| 1900 | Date | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | Various Corporation Of Gravesend Committee minutes show that -
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| 01/1900 | From a report in the Shipley Times and Express, in January 1900 Mr Albert Wade became the Band's resident conductor. Hitherto this band was was almost unknown and had done very little contesting. The first contest he took us to was Barnet. Fourteen bands played and Gravesend was awarded third prize, being only beaten by such excellent bands as Luton Red Cross and KetteringTown. Mr Wade next took the Gravesend Band to a valse and selection contest at Uxbridge, where they were awarded first in the valse and third in the selection, eight bands competing. Indeed the band did remarkably well that year, and earned genuine approbation from well-known critics. Its income was consequently more than double that of any previous year. When Mr. Wade was about to leave them the members and friends of Gravesend Town Band presented him with a very handsome picture of the full band as a token of their esteem, and it has always been cherished as a pleasing reminder of his stay with them. In July 1902 he moved on to Broxburn Band in Scotland. | ||
| Fri | 30/03/1900 | Corporation Of Gravesend Paving, Lighting And Works Committee minutes show - "Gordon Promenade (Music).—the Chairman having resumed the chair, the Town Clerk read a letter from the Town Prize Band asking permission to play selections of music on the Promenade during the forthcoming summer season on the same conditions as last year, and also to use the band stand for that purpose. The Band also took the opportunity of thanking the Mayor and members of the Corporation for their kindness in allowing them to play in the Market during the winter months. The Band ventured to think that, judging from the large number of people attending on each occasion, it had been the means of affording considerable enjoyment. Permission was given accordingly." |
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| Mon | 16/04/1900 | Gravesend Town Band came 3rd at a contest at Barnet winning 5 guineas. (Conductor: Albert Wade, Test piece: Songs of England) | |
| Mon | 04/06/1900 | Gravesend Town Band came 3rd at a contest at Uxbridge, and 1st in the waltz contest. (Conductor: Albert Wade, Test piece: Joan of Arc) | |
| Tue | 19/06/1900 | Corporation Of Gravesend Band Sub-Committee minutes in full shows - "Present.—The Mayor (Mr. Councillor Willis); Alderman Butchard; Councillor Davis, and Town Clerk. The following gentlemen attended by invitation as delegates from the Gravesend Band, viz., Messrs. Wade, Allen, Harris and Denton, and submitted the last balance-sheet, which was considered in detail by the Committee. It appears that with exception of the bandmaster no member is in any way remunerated for playing either on the Promenade, or in the Market, or in the streets, or for necessary practicing. The Christmas collection is, however, exceptionally dealt with, the members of the band dividing it on a basis arranged between them. Sixteen shillings was the highest amount netted by any individual during the entire period of six months. The net amounts collected are devoted to paying off the cost of the musical instruments, the property in which is vested in Mr. G. M. Arnold, Alderman Butchard and Councillor Penney, as trustees for the public. The original cost (£250) has thus been reduced to £129. If the Corporation would relieve the collections of the onus of fixing and taking down the band stand in the Market, the time at which the instruments would be freed from debt would be appreciably hastened. The instruments being only brass and not silver plated, are simply washed after use and not polished, since the latter method, as tending to wear away the metal, would be contrary to the advice of the makers. The members claim it as the Champion Brass Band for Kent. There have been only three contests in which it has been engaged this year, and in each of these a prize has been secured. A sample uniform approved by this Committee has been decided upon. It is to be supplied at a cost of under £70 by Messers. Hodgson & Co., of Huddersfield, who tendered the lowest price for a suitable dress. The members have applied that this sum should be provided by the public, and have expressed their pleasure that their Committee should be strenghtened by the addition of delegates of the Council, and that on all state occasions which will not interfere with their business avocations, the Band should be in attendance. The Committee recommended that the application be acceded to and delegates appointed accordingly. |
19.30 |
| 1901 | Date | Event | Time |
| Sat | 26/01/1901 | Corporation Of Gravesend Special Court minutes show - "AT A SPECIAL COURT OF THE MAYOR, ALDERMEN AND BURGESSES OF THE BOROUGH OF GRAVESEND, duly convened and holden at the Town Hall, in and for the same Borough on Saturday, the 26th day of January, 1901, at 1.45 p.m. Business.—To proclaim the accession to the throne of King Edward VII." At 2 p.m. a "Proclamation was read by the Town Clerk, in the presence of a large concourse of the inhabitants of the Borough, who had been assembled by the voice of the Town Crier and Public Notification; silence having been first proclaimed by a fanfare sounded by four trumpeters." After the proclamation was read "The fanfare having again been sounded the concourse sung, "God Save the King." accompanied by the Town Band, which was in attendance." There was then a procession formed as follows:" Chief Constable (mounted) |
13.45 |
| Sat | 02/02/1901 | From the "ORDER OF CEREMONY To be observed at Gravesend on the Day of National Mourning for Her late Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, on Saturday, February 2nd, 1901." The following hymns (favourites of Her late Majesty) will be sung, accompanied by the Town Band:— Happy Soul! Thy Days Are Ended. Peace, Perfect Peace." The Town Band was not involved in the procession, that task being carried out by the Band of the 1st K.V.A. |
12.20 |
| Mon | 08/04/1901 | Gravesend Town Band played but did not win at a contest at Barnet. (Conductor: Albert Wade, Test piece: Songs of Scotland) | |
| Sat | 25/05/1901 | Gravesend Town Band came 2nd at a contest at Willesden. (Conductor: Albert Wade, Test piece: Gems from Sullivan Operas No.1) | |
