Worksop Miners Welfare Band

A portrait type posed photograph of the Band estimated to be around 1912, shows "Worksop Town Band" in a new uniform, presumably why it was taken.

In addition to new uniforms a number of new instruments were purchased through the generosity of the late Mr William Allen.

The Worksop Guardian reported on Friday 29th August that the 7th Annual Hospital Demonstration had taken place. There were various floats, banners, the Provincial Provident Society, Worksop Town Band, Shireoaks Colliery Band and Worksop Salvation Army Band, all taking part in the procession.

In 1914, another photograph shows ‘Worksop Town Band’ and lists the musicians.

The Band 'disbanded' during the first World War, during which many musicians were on active service. Three members of the Band did not return, having been killed in action. They were Charles Redfern, James Ratcliffe, and Walter Malkin.

Worksop Guardian
Friday September 17th 1915

"THE GREAT SACRIFICE
Local men killed and wounded

Drummer Malkin, Worksop, Killed

Old soldier's gallant end

Among the brave who have fallen in the fierce 
fighting at the Dardenelles is Drummer Walter Malkin,
9th Sherwood Forresters, of 32 Abbey Steet, Worksop,
and son of Mrs Malkin of Thorpe Hesley, Near Rotherham,
and brother of Sgnt. Malkin of the Worksop Territorials.
Drummer Malkin had an adventurous career.  He had long
served as a soldier and was a time-expired man, when he 
rejoined to fight against the brutal Germans.
Worksop people will remember him best by reason of his
association with the old Town Band, of which organisation
he was, as drummer, a most picturesque and useful asset.
It was a spectacle worth seeing to witness him marching
along, with the big drum slung in front of him, and 
swinging his sticks in masterly fashion.  As a drummer
he knew his business as well as any drum-major in the
Army." Walter Malkin was killed in action on August 4th.

The ending of the Great War in 1918 was followed by annual Peace Day celebrations. The 1919 celebration (reported in the Worksop Guardian on 25th July 1919, makes the following reference:
"As it was the men who fought for us played a prominent part in the days events, the programme commencing with a very successful parade. Headed by the newly-formed Town Band, under Mr H.Pressley senior…"

1919 celebration

At Crystal Palace in 1921 the Band was placed 12th out of 21 contestants.

In 1922 new instruments were purchased costing £484. The President Mr C.A.Longbottam gave £50 and lent them another £50 towards the first instalment of £200.

Under the leadership of Mr T.H.Bell who took over the baton in 1920, the Band joined the Sheffield Brass Band Association in 1923. The Band then won two first prizes at Sheffield and the Taylor Cup; first and second prizes at Lincoln, and 3rd at the Palace again out of 29 contestants.

Other Local Bands

Bands and the Mining Industry