Hammonds Saltaire Newshttp://www.hammondsband.org.uk/index.shtmlThe band's latest newsendwest@hammondsband.org.ukCopyright 2011 Hammonds Saltaire Band2011-11-15T19:18:17+00:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:21:05 +0100Review of Nottingham Concertdwest@hammondsband.org.ukConcerts2011-11-15T19:18:17+00:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/notts_review.shtml#unique-entry-id-23http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/notts_review.shtml#unique-entry-id-23picture_31The William Booth Memorial Halls in Nottingham were built to honour the memory of the founder of the Salvation Army, William Booth. The recently renovated building provided the venue for a concert by Hammonds Saltaire Band in which their consistent and high class delivery of a varied and engaging programme, including works from Salvationist composers such as Leslie Condon and Kenneth Downie, signified the ever-increasing strength of an accomplished and highly musical ensemble.
]]>Enjoy Christmas With The Banddwest@hammondsband.org.ukConcerts2011-11-14T19:31:04+00:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/xmas_batley_2011.shtml#unique-entry-id-22http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/xmas_batley_2011.shtml#unique-entry-id-22xmasLooking to get in the Christmas mood in a few weeks time?
]]>Early Hammonds Sauce Works Photos Addeddwest@hammondsband.org.ukHammonds2011-10-25T12:57:48+01:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/sauce_works_photos.shtml#unique-entry-id-21http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/sauce_works_photos.shtml#unique-entry-id-21hammonds3During the interval at our concert in the United Reform Church in Saltaire several of the band were introduced to a gentleman by the name of Jack Widdop. During the conversation we learned more about the band’s history from 1946.
]]>Partnership with Regal Food Productsdwest@hammondsband.org.ukHammonds2011-10-03T18:01:16+01:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/regal_food_products.shtml#unique-entry-id-20http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/regal_food_products.shtml#unique-entry-id-20stacks_image_361_1The band are proud to announce a partnership with Bradford based Regal Food Products Group PLC. The firm has been based in the area for 30 years and now exports to most of the European Union and Scandinavia.
]]>Jamie Smith NYBBGB Principaldwest@hammondsband.org.ukHammonds2011-07-24T12:01:40+01:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/jamie_nybbgb_principal.shtml#unique-entry-id-19http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/jamie_nybbgb_principal.shtml#unique-entry-id-19jamieThe principal cornet player of the Hammonds Saltaire Band, Jamie Smith, has been chosen has the principal cornet player of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain for their summer course at Repton School.
]]>Hammonds Win Yorkshire Areadwest@hammondsband.org.ukContests2011-03-06T16:55:10+00:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/area_win_2011.shtml#unique-entry-id-17http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/area_win_2011.shtml#unique-entry-id-17#regs2011: Hammonds Saltaire lay down the gauntlet with Morgan GriffithsAfter a very enjoyable three weeks working on the test piece, Carnival Romain, the band were delighted to be crowned First Section Yorkshire Champions at the 2011 Yorkshire Area.
]]>Band Featured in Saltaire Bookdwest@hammondsband.org.ukHammonds2011-02-23T15:46:56+00:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/saltaire_history_book.shtml#unique-entry-id-16http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/saltaire_history_book.shtml#unique-entry-id-16Saltair Through the Ages CoverOn a recent visit to Salts Mill a member of the band was looking through their selection of local history books and noticed a familiar site. A picture of the band taken last May at the official re-opening of the Roberts Park bandstand in Saltaire.]]