Wartime Years

As World War II begins, meetings become more sporadic and the band faces new challenges.

Committee Meeting Aug 9th 1939

Members present were – W. Thompson – J. Jarvie – J. Gillis – J. Baker

Mr W Ball presided

The minutes of the previous meeting were read & confirmed – moved by J. Baker

It was agreed that we retain the conductor Mr R Lowdon who up till the present had only been engaged temporary. Moved by J Jarvie seconded J Gillis. It was also decided that we raise his salary up to 2 pounds (£2) per month. This to include an agreement that the conductor puts in 3 practices weekly including 1 practice for learners, extra practices would be left to the conductor’s discretion. Moved by J Baker 2nd J Jarvie – carried.

Moved by the secretary W Thompson & 2nd by W. Ball that the conductor should arrange a monthly instrument inspection – carried

It was agreed that we arrange programme of music for the 3 following Sundays at Lynemouth Hotel Bridge – Lynemouth Social Club - & The Plough Inn, Ellington Village.

The secretary reported that from the Morpeth Picnic & Durham Miners Gala engagements over £4 had been put into the band funds.

Regarding accounts owing to the Band by Mr A Clyde & Mr D Johnson. It was decided to bring them before the committee at the next meeting, also Mr R McPherson for his conduct at the last 2 engagements.

It was also decided to hold a meeting of the committee & trustees of the band at the earliest possible date.

This ended the meeting                                                                           W Ball

Band Meeting of Committee & Trustees                      Apr 25th 1940

Those present were –

W Ball who presided. W Thompson, W. Little, J Jarvie, J Warlow, J Baker

Trustees were – R Tait – R McPherson & J Tilley.

The secretary read the minutes of the last meeting – It was stated that this was the first meeting held since the outbreak of the War, but though times were difficult the band carried on as usual.

Mr Little then asked if the conductor had fulfilled his obligation to the band. The chairman stated that he was more than satisfactory, the band had improved immensely & every credit was due to the conductor.

Mr Ball then reported on the progress of the band since the committee took over Levies from the two Collieries had increased considerably.

The account owing by D Johnson & A Clyde next came under consideration. Regarding Mr Johnson the chairman said no attempt had been made to pay off the debt owing to the band nor any explanation given; in fact the committee felt they were being treated with contempt as he had not carried out his agreement which he had signed. Mr Ball then asked for the best method to proceed with the matter. It was moved by R Tait & 2nd J Baker that we give him (Mr Johnson) a final warning & if he still didn’t give any satisfaction to put the matter into the hands of a solicitor. It was thought that it was only fair to give him every chance to repay & the secretary was to notify Mr Johnson to that effect. The motion was carried.

With reference to Mr Clyde’s account which had been standing since 1936, it was decided after being moved by W Little 2nd R Tait that we wipe this off the books. Mr Clyde’s previously stated that the remaining sum should have been deducted for bus fares to practices.  The present committee had no knowledge of this & as there had not been any register of practices kept it was decided we couldn’t act otherwise.

The question of exchange of Band instruments was discussed – Mr McPherson said the instruments were still the property of the Ashington Coal Co – Mr W Ball stated that being the case the committee were free to replace any damaged band property without the consent of the A. C. C. as long as such property were made good.

Moved by J Warlow 2nd R Tait that we exchange the band euphonium for a reconditioned one of the same type – This was left in the hands of the secretary – All agreed

The secretary W Thompson gave a report of a Band meeting held at Social Club, Bedlington regarding a contest to be held in place of the Morpeth picnic which had been postponed through the war. This also was left to the secretary & Mr Warlow was to accompany the sec to the next meeting.

The trustees then expressed their satisfaction of the progress of the band & after moving a vote of thanks for the chair, the meeting closed.

W Ball