Silverwood Band was formed in 1909 and from that time established themselves as one of the local star attractions. In the first half of the 20th century parades were a great means of entertainment, and Bands were a major part of any parade. Lets face it who can resist the stirring sight of uniformed men in a Brass Band marching proudly playing marching tunes. Often these Bands would be found in local town Parks in the then popular Bandstands, and they would play all day, entertaining the crowds and raising money to support the Band. On remembrance day the Silverwood Band would march up Whinney Hill, along Hollings Lane, and make their way to the cenotaph situated in the small wood at the top side of Milburn House. The Villagers would turn out to pay their respects to the soldiers who had died in the two World Wars, and march with the Band. Others would stand at the roadside and watch the march go by.
Silverwood Band went to Amersfoort, in Holland and played there, the photo above was taken of perhaps the most remembered member of the Band Fred Kelly, on one of these visits. As you can see the people of Amersfoort in 1963 turned out just like the British to watch the Band march by. George Baker  trombone player went with the band a couple of times to Amersfoort and made friends with the family with whom he stayed. I think that they were called de Groote !

Amersfoort  is at this moment in time the 17th largest City in Holland, and has a very interesting musical heritage. It was also the site of one of four Nazi Concentration Camps in Holland.
Now it was great to watch the Band leader up in front twirling his staff, throwing it in the air, and catching it, and it was great to see the rest of the Band marching in step blowing their instruments, but for most of us it was the man at the rear we loved to watch. The big bass drum hanging of his neck, head held high, keeping an eye on the men in front, and twirling the drumsticks between  the hits of the Drum, and what a sound that drum would make.
As you can see the man who played the bass drum did not wear a hat, if he did, he would inevitably knock it off, so a non Band member would be assigned to carry his hat for him. Raye Kelly son of Fred was often given this job and recalls My father Fred Kelly played the big drum in Silverwood pit band, my job was to march alongside wearing his hat and hope I didn't cop for a thump with the drum sticks as he flailed away without mercy once again.

Fred Hartle recalls the band had a nickname they were known as the BBC (Beer, bacca and cigaretttes!)

Robert Green ex band member states : "I can assure you that practicing in the Welfare Club on Sunday's was a drinking, smoking, swearing, shouting. arguing practice as well"..
Margaret Macia (nee Baker)

Dear John, I have just logged on to your excellent site about the Silverwood Band. I can´t begin to tell you how many memories it has churned up for me.
My grandDad, George Baker played trombone in the band and many´s the time that I went down to the Miners Welfare for practice sessions. He took a great interest in the young people that aspired to play in the band and gave up a lot of his time teaching trumpet, cornet and trombone. I also remember Reg Gray who was the conductor. I think that he lived on Far Lane at that time.
 

Sources

John Doxey

Nadia Simpson

Raye Kelly

Ann Cassidy

Peter Lawery

Fred Hartle

Mary [ Daughter of Reginald Gray ]

Bob (Robert) Green

Margaret Macia (nee Baker)

Mike Longden

BAND PAGES ON THIS SITE

Fred Kelly

Reginald Gray

R & F Green

George Baker

Mike Longden

www.dinningtoncollieryband.co.uk