History of Lostock Hall Memorial Band
1948 – 2008
The band was formed in 1948 – originally known as the Four
Lane Ends Band – from monies left over following the erection of a War Memorial
in Tardy Gate. £100 was donated and a few instruments were purchased. Soon
after this the name was changed to its present name and hence Lostock Hall
Memorial Band.
In its early days the band played at various carnivals and
church walking days in the surrounding villages and attracted players from
local bands to join their ranks. In 1963 Ron Heyes the band’s solo euphonium
player took over conducting the band and in the late 1960s commenced their
appearances in the contesting scene without much success I have to say in the
early years.
Over the next 20 years under Ron’s direction, they began to
be more successful and with the input of young people from the local school,
the band finally qualified for the National Brass Band Finals at the Royal
Albert Hall in London in 1984. They came 7th out of 16 bands - a position
they were very proud off. In 1995 the again qualified for the finals and as
recently as 2006 have made a further visit to the National Finals.
Ron retired as Musical Director in 1998 and since then we
have seen various musicians taking the baton.
The band has gone from strength to strength over the years
and many of their players have moved on to join HM Forces - namely the Army,
Royal Air Force and Royal Marines Bands where they have pursued musical
careers. In addition many players have moved onto higher sections of the brass
band movement to play in such bands as The Leyland Band, Black Dyke, Faireys,
Besses o'th Barn Band etc.
We pride ourselves in educating young people in brass playing
and have a thriving Junior Band with players as young as 6 years old. In the
late 1980's/90's the Junior Section scored many prizes in the art of Slow
Melody playing and quartet competitions.
Our present Musical Director is John Wood and under his baton
the band has progressed far and continues to improve.
