Diggle band
Diggle Bands revival has been remarkable; the original band was disbanded in 1926 which left Diggle with a Band Club and no band.
Brian Taylor (soprano cornet player for many years) always dreamed of restarting the band. Conversation at a social event with Alan and Dorothy Rhodes started to make the dream come true. Local people and businesses were approached and the band was restarted.
The first few months the rehearsals took place in the garage at the band club with 12 players and the late George Morgan conducting them. Within 2 years the band had grown to 27 players and a newly refurbished band room was made above the club with excellent practising facilities.
The band entered their first contest at Holmfirth, they did not win, but undeterred in the year 2000 they entered the 4th section qualifier of the National Championships held in Blackpool, this they won, which meant a invitation to play at the Royal Albert Hall London, under the direction of David Morris they came a creditable 5th, and were promoted to the 3rd section.
After 3 years of consolidation at this grade, in 2003 the band once again qualified for the finals which took place in Dundee, Alan Lawton M.B.E. conducted them for this event and the band became National Champions 2003, once again promotion.
2005 they came 2nd at Blackpool and 4th in the finals, also winning the Tameside contest and 12 Whit Friday contest under the directorship of Norman Law.
Promotion once again, now in the 1st section and in 2006 Mr Les M Beevers took the position of musical adviser with David Morris taking some of the concerts.
2009 saw Mr James Shepherd the legendary cornet player appointed the position of musical director, taking them in 2010 to the area contest at Blackpool were they once again won, making them North West area champions once again .
The band is well known for its varied and lively concerts which are performed in many areas, and are always well attended.
There is also a B band, under the directorship of Paul Kershaw, and a trainer band, the B band now also take booking for concerts ,fetes, etc.
All sections of the band are run from one committee and have no sponsorship ,any one who would like to support them can do so by becoming a become a patron, anyone is very welcome , this cost £10 per year a person , for this you receive update letters or emails also a free evening concert. To find more information on Diggle band click here.
Forthcoming Events
13th November Remembrance Concert 7-30pm (Patrons please order tickets)
3rd December Diggle Diamonds Christmas Party
3rd December Northowram Church, Halifax 7-30pm (Tickets £6)
11th December Mottrom Cricket Club 12-30pm
18th December Shaw Theatre 8pm (Tickets £8)
20th Christmas Concert Diggle Band Club 8pm (Tickets £7)
1st January 2012 New years day service Hanging Gate, Diggle 11-45am
B Band
18th November Peter Blacker Memorial Concert Diggle Band Club 8pm
16th December Chistmas Concert Diggle Band Club 8pm (Tickets £4)
For more information regarding current and future events click here
For up-to-date information please visit http://www.diggleband.com regularly