| Mon | 01/07/1901 | Gravesend Town Band held 2 presentations at thier headquarters in the Darnley Arms, Trafalgar Road. Mr. A.Wade was given a handsomely-framed enlarged photo of a group of members of the Band, on which appeared the following inscription: "Presented to Mr A Wade, conductor, by the members of the Gravesend Town Band. as a token of their esteem. June. 1901." There can be no gainsaying the fact that under Mr. Wade's tuition the Band have made considerable improvement, and during the two years they have been under his conductorship they have received prizes at contests. Mr. Wade, it may be remembered. came to Gravesend from Wyke, Yorkshire, where he was Bandmaster of the noted Band of that place. Mr. J. Wright, a member, received a gift of a silver-plated cornet, to show the members' congratulations upon his recent marriage. In addition to the Band, a number of friends and councillors assembled at the proceedings. |
evening - midnight |
| Mon | 07/10/1901 | Corporation Of Gravesend Town Hall And Market Committee minutes show - The Gravesend Orchestral Society were granted the use of the "Town Hall on Monday evenings during the months October to April for the weekly rehearsals of the Society" on the same terms as granted to the Gravesend and Milton Choral Society. The Corporation reserved the right to "require the Hall on any Monday night for any purpose, whether for their own use or for letting or otherwise". |
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| 1902 | Date | Event | Time |
| 1902 | Gravesend library does not have a copy of Corporation Of Gravesend minutes 1902-1903. The 1901-02 minutes end on 10/11/1902 | ||
| Fri | 09/05/1902 | Corporation Of Gravesend Town Hall And Market Committee minutes show - "Gordon Promenade (Music).—On consideration of the letter from the Town Band for permission to play on the Promenade on Sundays, referred by the Council, the matter was left to the Mayor for him to see the leader of the band with regard to extending the playing to Wednesdays, and also to see the Chief Constable as to maintenance of order. The Mayor was also requested to arrange for bands to play on Windmill Hill and the Promenade on Whit-Monday." |
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| Tue | 13/05/1902 | Corporation Of Gravesend Coronation Committee minutes show - "Letters from the Town Band and the band of the 1st K.V.A. were read and their offers to play on the Coronation Day were accepted at the following charge :—Town Band, £10 10s. ; 1st K.V.A., £12 12s." |
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| Tue | 27/05/1902 | Corporation Of Gravesend Pleasure Grounds Sub-Committee minutes show - "Gordon Promenade Music.—The Mayor stated that he had arranged with the Town Band for performances on the Promenade on Wednesday afternoons." |
10.00 |
| Mon | 02/06/1902 | Corporation Of Gravesend Whole Court minutes show - "At noon the Mayor, accompanied by the members of the Town Council and their officers, proceeded from the Town Hall ... preceded by the band of the 1st K.V.A. and the Chief Constable mounted." In a number of places, after a fanfare of trumpets, the Town Clerk read a statement announcing "the welcome news of the cessation of hostilities in South Africa" and the band then played "God save the King." |
12.00 |
| Sun | 08/06/1902 | Corporation Of Gravesend Whole Court minutes show - There was "a Thanksgiving Service to Almighty God for peace now proclaimed" at Christ Church. The band of the 1st K.V.A. was part of the cortége from Milton Barracks. |
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| Mon | 16/06/1902 | Corporation Of Gravesend Pleasure Grounds Sub-Committee minutes show - "The Town Clerk was instructed to enquire whether the Northfleet Silver Band are desirous of playing weekly on Windmill Hill." |
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| Mon | 21/07/1902 | Corporation Of Gravesend Coronation Committee minutes show - a payment of £12 10s. 0d. to Gravesend Town Band, one of may payments towards the celebration of the Coronation to take place on Saturday 9th proximo [09/08/1902]." |
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| Wed | 30/07/1902 | Corporation Of Gravesend Whole Court minutes show - In relation to the coronation celebrations "(c) That the bells of the two parish Churches be rung throughout the day, and that the services of two bands to be retained to play at intervals during the whole of the day." |
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| Mon | 22/09/1902 | Corporation Of Gravesend Town Hall And Market Committee minutes show - "Choral Association.—The application of the Gravesend and Milton Choral Association for permission to hold their weekly practices in the Town Hall during the coming season as in previous years was granted." |
11.00 |
| Mon | 22/09/1902 | Corporation Of Gravesend Town Hall And Market Committee minutes show - "Bands.—Applications were read from the Gravesend Town Prize Band asking for leave to play in the Market on Sunday and Wednesday evenings during the winter and to make a collection ; and from the Northfleet Band Committee for permission to play on Wednesday evenings in the Market for the same object, as they had been allowed to play on Windmill Hill. Resolved that the Gravesend Band be allowed to play in the Market on Sunday evenings at eight o'clock and on every alternate Wednesday evening, and that Northfleet Band be allowed to play every alternate Wednesday evening, and further that, with a view to preserving order and allow the general public to listen to the music without inconvenience, no collection be taken but a charge of one penny each person be made by the bands for admission." |
11.00 |
| Wed | 08/10/1902 | Corporation Of Gravesend Whole Court minutes shows - "Gravesend and Northfleet Bands.—A question having arisen as to whether these Bands should be allotted alternate Wednesdays, and run the risk of the Market being engaged on any night which might fall to either of them, or whether they should have the Market by turns, it was resolved that the Bands should take turn and turn about." |
11.00 |
| 1903 | Date | Event | Time |
| 1903 | Gravesend library does not have a copy of Corporation Of Gravesend minutes 1902-1903 or 1903-1904. | ||
