A new bench has been unveiled to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Meltham & Meltham Mills Band.

Town mayor Clr Richard Noon led a short ceremony which included a performance by two of the band’s youngest members Jack and Luke Spittlehouse.

Meltham & Meltham Mills Band has a long and proud history and is one of the oldest bands still in existence. The band is celebrating its 175th anniversary a year late because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Clr Noon said: “The band have always been part of community life and they have fantastic support from local businesses and the people of Meltham.

“The Town Council were delighted to support the installation of the bench with a financial contribution. On behalf of the Town Council congratulations to the band on reaching this amazing milestone.”

Jack and Luke Spittlehouse with the bench

It has been a very busy and exciting year for the band. In March they became the Yorkshire Area 2nd Section Champions, Meltham Junior Blast started up in January (a band for young beginners) and a new community band began in May of this year.

Committee members decided a bench would be a fitting way to commemorate the band’s big milestone and a great way to thank the village for all the support they have given over the years.

Tony Clarke, chairman and a band member for 64 years, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the bench finally get installed. It has taken over two years to get to this point but the bench should serve the village for years to come.”