Cleckheaton Victoria Prize Band

[49hyva]

Hi
Can anybody shed some light on this for me please?

My grandfather played the cornet in brass/silver bands during his younger years (he later became a conductor). His name was Roderick John Macdonnell (b1876), and he lived in Heckmondwike around 1906-1911. I am trying to find out which band(s) he may have played in at that time.

I have already been in contact with several people connected to brass/silver bands in Yorkshire, without any positive results. However, one of them did provide me with a photo (press cutting dated 1911) of the Cleckheaton Victoria Prize Band, and I think my grandfather may be one of the people in the photo. We are not 100% sure it's him, as we only have photos of him in later life, but there is a definite resemblance and the area and date are about right.

Does anyone have any information about this particular band? I have attached the photo, and indicated the person. He appears to be wearing a slightly different uniform to the others, so is he actually a member of the band?

Thanks
Rich

[mmm45]

Rich
The Spenborough Guardian is on Fiche at Cleckheaton library...are you local to visit? I will be there sometime this week and able to have a look in their local section.
There is also the Spen Valley Advertiser that covers Heckmondwike.

The Prospect Hall is still there..its a hotel now.

Ady

[49hyva]

Rich
The Spenborough Guardian is on Fiche at Cleckheaton library...are you local to visit? I will be there sometime this week and able to have a look in their local section.
There is also the Spen Valley Advertiser that covers Heckmondwike.

The Prospect Hall is still there..its a hotel now.

Ady

Hi Ady
Appreciate your help. Unfortunately I don't live locally - I'm in Gloucestershire. I have made a note of the newspaper names however, and I will try contacting them directly.
Just a thought - are there any local museums you can suggest, that may have brass band connections?

Thanks
Rich

[mmm45]

Rich
I havent had time to go check the fiche due to work However I had a quick look in the card References of the Spen Valley Historical Society in Cleckheaton Library and there is one reference to a couple of pages in a book by Mason but I couldnt see it on the shelf.
No doubt there will be photos in either the Spen Guardian or Cleckheaton And Spen Valley Advertiser
http://brassbandresults.co.uk/mobile/bands/cleckheaton-victoria/

Some of those guys I have no doubt researched in my Spen Valley Great War stuff!

I am unable to get back down now for over a week but will get there eventually.

Ady

[mmm45]

Found another report in guardian today which mentioned the funeral of former member of Victoria Brass Band Cleckheaton
Names mentioned were:Ephraim Brook,Hugh Witham,Fred Corry,J Priestley,D Marks,S Marsland,Aked Haley,A Beaumont,Herbert Garside,JE Womersley

Newspaper was Nov 1918

Ady