| 1903 | Band committee ordered a complete set of instruments and uniforms at a total cost of £500, playing in the Market every Sunday and Wednesday to help pay the debt. | ||
| Sat | 07/03/1903 | Gravesend Town Band came 6th in the 1st section at the championship contest held at the Crystal Palace, London, winning a prize of £1. (Conductor: Mr. Jesse Manley, Test piece: Don Sebastiano) | |
| Sat | 11/04/1903 | Gravesend Town Band came 3rd in a contest at Lewisham, winning a prize of £3, a box of cigars and book. (Conductor: Jesse Manley, Test piece: Gems of Welsh Melody) | |
| Mon | 13/04/1903 | Gravesend Silver Band came 2nd in a contest at Barnet, winning a prize of 6 guineas. (Conductor: Jesse Manley, Test piece: Casket of Gems) | |
| Sat | 27/06/1903 | Gravesend Silver Band came 1st in a contest at Wembley Park (Section 1) winning £6, a cup, trombone and medal for conductor. (Conductor: Jesse Manley, Test piece: Gems of Welsh Melody). Best Trombone and Horn were also awarded to Gravesend. | |
| Sat | 11/07/1903 | Gravesend Town Band came 2nd in the National Cooperative Festival contest at Crystal Palace, winning a prize of £5. (Conductor: Jesse Manley, Test piece: Don Sebastiano) | |
| Wed | 22/07/1903 | Gravesend Town Silver Band came 1st in a contest at the Biggleswade Bedfordshire Agricultural Society Brass Band Contest held at Fairfield Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, winning a prize of £8, along with £2 for winning the March contest and all soloist medals. (Conductor: Jesse Manley, Test piece: Gems of Welsh Melody). | |
| Sat | 15/08/1903 | Gravesend Town Band came 2nd in a contest at Woolwich, winning a prize of £12. (Conductor: Jesse Manley, Test piece: Don Sebastiano) | |
| Sat | 22/08/1903 | Loyal United Order of Anglo-Saxons Friendly Society First Annual Fete & Athletic Sports in aid of the Society's Convalescent Home. Held at Rosherville Gardens, Gravesend. Procession and Concerts (Gravesend Town Silver Band) |
12.00 - 12.45 14.50 - 15.10 16.30 - 17.30 19.00 - 19.45 21.30 - 22.10 |
| Sat | 05/09/1903 | Gravesend Town Band came 1st in a contest held at Dartford (Section 1), winning a prize of £6 and a trombone. (Conductor: Jesse Manley, Test piece: Gems of Welsh Melody) | |
| Sat | 05/12/1903 | Gravesend Town Band conducted by Mr. Jesse Manley gained second prize in Section 1 at the London and Home Counties Amateur Band Association quartette contest held at the Alexandra Palace. | |
| 1904 | Date | Event | Time |
| Fri | 01/01/1904 | Gravesend library does not have a copy of Corporation Of Gravesend minutes 1903-1904. The 1904-05 minutes start on 09/11/1904 | |
| Sat | 06/02/1904 | Gravesend Town Band came 3rd in Section 1 of the London and Home Counties Amateur Band Association annual contest held at the Alexandra Palace, London, winning a prize of £5. (Conductor: Jesse Manley, Test piece: Poliuto Suite) This competition was adjudicated by William Rimmer (composer). |
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| Thu | 18/02/1904 | Gravesend Band came 2nd in the London Eisteddfod, winning a prize of £10. (Conductor: J.Manley, Test piece: Gems of Welsh Melody) | |
| Mon | 04/04/1904 | Gravesend Town Band came 3rd in the 1st Section at a contest held at Lewisham. (Conductor: Joseph Jackson, Test piece: Ploiuto) | |
| Mon | 23/05/1904 | Gravesend Town Band came 3rd in a contest held at Dunstable, winning a prize of £3 . (Conductor: Jesse Manley, Test piece: Ploiuto) | |
| Sat | 03/09/1904 | Gravesend Town Band came 3rd in the 1st Section at a contest held at Dartford. | |
| Mon | 21/11/1904 | Corporation Of Gravesend Town Hall and Market Committee minutes line 36 shows - "Application from Northfleet Band.—An application from the Northfleet Silver Band for permission to play in the Market having been read, it was recommended that the Council grant them the use of the Market on alternate Wednesdays upon the same terms as the Gravesend Town Band." |
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| 1905 | Date | Event | Time |
| 1905 | Various Corporation Of Gravesend Committee minutes show that -
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| Sat | 18/03/1905 | Gravesend Town Band came 5th in Section 1 at the London and Home Counties Amateur Band Association championship contest held at the Crystal Palace. (Conductor: Angus Holden, Test piece: La Cenerentola). | |
| Wed | 29/03/1905 | Corporation Of Gravesend Pleasure Grounds Sub-Committee minutes show - "Bands.—It was recommended that the Town Clerk ascertain the wishes of the following bands :—Welch Regiment, Town and Northfleet, as to playing on the Promenade and Windmill Hill during the summer months." |
10.30 |
| Tue | 11/04/1905 | Corporation Of Gravesend Pleasure Grounds Sub-Committee minutes show - "Bands on Promenade and Windmill Hill.—Letters from the Gravesend Town Band, Northfleet Silver Band and the Band of the 1st Batt. Welch Regiment having been read and considered, it was ordered that the matter be deferred for further consideration." |
11.00 |
| Fri | 09/06/1905 | Corporation Of Gravesend Pleasure Grounds Sub-Committee minutes show - "Promenade.—It was recommended that permission be granted to the Gravesend Town Band to play on the Gordon Promenade during the summer months on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. ond [sic] on Sundays at 3 and 8 p.m. on the same conditions as the permission was granted last year." |
10.30 |
| Mon | 12/06/1905 | The Town Band Football Club won the tug of war at Gravesend United Football Club's Whit-Monday Athletic Sports day. | |
| Wed | 14/06/1905 | A concert of vocal and instrumental music at Windmill Hill, Gravesend. | 18.30 |
| Wed | 28/06/1905 | Corporation Of Gravesend Whole Court minutes line 68 shows - "Bands.—His Worship stated that the Colonel commanding the Rifle Brigade had offered to allow the Regimental Band to play on the Promenade on Sunday next, but as the Town Band had a previous engagement to play there, it was suggested, if it met the Council's approval, that the Colonel's offer be accepted for a performance on Windmill Hill." |
10.00 |
| Sat | 22/07/1905 | Gravesend Town Band came 4th in a contest held at Grays. (Conductor: Joseph Jackson, Test piece: Donizetti) | Morning - Early afternoon |
