Nostalgia: Hollingworth Band was a top brass act

Hollingworth Band was blowing its own trumpet when it came to awards.

The band secured second place at Belle Vue, just a few weeks after taking top spot at Buxton. 

During local concerts at Whitsuntide, the band won three prizes at seven events. 

Earlier in the year, it was successful in qualifying for the Blow for Blow knock-out competition staged by Radio Manchester.

The band had played 21 concerts and had been in 11 processions, attributing much of their success to conductor, Michael Hawkins, who was only 26 years old at the time. 

He travelled regularly from Mossley to be with the band.

In 1970, the band had an important concert to attend in Preston – an area qualifier for the Wills National Festival to be held in the Royal Albert Hall in April.

During this time, they ordered new concert uniforms, expected for December.

“They will really brighten up the village,” said Mr Anderson. “The band is looking forward to a capacity audience in the St Mary’s Church Hall in the new year.”

Villagers interested in the music had an opportunity to hear the band play before the end of the year at Stalybridge Town Hall in a ‘festival of Christmas music’ sponsored by the Stalybridge Council of Churches.

The dedicated professionals put in more than 100 rehearsals throughout the year, and senior members regularly purchased bingo tickets to bolster funds.