1903-1910
Probably the greatest indoor occasion for Clifton Band was the Grand Bazaar, as reported was a spectacle of colour and beauty, showing much forethought and taste on the part of Mr Sam Walton and his helpers. With Mr H. Brealey in the chair, this bazaar was declared open by Mr Joseph Hirst on Easter Saturday, April 11th 1903. Adding to the attractions of the day, the Clifton band played selections of music at intervals and dance music when requested. The prices of admission to this grand bazaar were:- season tickets, one shilling; Saturday, sixpence; after 6 o’clock three pence; Monday sixpence; Tuesday three pence; For this three day event a grand total of £113 – 1 shilling and 7 pence was raised.
In 1904 the band assisted at the annual whit walk for St Johns church in Clifton. In July the band also played at Bailiff Bridge Cricket Field. Those are the only two entries I have found for the band for that year.
The Brighouse News of 20th January 1905. The annual report of the band stated: Balance sheet, brought forward from 1903. £7-18sh – 8 ½ p. Engagements realised £51–17sh-9 ½ p, from Contributions £13-9sh – 6p, Annual Subscriptions £8-19sh-2p. Total £98-3sh-8 ½ p. The major expenditure was for the conductor and professional assistance, which left a balance of just £5.
In January and in March the band held two social evenings to help raise funds. In August of 1904 the band performed at a concert in aid of a Mr T.Bottomley who had been ill. Tommy Raynor played a cornet solo. This gentleman was held in high esteem by my first teacher, John Womersley.
A rather disturbing piece of news emerged in 1905, when on August 11th we read in the Brighouse News that “ Clifton Brass Band in the County Court.” Here is the extract from the newspaper of the day.
At the Halifax County Court on Tuesday, the Clifton Subscription Band were plaintiffs in an action entered against Mr Reynolds, brass instrument maker, of Salford, for the sum of £5-10sh. Money paid for an alleged defective instrument - a bass in E flat. Mr W.F.Rhodes (Messrs C. T. Rhodes and son) appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr Hinchcliffe for the defendant. The latter took objection that the band, not being registered as a band, were not competent to sue.
Mr Rhodes asked for leave to amend his summons by instituting the names of the forty members. He had supplied these names to the defendant. Mr Rhodes contended that his honour had the power to do this. The band did not exist for the purpose of gain. The members paid a weekly subscription, but got nothing.
His Honour said he had no power to start the action as there was nothing before the court. His advice was that the band should register themselves, and appoint two or three gentlemen who would accept this office of trustees. Mr Rhodes said the instrument was a bassoon nearly thirty years old, and was only fit to be classified as old metal. The defendants, he said, guaranteed to return all moneys paid for instruments if not approved after certain periods of trial were allowed. His Honour said he had no alternative but to non-suit the plaintiffs. No costs were allowed. So the band lost its £5 -10sh and had to pay its solicitors costs.
In 1908 the band undertook the raising of funds to purchase new uniforms. To this end a series of dances and concerts were held.
Also during August the King Cross band organised a March and Waltz contest at the White House Farm, Savile Park. The 1st prize for the best waltz went to Black Dyke Juniors with Clifton placed second. The march contest was won by Brighouse Temperance Band (the fore runner of what is now Brighouse & Rastrick) with Clifton again in second place. Assuming both bands entered both sections this will be one time when Clifton beat Brighouse in a contest!!