| Sat | 22/07/1905 | A few minutes after 15.00 - Procession from Gravesend Clock tower to the Anglo-Saxon Fete at Rosherville Gardens, and music while the sports were in progress. The band arrived late from Grays contest where they came fourth, hence the delay to the start of the procession. 19.45 - Programme of music. 21.20 - Final performance before the firework display at 21.30. |
15.00 - 19.45 - 21.20 - |
| Wed | 09/08/1905 | Windmill Hill, Gravesend. Chairs 2d. Programme 1d. | 18.30 - |
| Wed | 23/08/1905 | Gravesend Town Regatta, Northfleet Silver band were also in attendance. | |
| Sat | 02/09/1905 | Contest arranged by Gravesend Town Silver Band at Rosherville Gardens, Gravesend. The contest was preceded by a procession from Gravesend Clock Tower to the Gardens. This was planned to start at 13.00, however the first band didn't leave until 13.35, and the last at 14.40, which delayed the start of the contest to 15.30. The test piece was "Gems of Irish Melodies", a 15 minute long selection containing a number of solos, and each band also played a waltz of their own choosing. The ten competitors were St Albans City, Barnet Town, Battersea Borough, Belvedere Excelsior, Chesham Silver, Dartford Volunteers, Grays Temperance, Ilford Horns, Northfleet Silver and Walthamstow Silver. There were a total of £40 prizes presented by mayor G.M.Arnold Esq. J.P., Northfleet Silver Band came first and won £10, Walthamstow won the waltz competition, and there were also prizes for best soloists playing cornet, soprano, euphonium, trombone, and (an additional medal added by the judge Braithet Llewelyn Fewster) baritone. Several thousand people attended the competiton, unfortunately the planned final massed band performance could not take place for want of time, much to the regret of all. |
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| Sat | 16/09/1905 | Gravesend Town Band came 2nd in the 1st Section at a contest held at the Widmore-road Cricket Ground, Bromley. (Conductor: G.H.Thomas, Test piece: Donizetti). The band also won best cornet (H.Gilder) and horn (E.Warner). 2nd prize was an eight-day marble clock and £5 cash, the cornet and horn players won gold medals, the conductor received a gold mounted ebony baton and gold centre medal, and the band secetary (F.Allen) a complete volume of Shakespeare's works. |
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| Sat | 23/09/1905 | Gravesend Town Band came 3rd in a contest held at Sunbury-on-Thames. (Conductor: Joseph Jackson [brassbandresults] or H. Gilder [Gravesend Reporter], Test piece: La Cenerentola). Second contest in a series in connection with the Southern Brass Band League. There were no prizes, the points won going toward a grand total which would at the end of the season, constitute the winner of a handsome trophy. The band were not at full strength, and had the following line up: conductor, H.Gilder; principle cornet, H.Gilder; solo cornet, J.Shibbs and D.Harris; repiano, W.Sutherland; soprano, J.Wilson; 2nd cornet A.Betteney; 3d cornet, F.Golding; 2nd flugel, T.Connolley; solo horn, E.Warner; 1st horn, A.Northsworthy; 2nd horn, W.Dix; solo baritone, C.Prestland; solo euphonium, F.Allen; solo trombone, E.Petteney; 2nd trombone, T.Cookson; B flat bass, A.Denney; E flat bass, B.Cooper and J.Foley. |
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| Tue | 03/10/1905 | Corporation Of Gravesend Town Hall And Market Committee minutes show - "Bands.—Letters from the Gravesend and Northfleet Bands asking for permission to play in the Market were read, and it was Resolved that the Northfleet Band be allowed to have the use of the Market either on alternate Wednesdays or on one Sunday in the month, as shall appear to be their desire upon enquiry by the Town Clerk." |
11.00 |
| Sat | 21/10/1905 | An advertisement in Gravesend Reporter. By kind permission of the Town Council, the Gravesend Town Silver Band will play a grand Selection of Music every Sunday and Wednesday evening in the Market at eight, until further notice.—Admission, One Penny. | |
| Sun | 22/10/1905 | Gravesend Market | 20.00 - |
| Tue | 24/10/1905 | Corporation Of Gravesend Town Hall And Market Committee minutes show - "Band playing in the Market.—Read a letter from the Gravesend Town Band asking for a reconsideration of the decision of the Council to allow the Northfleet Band to play in the Market on one Sunday a month.—The Committee saw no reason to vary the order already made." |
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| Sun | 19/11/1905 | Gravesend Market | 20.00 - |
| Wed | 22/11/1905 | Gravesend Market. The concert included the St. Albans test piece "The Rose of England". | 20.00 - |
| Sat | 25/11/1905 | Gravesend Town Band came 2nd in a contest held at St. Albans. (Conductor: Joseph Jackson, Test piece: Rose of England). | |
| Mon | 04/12/1905 | The band, under conductor G.H.Thomas, commenced playing their annual Xmas selections of music in various parts of the town. Collectors wore band uniform, and official receipts were given if required. | |
| 1906 | Date | Event | Time |
| 1906 | Various Corporation Of Gravesend Committee minutes show that -
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| 1906 | Homeland Hand Book lists the band under its Various category as "Gravesend Town Siver Band and Institute, Old Distillery, Bank Street. Band Sec., F. Allen" Kelly's directory Gravesend Milton Northfleet and District records "Gravesend Town Siver Band, Club and Institute, Bank Street". The old distillery, visible on the 1863 Ordnance Survey map, was on the site of the current Gravesend Medical Centre. Some of its cellars were encountered while building the medical centre. |
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| Wed | 31/01/1906 | Concert at Gravesend Market Hall with the financial proceedings going to Miss Sharman's Orphans' Home. Admission fee was one penny. | 20.00 |
| Sat | 10/02/1906 | Gravesend Town Band came 4th in a contest held at Factory Hall, Northfleet. (Conductor: G.H.Thomas, Test piece: 'La Juive' by Halevy). The Gravesend Reporter was of the opinion that Gravesend should have been placed first. The Gravesend players were: Messrs. G.H.Thomas (conductor); H.Gilder (prins. solo cornet); J.Stubbs and D.Harris (solo cornet); J.Wilson (soprano); W.Sutherland (repiano); A.Betteney and A.Starvis (second cornet); F.Golding (third cornet); C.Locke (flugel); E.Warner (solo horn); W.Dix (second horn); G.Presland (solo baritone); F.Fothergill (second baritone); F.Allen (solo euphonium); E.Betteney (solo trombone); W.Spring (second trombone); J.Foley and E.Cooper (E flat basses); A.Denny and R.Duke (B flat basses). |