>Hammonds Saltaire Return to Salts Milldwest@hammondsband.org.ukHammondsConcerts2010-12-23T17:32:52+00:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/salts_mill_dec2010.shtml#unique-entry-id-15http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/salts_mill_dec2010.shtml#unique-entry-id-15On the 9th December 2010 the band had the honour of returning to our original home when we were invited by Zoe Silver to perform at one of the late night openings of Salts Mill. The large number of shoppers were treated to a variety of traditional Christmas items as well as music from the films and some of the bands soloists.]]>Hammonds Retain Northern Open Championshipdwest@hammondsband.org.ukContests2010-11-22T16:45:51+00:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/northern_open_2010.shtml#unique-entry-id-14http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/northern_open_2010.shtml#unique-entry-id-14Band celebrating win at 2010 Northern Open ChampionshipThe members of the Hammonds Saltaire Band celebrating after winning the St. Helens Northern Open Championship for the second time in two years. After a very long day the band were over the moon that our performance of Between the Moon and Mexico (by Philip Sparke) caught the adjudicators ear.
]]>Band On The Movedwest@hammondsband.org.ukHammonds2010-10-25T14:58:57+01:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/band_on_move.shtml#unique-entry-id-13http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/band_on_move.shtml#unique-entry-id-13On the 23rd and 24th October the band moved from our home for the last two years in Huddersfield to a new bandroom in Elland, near Halifax. Moving a library of 2,500 pieces plus all our instruments, uniforms, photos and other memorabilia took most of the weekend but after a busy two days we will be able to have our first rehearsal on Monday 25th as normal.]]>Hear The Band In Saltaire dwest@hammondsband.org.ukConcerts2010-09-13T18:10:25+01:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/saltaire_september.shtml#unique-entry-id-12http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/saltaire_september.shtml#unique-entry-id-12Salts BreweryIf you’re looking to enjoy our recent Indian summer by planning a few day trips then you could pay a visit to Saltaire to hear the band play in the village where Sir Titus Salt formed the original band in 1855.]]>Rousing Night With Superb Brass Banddwest@hammondsband.org.ukConcerts2010-08-04T14:32:23+01:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/harrogate_concert.shtml#unique-entry-id-11http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/harrogate_concert.shtml#unique-entry-id-11On Monday the 12th July the band braved the heat and humidity to give its first performance in the Harrogate Theatre for several years. The audience were treated to an excellent performance which they greatly enjoyed. The following text is quoted from the review of the evening by Jane Soar writing for the Harrogate Adviser]]>Official opening of a new Bandstand in Robert’s Park, Saltairedwest@hammondsband.org.ukConcerts2010-05-23T15:42:15+01:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/official_opening_of_bandstand.shtml#unique-entry-id-10http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/official_opening_of_bandstand.shtml#unique-entry-id-10Hammonds Saltaire Band was proud and privileged to play an open air concert in Robert’s Park, Saltaire to celebrate the opening of a new Bandstand on a gloriously sunny afternoon yesterday (Saturday 22 May 2010)]]>Website Updatedwest@hammondsband.org.ukHammonds2010-05-08T20:56:56+01:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/new_look_site.shtml#unique-entry-id-9http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/new_look_site.shtml#unique-entry-id-9After several weeks of on and off work the band website has undergone several changes. At first glance it looks similar to the site which was launched when we changed our name back in January 2009 but in reality much has changed]]>Tameside Open Champions 2010dwest@hammondsband.org.ukContests2010-03-29T00:00:00+01:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/tameside_champions_2010.shtml#unique-entry-id-8http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/tameside_champions_2010.shtml#unique-entry-id-8On Sunday the 28th March the band competed at the 2010 Tameside Open Championship and were declared the winners with 192 points.

