By Jenny Gibson
A well-loved village brass band is the focus of a fascinating new exhibition at Colne Valley Museum in Golcar.
Volunteers at the museum are spotlighting Scapegoat Hill Brass Band, which was founded in 1859 and active until the 1980s.
Records show that music teacher James Haigh began coaching his pupils to play various brass instruments in 1854 before striking up the band a few years later when enough musicians passed muster.
The ensemble became very successful, entering competitions around the area and playing for a range of appreciative audiences.
A highlight in the band’s history was its 75th anniversary when members were invited to perform on BBC radio – and were probably the first people from the village to hit the airwaves.
They had another spell of fame when they appeared on a Yorkshire Television documentary, Where There’s Brass in 1969.
Vintage instruments, sheet music, photos and other artefacts are on show at the exhibition which starts this Saturday (October 5) and runs until Sunday November 17.
This weekend, October 5 and 6, volunteers are demonstrating weaving, spinning, clogging, lace making and embroidery. The baking team are showing visitors how white bread would have been made in a Victorian kitchen. Visitors can buy some to take home.
Admission is £5 for adults and accompanied children are free. The museum is open 12pm to 4pm Saturdays and Sundays. There is a tearoom with home-made cakes, tea, coffee and soft drinks.