Evening |
| Sat | 17/03/1906 | Played for funeral of Albert Minter, a stevedore's labourer, who was a member of the Town Band Club. The band, near the head of the cortege, played slow and quick marches from 6 Horn Yard, via Queen Street, King Street, New Road and then to Gravesend Cemetary in Old Road [West], and then played airs and hymns at the cemetary. | Afternoon |
| Sun | 18/03/1906 | Sacred vocal and instrumental concert in the Town Band Club, Bank-street, Gravesend. About 300 people formed the audience, and there were a number of ladies present. Overtures and selections were played by an orchestra who had been rehearsing together only one week. |
Evening |
| Fri | 13/04/1906 | Having been granted permission by Corporation Of Gravesend Town Hall And Market Committee the Gravesend Town Silver Prize Band gave a sacred, vocal and orchestral concert in the Market, conducted by Mr H. Parks, on Good Friday evening. Entrance, by programme, was one penny, an additional penny being charged for chairs. The money was in aid of the Band's instrument fund (subject to the Band paying the cost of lighting and the market attendants for their extra work). The programme included cornet, flute, violin and piano solos as well as songs and orchestral pieces. | 20.00 |
| Mon | 16/04/1906 | Although Gravesend Band did not attend, the final contest of the season was held at Enfield in connection with the Amateur Brass Band League. The final league table:
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| Sat | 21/04/1906 | The town band had an orchestra… An advert in the Gravesend Reporter Gravesend Town Silver Prize Band. STRING ORCHESTRA. Practice Nights, Thursdays, at 9 p.m. Conductor Mr Henry Parks, A.L.C.M., L.N.C.M. Vacancies for 1st and 2nd violins, viola, cello, flute, clarionette, etc. etc. Address: The Secretary, The Institute, Bank-street, Gravesend. |
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| Sat | 05/05/1906 | An article in Gravesend Report about band secretary Mr. F. Allen, born in 1867, throws light on band history. Mr. Allen started as a violinist but moved to brass instruments, and was one of 50 applicants to join Gravesend Temperance Band when they formed in 1886, but was not one of the successful 12. He obtained a tenor trombone and after some hard work applied again, playing his first concert at Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee celebration in June 1887. A while later the Town Band were at low water and approached Mr. Allen with a view to an amalgamation of the two bands. This merger was carried out and Mr. Allen became the euphonium player. He induced the band to take part in a contest in Gravesend in 1896 [29/07/1896] but their instruments were only fit for the scrapheap so Messrs. Besson kindly loaned the band six instruments. He had been relected secretary six times by this point, was one of the founders and trustees of the band institute in Bank-street and assisted the band in raising £800 by Sunday concerts. |
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| Sun | 20/05/1906 | Gravesend Promenade. First of a series of weekly concerts, until further notice. | 15.00 |
| Sun | 20/05/1906 | Gravesend Market. First of a series of weekly concerts, until further notice. | 20.00 |
| Sun | 20/05/1906 | Gravesend Promenade | Afternoon |
| Sun | 20/05/1906 | Gravesend Market Hall | Evening |
| Tue | 29/05/1906 | Corporation Of Gravesend Pleasure Grounds Sub-Committee minutes line 17 shows - "Town Band On Promenade.—The Town Band having applied for permission to play on the Promenade on Sundays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., it was recommended that the permission be given. Band Contest.—The Town Band having applied for permission for the bands attending the band contest at Rosherville Gardens on 2nd June to muster on the south of the Recreation Ground, permission was given accordingly." |
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| Sat | 02/06/1906 | Gravesend Town Band came 4th in the First (Championship) Section of the London and Home Counties Amateur Band Association contest held at the Rosherville Gardens, Gravesend, winning a prize of £2. (Conductor: G.H.Thomas, Test piece: Souvenir de Mayerbeer). At one o'clock, as part of a marching competition to decide the smartest band from each section, the band processed from Gravesend Clock Tower to the Fox and Hounds, London Road, Northfleet. Some of the 21 bands competing marched from Huggens' College, Northfleet to the Elephant's Head, also in London Road, Northfleet. Gravesend won the 1st section, and a prize of £1, for their marching and smart recovery after being forced to the side of the road by a tram car. There were two contests in the Rosherville Gardens, a March contest, playing a march of the band's choice, and a selection contest. At the conclusion of the contest the bandsmen gathered round the bandstand on the Archery Lawn to hear the results. Due to the lateness of the hour, after 9p.m., the planned massed performance was cancelled. Gravesend was short a cornet, baritone and bass and had the following musicians in attendance: Messrs. J.Wilson soprano, H.Gilder solo cornet, D.Harris and F.Fothergill assistant cornets, F.Sutherland repiano; A.Betteney and A.Starvis 2nd cornets, F.Golding and J.Lock 3rd cornets, E.Warner solo horn, T.Connelley 1st horn, J.Dix 2nd horn, C.Pressland solo baritone, J.Stubbs solo euphonium, E.Betteney solo trombone, W.Spring and C.Vincent 2nd trombone, F.Allen bass trombone, A.Denney and J.Foley BB flat basses, B.Cooper E flat bass, G.H.Thomas bandmaster [note: some spelling and instrument differences to band composition on 10/02/1906. |
13.00 - 21.00 |
| Sat | 09/06/1906 | Demonstration for the funds of Tilbury District Hospital. Gravesend Town Band was one of nine bands, and part of the first of four sections. The route started at the Council School in Tilbury, traversed streets around Tilbury, Little Thurrock, Grays, and returned to Little Thurrock where the massed bands played the National Anthem and the procession broke up. The following bands attended: Barkingside Brass Band; London, Tilbury and Southend Railway Company Band; Gravesend Town Band; Dagenham Brass Band; Tilbury Roman Catholic Drum and Fife Band; Grays Temperance Band; Boys Brigade Bugle Band; Stanford-le-Hope Brass Band; Rainham Brass Band. |
