Northumberland Brass Band Association

The Northumberland Brass Band Association is set up to help to keep brass bands in existence. Competitions are planned with funds raised to be donated to the War Comforts Fund.

TRIBUTE TO J. JARVIE

The committee & fellow bandsmen deeply regret the passing of the late financial secretary Mr Joe Jarvie, an ardent worker who devoted most of his time to the welfare of the band. As a bandsman & member of the committee his efforts in the reorganisation of the band are greatly appreciated. He is indeed a great loss to the band.

W. E. Thompson (Sec) 

Committee Meeting Held 30/5/40

Members present – Messrs W. Ball – W. Thompson – J. Smith – J. Turnbull – J. Baker – W. Brown – W. Little

The minutes of the previous meeting were read. Their confirmation was moved by Mr G. Turnbull.

The question of a new financial secretary was raised. The secretary W. Thompson asked that Mr J. Baker should be accepted to this position as he had previous experience in such matters – Mr Baker was accepted.

Regarding the contest to take place instead of the picnic the secretary gave a report of a joint meeting held at the Social Club Bedlington in which 9 bands were represented. It was agreed that the secretary should have a free hand at these meetings. It was also decided that the secretary should contribute 2/6 from the band funds as part expenses towards the Joint Committee – a balance sheet would be produced to all bands represented to show how the money was spent.

A letter was read from Boosey & Hawkes Ltd regarding exchange of Instruments. This was not satisfactory to the band so it was agreed that the matter should be left in abeyance for the time being.

This concluded the meeting                                                                     W Ball

Emergency Meeting – Band Room – Dec 1st 1940

This meeting was called for the purpose of discussing the band contest to be held in the Welfare Cinema – Lynemouth on Dec 22nd 1940.

Business –

Welfare Hall arrangements :- Doorkeepers – Ticket collectors – Pay box assistant – Etc.

Chairman & adjudicator

Bills & Ticket printing

Prizes for the best soloists

It was agreed that the contest be run jointly by the Lynemouth bands & War Comfort Funds Committee, the latter to make all arrangements regarding the hall, the band secretary to write to Mr F Wakeford-Oakenshaw for his services as adjudicator. Also that circulars to be sent to local shopkeepers, social clubs & Hotels etc. & the band secretary to write to firms in which they do business – asking for prizes or donations towards same.

W Ball 

Northumberland Brass Bands Association

When the War started many players were called up for the services & there was a danger of the public losing interest in the Brass Bands of Northumberland. A joint meeting of the bands was called to discuss the matter. The result was they formed an association, the idea being to run a series of contests to entertain the public & also to promote interest to bandsmen themselves & so keep the Northumberland bands in existence. Each district to arrange its own contest, to be run jointly by the Local Band & the War Comfort Funds Committees; proceeds to go to any War funds. The bands themselves did not receive any prize monies. All that was necessary was a few prizes for the best soloist to help to make the contest a success. These were to be given by local people. The Test piece to be National Airs, own choice & the bands to be limited to 16 players. Each band to forfeit TEN SHILLINGS (10/-) as entrance fee to each contest.

W Ball

Committee Meeting           Jan 22nd 1941

Members present were –

Chairman W. Ball. W Thompson – J Baker – W Brown.

It was decided to carry on with the meeting.

The balance sheet for the Band Contest held at Lynemouth Dec 22nd 1940 was read. It was stated the sum of £7.10.3 was handed over to the “War Comforts Fund”.

The secretary then explained that an inner committee had been formed by the members of the band, the purpose being to discuss any business which did not come within the scope of the outer committee. This was approved by the outer committee.

A dance was already arranged to take place in the Ellington Institute on Feb 1st 1941. The inner committee asked that the proceeds from any concerts & dances should be devoted to the repair of instruments & new music. The outer committee agreed.

The playing members of the band agreed to submit to a contribution of 3d (Threepence) a week towards purchasing new music.

The secretary then stated that the Colliery Levies had reduced about £1 since the outbreak of hostilities. Also several band instruments were in need of repairs. It was decided to hold a meeting at the earliest possible date.

This concluded the meeting

W Ball

1/11/42