When is it that you hear a brass band? Perhaps at Christmas time along the high street, at military parades as they pass through villages, or on television. Well, for the members of Stanhope Silver Band, playing brass instruments is a cornerstone of their lives. Dedicated members of all ages practice weekly for concerts, and in turn, carry on the legacy of one of the oldest brass bands in the world with a history that spans across generations.
Nestled deep in the heartlands of the County Durham Dales is Stanhope – a tranquil market town with stunning architecture and breathtaking views that arguably feels like something out of a fairy tale. But if you travel far enough into the dale, you’ll find a quaint building that is the home of Stanhope Silver Band – who recently celebrated their two hundredth anniversary with a packed-out concert at Consett’s Empire Theatre.
As the band prepare for their next performance at Evenwood this weekend, we went along to their home located on Cross Street to find out about their history, their legacy, and what their plans are for the future.
Read more: Stanhope Silver Band celebrate 200th year in Consett concert
Inside the rustic old cottage, seats were set, and music sheets were laid out ahead of that night's rehearsals. I had been told the group was deep in final rehearsals for a show that weekend, so this gathering would be an important one. Young and old, members flooded into the small space as I was given a tour of the upstairs where they keep most of the band’s history.
“This jacket has to be at least 100 or 120 years old”, Sean Hayes, Chairman of the Band remarked. He pulled one of many jackets from what looked like an antique mahogany cupboard. Accompanied with a hat, this tucked-away outfit of generations past was a stark reminder of the sheer amount of time this band has been in the community – and how it’s changed.
Sean, who is in many respects the man in charge, joined the band when he was just eight years old. He is one of many of his family members who have also been members in the past and has previously said the band has helped “bring people together” over the years.
He pointed to several special artifacts across the room, scattered boxes and trinkets that made the small space feel like a mini museum. Worn but well-loved sheet music was filed in boxes on a shelf – as I found out these old sheets are brought out for use from time to time.
In a previous conversation, Sean recounted the complex history of the band and how it all began in 1823. Back then, the band was named ‘The Band of Hope’ that played at Stanhope Methodist Church – as records suggest a similar band was also in the area named ‘The Peat Hill Band’. Based on these records, many believe the two came together at some point to begin Stanhope Silver Band. This makes Stanhope Silver Band one of the oldest in the country. Moving forward to the 1860s, records say Stanhope’s band played in the very first Brass Band Competition at Crystal Palace in London, which is an impressive feat for a small brass band from the Dales.
One notable and well-respected former member of the band is Jack Woodhall, who was the conductor of the band from 1923 when he was aged 18. He proudly led the band for 50 years and sadly died on the 150th anniversary of its formation. Sean recalled Jack, and said he has “quite a good reputation” through the band.
However, the band's most recent success will see them in Durham Cathedral for the Durham Miners Gala later this year - a huge event and something that has been described as a "once in a lifetime" experience.
Heading back down to the hub, I watched as keen musicians made their way into the room, greeting their fellow members like brothers and sisters and making joyous small talk about that week’s events. I had the chance to speak to a few of the members before rehearsals officially started.
Judith Wood, from Washington, makes the forty-five-minute car journey to Stanhope every week with her son after they got the brass “bug” in 2018. As the room started to fill up and rehearsals began, Judith spoke of the deep love she has for the band and what it represents.
She said: “It’s the fellowship of the band that makes it so special. It’s the togetherness, the belonging. It’s our heritage and it’s our future. If it’s not brought into contention, children won’t learn, and it won’t carry on.”
Places were called, and members made their way to their seats. Across the room was the glimmer of well-kept silver and the familiar shuffle of pages as the group moved on to piece after piece after piece.
At the helm, conducting was Dennis Noble of Chester Le-Street. He’s been conducting for fifty-one years, seven of which have been at Stanhope. “We just hope the schools continue with brass”, he nodded.
Dennis continued: “Music is a universal language. Even if you don’t know anything about music, you have a favourite tune that, if you can, discuss. You’ll say to someone, listen to this melody, it’s beautiful. That starts a relationship with whomever you are talking to.
“You don’t have to be a player to enjoy brass bands – but if you enjoy music, you can enjoy everything.”
Another member with proud connections to music is Audrey Craig, who has witnessed seven members of her family play in the band over the years. When asked how long she’s been in the band, Audrey laughed, exclaiming that she cannot remember.
She plays the baritone, and thinks the legacy of brass bands must be carried on. She said: “We need the young ones to join, you’re never too old to learn.”
I was lucky enough to also speak to Georgia Bowman, Audrey’s niece. Georgia is 15, and just so happens to be the youngest member of Stanhope Silver Band. A multi-talented player, she plays the fugal horn but has previously played the cornet. “I just think it’s a really good experience for young people”, Georgia said, who had been sitting beside her sister, who is also a fellow bandmate as rehearsals kicked off.
I was curious to know from Georgia her reasoning for sticking with the band. It’s not a common thing to see someone from Gen-Z heading down to band practice on a Monday evening, but Georgia quickly said it is just that, the band's unique opportunity that keeps her involved.
She said: “It’s nice to know [being part of a silver band] is only something certain people do. Everyone in the band is over 18 bar us. I just think it’s such a great opportunity.”
Heading back into the room, the group were quickly rattling through their set, with some of the pieces being rather familiar. On the list were film classics Pirates of the Caribbean, Beauty and the Beast, and Beatles favourite Hey Jude.
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I was lucky and privileged enough to stick around for a good hour of their rehearsals, as I was struck by how intently each member was listening to feedback from Dennis. Whilst every member was clearly taking the evening seriously, there was a deep sense of love and joy in the room.
No members are paid to take part, yet they still do. They still show up and get involved, simply for the love of it all. Leaving the building, the strong oomph of brass could still vividly be heard; as pedestrians walked past glancing briefly at the wall that proudly says ‘Home of Stanhope Silver Band’. Driving away, I could not help but think about the amount of dedication and love that is poured into that room every week.
It is emboldening to know that in one room, this room, deep in the countryside, a dynasty that was born two hundred years ago is being kept alive by the people who love it most.
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