16.30 - |
| Sun | 10/06/1906 | First concert in a season of afternoon concerts on Gravesend Promenade | Afternoon |
| Sun | 10/06/1906 | First concert in a season of evening concerts on Gravesend Promenade | Evening |
| Sat | 16/06/1906 | A correspondent to the Gravesend Reporter made some suggestions in relation to Sunday afternoon and evening performances on the Promenade, by the town band. These included:
The band responded a week later
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| Wed | 11/07/1906 | Windmill Hill concert. Band booked at very short notice (24 hours) due to the Welch Regiment being called away to another engagement. Conductor Mr Thomas and the band played 6 pieces, and there were 2 singers who provided 7 songs between them. | Evening |
| Sat | 21/07/1906 | Gravesend Band came 3rd in a contest held at Dartford. (Conductor: G.H.Thomas, Test piece: Meyerbeer's Works). This was the 4th annual band contest promoted by Dartford Volunteer Silver Band. |
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| Sat | 11/08/1906 | Pelham-road Sports Ground for the third annual sports of the Harmsworth Athletic Club. | Afternoon |
| Wed | 15/08/1906 | Gravesend Town Band and 1st K.R.G.A. (Vols.) provided music for Gravesend Regatta. | |
| Sat | 08/09/1906 | Gravesend Band came 4th in a contest held at the Kursaal, Southend-on-Sea, winning a prize of £2. (Conductor: G.H.Thomas, Test piece: Carmelite, S.Cope). Gravesend had the misfortune to lose the principle cornet, Mr. H. Gilder, two days before, but Mr. Thomas took his place, and played well, in addition to conducting. |
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| Tue | 30/10/1906 | "Market.—Applications having been received from the Gravesend Town Band, the Northfleet Band, and the Band of the 1st K.V.A. [sic K.A.V.] for permission to play in the Market on Sunday evenings it was recommended that such permission be given as follows, the charge for admission not to exceed one penny:— The Gravesend Town Band to play two Sundays in four. The Northfleet Band to play one Sunday in four. 1st K.A.V. Band also to play one Sunday in four." As a result, in early December the band Secretary appealed in the Gravesend Reporter for continued support of the public… AN APPEAL FOR THE TOWN BAND. To the Editor. Sir,—Will you kindly allow me a little space in your valuable columns respecting the above band. In 1903 the Bands Committee ordered a complete set of instruments and uniforms at a total cost of £500. At this time we were allowed by the Town Council to play in the Market every Sunday and Wednesday, for which we we were very grateful. We have worked very hard to pay the debt, and I am pleased to inform the public we have managed to pay £400 off the account; but the remaining balance will want some paying, as we are now only allowed to play in the Market two Sundays each month during the winter, when money is hard to get. This alteration has been made recently. As the public are aware one penny is charged for admission to the Market, which is a good source of income. The Town Band is the only organisation that has played for the public all through the summer when we have had to rely upon a collection. We have given 42 Sunday performances on the Promenade, 31 performances in various parts of the borough during the summer, and held 172 rehearsals, and no member of the band is paid for his services other than the conductor; it is our hobby, but we have to work, we get no grant of any sort, we are self-supporting and have to play for every penny for our funds. That we do our best by our behaviour and appearance no one can deny. We also purchased 250 park chairs at a total cost of £37 to accommodate the public on the Promonade. When the instruments are paid for they will be held in trust for the use of the Town Band proper. All we ask is the continued support of the public. We will continue to do our part. Every member of our band is bona fide. As is generally known we have won 40 prizes and 33 gold and silver medals, also the Marylebone cup and three valuable instruments at band contests in various parts of the South of England. If you will kindly put these few facts before the public you will earn the gratitude of the members of the Gravesend Town Band. I might add, in conclusion, that no other local band has given one public performance in the borough and relied upon a collection during the past season.—Thanking you in anticipation, believe me, yours faithfully. F. ALLEN, Hon. Secretary. Gravesend Town Silver Band. |
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| Sun | 02/12/1906 | Gravesend Market. Admission including Programme, One Penny. | 20.00 |
| Tue | 04/12/1906 | Start of Annual Christmas Playing in various parts of the Borough | |
| 1907 | Date | Event | Time |
| Tue | 08/01/1907 | The Daily Telegraph & Courier reported "As it had not been conducted in good faith, the Gravesend Town Band Club was yesterday struck off the register by the Gravesend justices for twelve months. The police, who watched the premesis on twelve nights during December, alleged that thirtyone men left the club intoxicated after midnight, and there were eight offences of disorder, which included a number of fights." [Sounds like the Town Band Club in the Old Distillery, Bank Street served alcohol.] |
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| Wed | 06/03/1907 | Corporation Of Gravesend Town Hall And Market Committee minutes show - "Market: Use of.—An application from the Gravesend Town Silver Prize Band for permission to use the Market on the evening of Good Friday in order to give a vocal and instrumental concert, was considered. Resolved that permission be not granted as it has been found on previous occasions such performances tended to disorganise the Market on the following day." |