This is another victory for the band in recent months at Tameside, as our quartet won there a few months ago. Online band magaizine 4 Barsrest commented "Under the direction of Morgan Griffith, they produced a fine performance of ‘Music of the Spheres’ to take the title by a clear three point margin over Stannington Brass, with Ashton under Lyne in third."

The full results for the championship section were:

  1. Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths) – 192
  2. Stannington Brass (Derek Renshaw) - 189
  3. Ashton under Lyne (Martyn Evans) – 187
  4. Rainford (Neil Samuel) - 186
  5. Mossley (Duncan Byers) - 184
]]>Wilkinsons Champions 2009dwest@hammondsband.org.ukContests2009-11-15T00:00:00+00:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/wilkinsons_champions_2009.shtml#unique-entry-id-7http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/wilkinsons_champions_2009.shtml#unique-entry-id-7On Sunday the 15th November the band competed at the 2009 Wilkinsons Northern Open and were declared the winners with 192 points.

The band played Philip Sparke's 'Music of the Spheres' which adjudicator David Horsfield complimented for it's excitement and overall band sound. He also awarded the band prizes for the best overall soloist and best soprano cornet player.]]>Fantastic Four Triumph in Tamesidedwest@hammondsband.org.ukContests2009-11-07T00:00:00+00:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/tameside_quartet.shtml#unique-entry-id-6http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/tameside_quartet.shtml#unique-entry-id-6On Sunday the 1st November the band's quartet were named the British Open Senior Quartet Champions 2009 after winning the competition held at Dukinfield Town Hall, Tameside.

The reporter from online band magazine 4 barsrest said "Over the years, some great ensembles have had their names engraved on the Quartet Trophy – from Hanwell in 1944 through the likes of Foden’s, Black Dyke (A & B quartets) and of course, the most famous foursome of all – the great GUS (Footwear) lads that made it a hat-trick of wins in the late 1960s.

This year another famous banding name will be engraved on the trophy – that of Hammonds Saltaire. The foursome of JJ Lees and Jamie Smith (cornets), Helen Varley (horn) and Matthew Allsop (euph) may not yet be household banding names, but if they carry on with performances of this quality you never know.

Conducted by Morgan Griffiths, their performance of Gilbert Vinter’s ‘Elegy & Rondo’ (written for the famous GUS quartet) was compact, balanced and almost error free. Neat individual touches from all four players and an admirable sense of control (the piece is a hard one on the lip) gave them the title by what would have been a clear cut margin from adjudicators Malcolm Brownbill and Thomas Wyss."

Jamie Smith is pictured accepting the trophy from Malcolm Brownbill.

Quotes and picture from 4barsrest.com:http://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2009/1067b.asp© 4barsrest.com 2009
]]>Saltaire Memorabilia Found in Ketteringdwest@hammondsband.org.ukHammonds2009-09-26T00:00:00+01:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/1140d3fe49322679b3f9eca8bcacdb9e-5.shtml#unique-entry-id-5http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/1140d3fe49322679b3f9eca8bcacdb9e-5.shtml#unique-entry-id-5A couple who have never heard of Saltaire paid a visit to the village recently after discovering a 130 year old commemorative walking cane when clearing out their cupboards.

Elaine Moring and Karl Woodbridge found the 1879 silver handled cane at their 20 year old flat in Kettering, Northampton.
It was presented to the then Saltaire Band which went on to become the present day Hammonds Saltaire Band

There is an inscription on the cane which reads: “Presented by the members of Saltaire Brass Band, Sir Titus Salt and Sons and Company, to Joseph Scott, Military outfitter, for the efficient manner in which he executed the uniform dress of the band. Made by Joseph Paley, Bandmaster. Dated 24th May, 1879.”

The couple searched the internet, emailed historian Dave Shaw and have now given the cane to Shipley College Resource Centre.

Elaine and Karl are pictured handing over the cane to band chairman John Myles and Julie Woodward from the Resource Centre.]]>Lees to Lead Hammonds Saltairedwest@hammondsband.org.ukHammonds2009-04-23T00:00:00+01:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/lees_leads_hammonds.shtml#unique-entry-id-4http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/lees_leads_hammonds.shtml#unique-entry-id-4The Hammonds Saltaire Band is pleased to announce the appointment of its new principal cornet player JJ Lees.

JJ started his playing career with the Dobcross Youth Band and moved on to lead Pennine Brass through its rise to success. He is originally from Saddleworth and is currently studying for a Masters degree in Bio Mechanics at Manchester University.
Musical Director Morgan Griffiths commented “We are all absolutely delighted with the appointment of JJ Lees. JJ is a fantastic player and has all the qualities we are looking for, I have personally watched his development with great interest over a number of years and for me he was the only choice. JJ has all the right attributes to lead Hammonds Saltaire into our next exciting chapter.”

