The band putting its heritage in the frame

By Stuart Littleford

One of the oldest brass bands in the country is preserving its heritage by framing some old band jackets.

Boarshurst band from Greenfield turned a bit of bad luck into a preservation success story after suffering a leaking pipe that was hard to find under a floor.

When the leak ruined a small section of carpet at the clubs Greenfield headquarters, they decided to replace the whole thing and refurbish the main function room at the same time.

The refurbishment work which is being carried out by volunteers has given the band an opportunity to preserve some of its heritage by framing up three vintage jackets. The jackets date from the 1950s to the late 1970s, but were still being worn up until ten years ago.

The orange jacket was a concert jacket of the Boarshurst Band and the maroon jacket was made for the youngest female band member in the early sixties when she was aged just seven.

The gold jacket is very special as Boarshurst B Band was the first band in the country to wear that colour.

Band Secretary Janet Payne said: “We initially had some old band photographs framed up, we were so pleased with them we decided to have the jackets done as well in order to preserve them”

The framing work was carried out by local framing company Bee Bee Framing, part of Garforth’s Glass in Springhead, who also framed the bands vintage photographs.

Director Brian Jackson said: “When Janet approached us to frame the uniforms, I knew it would be a challenge as it was not our usual type of work, although I was certain we could do it. It was also a good test for our new 3D cutting machine ‘The Wizard’ that can cut lettering and designs out of the card mounts, I was very pleased with the results”

He told Saddleworth News they are more used to framing up photographs, paintings and sports memorabilia, the jackets were a lot more complicated to frame due to their weight and thickness.

“The frames we have made are more like display boxes and are a lot more complex to construct,” he added.

Janet said: “The framing work has been magnificent and we are all over the moon with the way the jackets look in the frames.”

Boarshurst band was originally formed in 1849 at the Boarshurst School in Greenfield, and is now one of the oldest in the country. In 1853 the band competed at the very first Belle Vue contest with only 12 players. Over the years the band has had several well known conductors including Alexandra Owen and Harry Mortimer being the most famous, this was reflected in a high number of winning performances.

In 1976 a youth band was established and in 1979 the band moved to a new headquarters on Greenbridge Lane in the village, taking over a building previously used as an egg packing factory. Boarshurst was also successful with its application for lottery funding, supported by the Arts Council of England. The award made a significant contribution toward developing all aspects of the bands activities.

The bands musical director Dave Ashworth said: “The band is also looking for two more cornet players as two left due to work commitments, and if anyone can help please get in touch.”

The band had some recent success with a visit to the national finals last September, they are also very grateful for the local support they have received. They also won the third section in January this year at the Butlins Championships and did well in the 3rd section in this years band contests.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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