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| Thu | 16/05/1907 | Gravesend Town Silver Prize Band asked for permission to play on the promenade on Sundays at three and eight. Corporation Of Gravesend Fetes Committee decided that it was not desirable that any performances by bands should clash with the concerts provided by the Committee and it was accordingly Resolved (a) That the Town Band be allowed to play independently on the Promenade on Sunday only from 3 to 4.45 and from 7.45 to 9, and on condition that they place their services for the evening of one Wednesday in each month at the service of the Fêtes Committee free of Charge ; (b) That the band of the Kent R.G.A. be thanked for the offer to give a monthly concert and that they be invited to play on a Wednesday in co-operation with the Committee. The Town Clerk was instructed to see the secretaries of the bands and to arrange accordingly. Subsequently the Town Band and the Band of the Kent R.G.A. agreed to give their services to the Committee for one night per month free of all charge. |
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| Sun | 19/05/1907 | Some 1400 people attended a concert given by the 1st K.R.A. Volunteer Band in the Market, this being the last of the series. Each item rendered under the the conductorship of Mr. J. Whiting was well received. | |
| Mon | 20/05/1907 | Pelham-road Sports Ground playing selections of music at the Whit Monday races arranged by Gravesend United Football Club | Afternoon |
| Wed | 17/07/1907 | Windmill Hill | |
| Wed | 07/08/1907 | Played selections as part of a concert on Gravesend Promenade, with songs by Miss Herring, Mr. R. Essenhigh and Mr. E. Ullyett. | |
| Fri | 20/09/1907 | Corporation Of Gravesend Town Hall And Market Committee minutes show - "Market: Use of.—Applications having been received from the Gravesend Town Band of the Band of the 1st K.A.V. for permission to play in the Market on Sunday evenings it was recommended that such permission be given as follows:—The Gravesend Town Band to play three Sundays in four and the 1st K.A.V. Band on the fourth Sunday." |
11.00 |
| Sat | 28/09/1907 | Gravesend Town Band played in Gravesend's Hospital Parade along with Gravesend Salvation Army, Gravesend Volunteers, Northfleet, and two drum and fife bands from Tilbury. The route of the procession was from Lennox-road, through Perry Street to Huggen's College, back through Gravesend to the Echo and then to Lennox-road. | 16.30 - 20.30 |
| Tue | 03/12/1907 | Commenced playing Christmas music around town. Collectors in uniform. Official reciepts given if required. | |
| 1908 | Date | Event | Time |
| 1908 | Various Corporation Of Gravesend Committee minutes show that -
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| Fri | 27/03/1908 | Corporation Of Gravesend Paving Lighting and Works Committee minutes show - "Gordon Promenade: Bands.—A letter from the Gravesend Town Band asking for permission to play on the Promenade on Sundays during the forthcoming summer was referred to the Pleasure Grounds Sub-Committee." |
10.30 |
| Wed | 03/06/1908 | The Town Band wrote to the council asking permision to play on the Promenade on Sundays during the forthcoming summer. Corporation Of Gravesend Whole Court in Committee minutes show - "Bands on the Promenade.—Resolved that the Town Band be allowed to play on three Sundays out of four, and the Volunteer Band every fourth Sunday, if they so desire, during the hours 3—4.30 p.m. 7.45 and to 9 p.m." |
10.30 |
| Fri | 05/06/1908 | Corporation Of Gravesend Fetes Sub-Committee minutes show - "Concerts.—Resolved—That owing to the short time available no formal concert be arranged for next Wednesday, but that the Town Band be asked to arrange for a performance on the Promenade on the evening of Wednesday, the 10th June, from 7 to 9 o'clock, and that the enclosure be arranged for as last year. Also Resolved—That Concerts be given in Windmill Gardens and on the Promenade on alternate Wednesdays (except Hospital Fête Day) beginning in Windmill Gardens on the 17th June, and that the council be asked to authorise this Committee to close the Windmill Gardens on such Wednesdays as may be required, and to charge for admission thereto a sum not exceeding 2d., and a further sum of 2d. for admission to the enclosure in the Gardens, and also that the Council be asked to authorize this Sub-Committee to enclose on the occasion of concerts such portion of the Promenade as may seem advisable, and to charge for admission to such enclosure a sum not exceeding 2d.Whit-Monday.—The Town Clerk was instructed to arrange, if possible, for the Town Band to play on the Promenade on Whit-Monday. Programmes.—The Town Clerk was instructed to obtain quotations from local tradesmen as to the supply of Programmes for the concerts. Concert Conductor.—Resolved—That the Chairman, with Councillors Schultz, Huartson, and the Town Clerk interview several local musicians and discuss terms." |
10.30 |
| Fri | 12/06/1908 | Corporation Of Gravesend Fetes Sub-Committee minutes show - "Promenade.—Resolved that the Volunteer and Town Bands be offered the use of the Promenade for performances on week-days other than Wednesdays." |
11.00 |
| Thu | 16/07/1908 | Corporation Of Gravesend Fetes Sub-Committee minutes show - "Gordon Promenade(Naval Cadets).—Mr. Mack, of the Naval Cadets, having made an application for permission to perform on the Promenade on Wednesday evenings, commencing at a quarter past 8, in addition to the performances on the other evenings before arranged, it was resolved that permission be given accordingly, on condition that no special announcement of the Wednesday evening performances be made, and the time of starting be strictly adhered to. The Committee also agreed to Mr. Mack giving a sacred concert on Sundays, in conjunction with the Town Band." [I assume the Council did not want the Wednesday concerts announced as it would have impacted their takings at the Wednesday Windmill Hill Gardens concerts]. The Town Band subsequently stated in a letter to the Reporter that they did not intend to run sacred concerts in conjunction with the cadets on the Promenade. |
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| Fri | 18/09/1908 | A meeting was held at Gravesend Hospital of representatives of organisations taking part in the forthcoming Hospital Parade and Carnival. Gravesend Town Band, Northfleet Silver Band, Stanford Brass Band, and Tilbury Drum and Fife band promised their services and it was stated that there would probably be two others. | |
| Sat | 26/09/1908 | Gravesend Council discussed the use of the Market having received requests to play there on Sunday evenings. It was agreed that The Gravesend Town Band play on three Sundays in four, and the Home Counties (Kent) R.G.A, Heavy Battery Band play on the fourth Sunday. An application from Northfleet Band was also considered and dealt with (refused because a date could not be found for them). | |