JJ will make his debut for Hammonds Saltaire in May at the Buxton Opera House.]]>Famous Name Returns to Huddersfield to Salute Youth Brassdwest@hammondsband.org.ukConcerts2009-02-01T00:00:00+00:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/salute_youth_brass.shtml#unique-entry-id-3http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/salute_youth_brass.shtml#unique-entry-id-3The famous brass banding name of Hammonds makes a welcome return to Huddersfield after a fifteen year absence. The Hammonds Saltaire Band will be appearing with the Sellers International Youth Band at the Christian Fellowship Church at Cathedral Place just off Chapel Hill Road. The two bands have forged closed links over the past year and present a concert that will showcase some of the most talented players around.

The title of the concert is Salute to Youth, as well as being a tribute to the young players of the Sellers International Youth it refers to a favourite work for lovers of brass band music. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the much loved Brass Band composer Gilbert Vinter. Salute to Youth is a 12 minute work that was composed by Vinter and has become a favourite with bands all over the world. The piece will used at the Yorkshire Regional qualifiers at Bradford in March to decide which Yorkshire bands represent the region at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall later this year.]]>Hammonds rich in European talentdwest@hammondsband.org.ukHammonds2009-01-30T00:00:00+00:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/hammonds_rich_in_european_talent.shtml#unique-entry-id-1http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/hammonds_rich_in_european_talent.shtml#unique-entry-id-1The Hammonds Saltaire Band are pleased to announce that Benjamin Richeton will be taking over the Soprano Cornet chair. Benjamin was Principal Cornet with the European Youth Band for two years and then moved to Soprano, a position he has now held there for over a year.

Benjamin who hails from France, is currently studying music at University of Salford and joined Hammonds on Bb cornet in September last year. Band Manager Dave Long said “we are very pleased to have Benjamin take over on Soprano Cornet. We feel it’s very important to invest in the best young players not just here in Yorkshire but also in Europe. Benjamin has already proven himself to be a talented, hardworking and committed player, we are sure he will prove to be an excellent Soprano player here at Hammonds.”
Benjamin takes over from Kevin Donaldson who has had to step down due to increased work commitments. Dave commented “we were very sad to see Kevin step down but we fully understand that his work must come first. He has made an immense contribution to the band not only on Soprano but behind the scenes as well. His infectious enthusiasm and bubbly personality will be a big miss not just to YBS but to the brass band movement in general”

Benjamin Richeton made his debut on Soprano Cornet for Hammonds at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough on Saturday 24th January.]]>Back to the Future for the Banddwest@hammondsband.org.ukHammonds2009-01-24T09:00:00+00:00http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/back_to_the_future.shtml#unique-entry-id-0http://www.hammondsband.org.uk/news/files/back_to_the_future.shtml#unique-entry-id-0
Although the band has been known as YBS for the past 15 years it has been fondly remembered as the “former Hammonds Band” going back to a time when it was sponsored for a period of almost 50 years by the then local Hammonds Sauce Works which was based in Saltaire. The name Saltaire also reflects the band’s roots as being the place where the original band was founded over 150 years ago by Sir Titus Salt at his mills in the town of Saltaire, Bradford.

John Myles, Chairman of the Band said "We're very excited about the name change. While the band has been hugely successful under the YBS banner, it feels that now is the right time to move forward with a new name. It was unanimously agreed that Hammonds Saltaire Band was the right name to reflect the Band’s heritage and take us forward - back to the future!"

John continued "Following discussions with McCormick (UK) Ltd, who now own the Hammonds brand name, they were delighted to welcome us back and we are looking forward to working with them in the next chapter of the band's 150 year history."

The new name became effective on January 24th, when the band played at one of its favourite concert venues at Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough.

Lisa Rogers, Marketing Manager at McCormick's said “We are delighted that the Band has decided to use the Hammond’s name again. We are very proud of our heritage with this brand which was started by Mrs. Goodhall back in 1853 when she invented the Hammonds relish recipe in her Leeds kitchen. After 2 world wars and numerous location moves and ownership changes the name is still going strong and we will be investing in it for the foreseeable future”]]>