Hesketh Bank Silver Band

Welcome

Welcome to Hesketh Bank Silver Band's website. This website contains all the information you may need to know about the band.

We are a non-contesting village band that believes the enjoyment of music is paramount. The band plays a wide range of music from traditional marches and hymns through to jazz and modern compositions. We also have a Facebook Page and a Twitter Feed. These are used for up to the minute announcements. Links to both can be found in our contacts section. The band is also currently raising funds to support our training band. You can help by making a donation at JustGiving. More details can be found on our Training Band Page.

The band is available for weddings, parties, summer fairs and other occasions. For further details please contact the band secretary.

Hesketh Bank Silver Band has a long history, dating back as far as 1895. It was initially established as a temperance band, providing an alternative to the consumption of alcohol as a means of entertainment. The band has been through a number of ups and downs over the years and is currently in a strong position with an excess of players. In recent years our training band has been re-established. A number of players have already progressed to the main band and many more are in the pipeline. This will hopefully ensure the band will still be around in 2095. Hesketh Bank Silver Band plays a wide range of music from traditional marches and hymns through to jazz and modern compositions. You will find all the information you will need about the band, where we are performing, vacancies, etc. The band is available for weddings, parties, summer fayres and other occasions. For further details please contact the band secretary.

Player

AWARDS

The Harry Bentham Memorial Trophy

This trophy is awarded in memory of Harry Bentham, a brass banding legend and musical director of Hesketh Bank Silver Band. Regarded by many, including Richard Evans, as, ‘an icon of the banding movement’ he enjoyed a remarkable musical career.

He began playing with Coppull Band at only 8 years old, and by the age of 14 he was Principal Cornet. In his heyday he played at the top level with various bands, winning the coveted Grand Shield, broadcasting regularly on the B.B.C. and played under the baton of the late Harry Mortimer.

Harry’s conducting career began in 1951, winning many prizes with bands at all levels and was a much-loved teacher and mentor to countless young players, some becoming well-respected professional musicians. Harry took over the baton at Hesketh Bank in 1980 and became a firm favourite with audiences far and wide, presenting a wide selection of music at the band’s concerts.

One of the finest moments in Harry’s career came in 1985 when he conducted Hesketh Bank as they won the National Brass Band Finals at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Harry told friends that he had enjoyed the time he spent at Hesketh Bank over the years and he felt that they were like a family to him.

The trophy is awarded for outstanding performance. The winner is chosen by a secret ballot of the playing members of the band. It is awarded to the player they believe has made an outstanding contribution to the band during the year.

Harry Bentham Memorial Trophy Winners

Rachel Cummings	2012
Harry Ballantyne	2013
Rachel Cummings and Dave Davis	2014
Michael and Thomas Ascroft	2015
Jack Mears	2018
Alan Cummings	2019
Julie Cummings	2022
Rachel Cummings and Paul Sharples	2023

Discover Our

History

Hesketh Bank Silver Band was formed in 1895 as a temperance band. Members of the village joined along with members of their family. The original instruments were bought from the neighbouring band in the village of Banks for only four pounds (less than the cost of one hymn book today). The band's original drum survives in the band room.

After the war the band changed to silver-plated instruments and subsequently changed to its current name; Hesketh Bank Silver Band.

The 1950's saw the dissolving of the band as many players were called up for National Service, however, in the 1960's, under the direction of J.H. Hughes, the band regrouped and soon were known as the 'band to beat' in the local area. Following many successful years, the band appointed Harry Bentham as Musical Director. Under Mr Bentham the band saw great success, with an outstanding performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London, and became National Champions in 1985. Through the efforts of its players and the committee the band continue to play a wide variety of concerts, walking days, village fetes and charity events.

Help us raise funds for our training band by JustGiving.

Hesketh Bank Silver Band

A friendly band that is open to any player regardless of age or ability. If you are an experienced player looking for a change, a novice looking to learn how to play or you haven’t played for a number of years then this is the band for you.
Extensive studies have shown that children display long-term positive results from playing musical instruments. The benefits of music have been proven more effective in strengthening abstract reasoning skills in younger and older children than does teaching them computers skills.
A band that is available for weddings, garden parties and any other event you could imagine. We offfer very reasonable rates and special discounts for charities and community organisations.

Upcoming

EVENTS

Date	Event	Venue	Start Time*
22 June	Tarleton Rose Queen	Holy Trinity School, Tarleton	1pm
6 July	Proms and Prosseco	St Mary's Church, Rufford	7pm
14 July	Old Church Sunday	Becconsal Old Church, Hesketh Bank	10 am (TBC)
25 August	Concert in the Park	Botanic Gardenns, Southport	2.15pm
15 September	Battle Of Britain	All SaintsChurch, Hesketh bank	7.45pm (TBC)
5 October	Botanic Fundraiser	St Cuthberts Church, Churchtown	7.45pm (TBC)
12 October	Annual Chrity Concert	All Saints Church Hall, Hesketh bank	7.30pm
29 November	Tarleton Christmas Lights Switch On	Mark Square, Tarleton	7pm (TBC)