| Sun | 27/09/1908 | Gravesend Market. | 20.00 - |
| Sun | 15/11/1908 | Thousands' of people gathered in the streets when the Mayor of Gravesend (Alderman H. E. Davis) and members of the Corporation attended service in St. George’s Church in the time-honoured custom on the first Sunday morning of the municipal year. The procession, an imposing one, was headed by the full band of the 1st Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantary Regiment, and there followed in the order mentioned: Members of the Board of Guardians, the local justices, representatives' of the Fire Brigade, and Friendly Societies, the band of the local Volunteer Artillery, the appropriate officials, the Mayor and Corporation in state, and the Gravesend Town Band. The Mayoress (Mrs. Davis) rode in a landau at the end. The principal thoroughfares of the borough were perambulated. | |
| Mon | 07/12/1908 | The band commenced playing Christmas selections of music in various parts of the town. They had with them Collectors in uniform, and offered official reciepts if required. During December the the band played at various locations around the town under the direction of Mr. F. Allen, including the Clock Tower and the bottom of Parrock-street, collecting for the Mayor's fund. This lead to a donation of £4.0.7 to Mayor Davis' fund which had the object of giving relief in deserving cases of distress and to augment if thought advisable the resources of existing charitable organisations in the borough. |
Evening |
| 1909 | Date | Event | Time |
| 1909 | Various Corporation Of Gravesend Committee minutes show that -
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| Mon | 29/03/1909 | Corporation Of Gravesend Fetes Sub-Committee minutes show - "Bands..—The Town Band having written asking permission to play on the promenade on Sunday afternoons from 3 to 4.30, and on Sunday evenings from 7.30 to 9, the Band also sought permission to play in the Market on such Sundays as were wet. "It Was recommended that the Band be allowed to play on Sundays, the Council reserving the right to make other arrangements at any time." |
10.30 |
| Wed | 21/04/1909 | Gravesend Market, in aid of the Pay Day fund in connection with Gravesend Hospital. (Proposed date) | |
| Wed | 28/04/1909 | Gravesend Silver Prize Band, assisted by a number of ladies and gentlemen, in conjunction with the Co-operative Choir and the Hospital Carnival Committee gave a Vocal and Instrumental Concert in the Market Hall, in aid of the Gravesend Hospital. Admission was by pictorial postcard of the Hospital, 1d. of any member of the Band or Carnival Committee, Chairs 2d. And 3d. | 20.00 - |
| Thu | 13/05/1909 | Gravesend Promenade. Gravesend Silver Prize Band's first Sunday afternoon concert of the season at the venue. | Afternoon |
| Mon | 24/05/1909 | Entertainment at Pelham Road sports ground as part of Gravesend's Empire Day Celebrations. Earlier in the day (14.30) there was a procession to the sports ground from Gravesend clock tower, accompanied by two bands - Royal Marines light infantry Chatham Fife and Drum band, who headed the procession, and the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantary bugle band. Mayor Alderman J.P.Davis, J.P. gave a treat to 700 poor children (420 from the ragged schools , 120 from the Salvation army, 50 from Miss Sharman’s Orphanage plus a large number from the workhouse and children's homes), and distributed bright pennies straight from the Mint to all and sundry of the children. |
late afternoon |
| Wed | 15/09/1909 | Corporation Of Gravesend Town Hall and Market Committee minutes show - "Market (Music).—Applications have been received from the Town Band and from the Band of the Home Counties (Kent) R.G.A. for permission to play in the Market on Sunday evenings, it was resolved that a deputation from each Band be asked to meet this Committee." This duly happened on 21/09/1909 "Market: Uses of (Music).—The Committee interviewed the representatives of the Town Band and of the Band of the Home Counties (Kent) R.G.A. with regard to the performances in the Market on Sunday evenings, and discussed the best means of keeping better order among a section of the audience. It was suggested (1) That the charge of admission be increased from 1d. to 2d. (2) That there be no interval or re-admission. (3) That the platform be placed at the side of Market Place instead of in the middle and that other alterations be made in matters of detail, and the deputation undertook to convey to the Town Clerk the decision of their Committees as to the actual carrying out of the suggestions." A local paper said the price increase was to the comfort of those who go to listen to the music and to discourage those who had hither-to paid their pennies simply for the purpose of making a promenade of the Market Hall. However both bands were averse to the price increase and applied for permission to revert to 1d., this was granted from 12/12/1909. The R.G.A. Territorial's Band gave the first performance of the season. |
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| Sun | 14/11/1909 | Mayor's Sunday procession from the Market Place to St. George's Church for a service, and back to the Town Hall afterwards. The procession was lead by the band of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantary, followed by half a dozen bluejackets from Chatham, the batallion of Cornwall's, the Gravesend Heavy Battery with their band, the Mayor and Corporation in carrages along with the Sergeant-at-Mace and Borough Oarsman, the Town Silver Band and a big detatchment of Boy Scouts bringing up the rear. | |
| Sun | 05/12/1909 | Gravesend Market. Under the direction of Mr. F. Allen. The programme was March, "Pride of the Band"; overture "Victory"; selection "Haddon Hall"; cornet solo "Old Green Isle"; selection "La Straniera"; march "Gipsy Belle" and "God Save the King". | Evening |
| Mon | 06/12/1909 | Gravesend Silver Prize Band commenced playing Christmas music in various parts of the town, with collectors, in uniform, calling while the Band is in the neighbourhood. | |
| Sun | 26/12/1909 | R.G.A. (Territorial) Band played in the Market Hall. | 18.30 - |