Friendly Band
Our History
Many of the bands which exist in the area today can trace their origin well into the last centrury, and one of these is the Friendly Band, which dates back to 1868.
The Origins of Friendly Band
Among the founding members of the band were Harry Holland, George Hartley, William Lees, S. Hartley, Jabez Hartley, Joseph Sutcliffe, and Eli Ratlidge. George Hartley, often regarded as the father of the band, passed away in 1922.
He recounted how four or five of the original members walked all the way to Huddersfield, each using their own money to purchase an instrument. Their goal was simple—to perform at Anniversary Services, combining music and song.
The band originally took the name “Friendly Subscription Prize Band”, inspired by the Friendly area of Sowerby Bridge, where it was based. Over time, the name evolved to Friendly Band, and in the early 1960s, “Sowerby Bridge” was added, giving us the full title we know today: Friendly Band (Sowerby Bridge).
Friendly Band started humbly, rehearsing wherever space was available. Their first dedicated practice room was near the White Horse Inn, but as the band grew, they relocated to a small house in Water Hill, then later to a room in the Friendly Inn.
In 1891, a square wooden bandroom was built at Water Hill—a significant milestone for the band. The deeds to this building remain in the band’s possession to this day.
One notable moment in the band’s history came when they had to vacate their Water Hill rehearsal space. The reason? The bandsman who owned the house was getting married and needed it for his new home. Later, he even had to sell his instrument to afford a cradle for his newborn child.
The band’s first conductor, George Hartley, led for 17 years, shaping its early development. Another key figure, trombonist A. Butterworth, took charge of marching practice. He drilled the band by leading them on a route from Butts Green, down to Luddendenfoot, and back to the bandroom—ensuring they could perform on the move with discipline and precision.
A Band in High Demand (Early 1900s)
During its first twenty years, Friendly Band was in great demand for anniversaries and special events. To enhance their appearance, £62 was raised to purchase new uniforms, which proved to be a valuable asset, leading to even more engagements.
For forty years, the band played at Failsworth’s Whitsunday Treat, making the journey across the Pennines in a wagonette drawn by two horses. Fred Turner, the band’s longest-serving member in 1968, fondly recalled these trips.
For 38 years, the band also provided Whitsuntide music for Christ Church, Sowerby Bridge. Throughout this period, certain family names, Turner, Hartley, Siddal, and Oates, became closely associated with the band’s legacy.
The 1920s – A New Bandroom and a Radio Debut
By the 1920s, the band achieved its long-standing ambition of having a modern bandroom. The site, now home to the Friendly Snooker Club, was secured, and a hall accommodating 300 people was built for just £1,400—a feat made possible by voluntary labour. George Hartley, a founding member and conductor, marked the occasion by cutting the first sod as the band played “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”
The band remained at these Tuel Lane premises until 1933, when financial difficulties forced them to downsize.
On Sunday, 31st May 1931, Friendly Band made its BBC Radio Manchester debut, performing live from 4:15 pm to 6:00 pm. The band was instructed to provide “sixty minutes of band music, suitable for Sunday.” Their efforts earned them a grand sum of fifteen guineas.
The 1930s – A ‘Temporary’ Bandroom
After leaving the concert hall, the band rehearsed wherever they could—often in members’ homes. In 1936, they moved to a wooden bandroom opposite the Friendly Inn. Though intended as a temporary solution, it remained their home until January 1985, almost 50 years.
This ‘temporary’ bandroom was purchased for fifteen guineas on a hire-purchase scheme. However, it lacked running water and toilets. In fact, the gentlemen’s urinal was an old trombone, plumbed under the floor to drain outside! Unfortunately, the lady members had to make do with the bushes.
Memorable Band Stories
Friendly Band’s history is filled with amusing tales.
During one Christmas Day round, after several double (and even triple) whiskies, the quality of playing became questionable. Arriving at a large house and determined to maintain their dignity, the bandmaster instructed:
“Stand back to back, lads, and gi’e a good blow—nobody’ll know t’difference!”
With that, half the band played Colonel Bogey while the other half played God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen!
On another occasion, the band was hired for two performances at a zoo, one in the afternoon and another in the evening. The problem? The zoo had advertised two different bands! The solution? After their first set, the band changed into borrowed uniforms from the zoo and performed under an assumed name. Their reward? Five shillings, and whatever they could collect.
"Stand back to back, lads, and gi’e a good blow—nobody’ll know t’difference!"
The 1960s – Centenary Celebrations (1968)
In 1968, Friendly Band celebrated its 100th anniversary, marking the occasion with a week of social activities from 13th to 19th May. The celebrations concluded with the band performing at the Anniversary Service at the Circuit Chapel, Bolton Brow, Sowerby Bridge, followed by a centenary dinner for band members and their families at the Crabfield Restaurant, Soyland.
During this milestone year, Fred Turner was recognised as the longest-serving playing member. His son, Harry Turner, had also dedicated 30 years to the band and continued playing until his passing in 2002. Often, he even had to take up the baton when no conductor was available.
Other notable long-serving members included J. Whitaker and W. Watson. Mr Watson also composed a special march for the band, titled “Friendly”.
The band’s longest-serving conductor was J. Kane, who led the band for 20 years (1944–1964).
In 1967–1968, the band was reported to be in good strength and actively competing. Under the baton of W. Exley, they participated in multiple contests, winning four silver cups within a single year.
At this time, the Ladies’ Committee played a vital role in supporting the band. They raised funds in various ways, particularly assisting with the purchase of the band’s current bandroom. Mrs Kathleen Turner, wife of Harry Turner, was a key member of the committee and continued to serve the band well for many years.
Members of the Band in 1968
- Mr W Exley – Conductor
- A Battye G Farnell C Jones, Miss
- C B Battye A Greenwood S Jones, Miss
- E Brown J M Greenwood S Lord
- D Crossley S Greenwood D Milnes
- V Dennis, Miss L Highley, Miss G Netherwood
- M Drinkel M J Hinchcliffe A Saltonstall
- P Drinkel P Jones F Turner
- S Crowther J Torris H Turner
- M Torris
Committee and Officials in 1968
- T Morris Esq. – President
- Coun. Godfrey J Kane – Vice President
- A Saltonstall – Chairman
- F Turner – Secretary
- A Bottomley J Bottomley, Mrs
- V Dennis B Greenwood, Mrs
- P Jones J Torris
- K Turner, Mrs E Uttley, Mrs
Looking to join a Friendly Band?
We are always seeking new brass players to compliment and improve our line up (as well as help out on occasions) so why not come to one of our practices and enjoy yourself with our social group of players.