for Hebden Bridge Band at past contests.
Click for:
The British Open Contest results
The National Finals Contest results
The Yorkshire Area Contest results

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