YOULGRAVE 

BAND HONOURS G.O.M.

This excerpt from the Mercury was donated to the band by Peter Knowles our previous Euphonium, horn player, band secretary.

Photo: Youlgrave's Junior bandsmen, John Wild, Alan Crawley, Geoffrey Johnson, Colin Brassington, Tony Evens, Michael Shimwell and Billy Oldfield, with their youngest member, ten year old John Bacon making the presentation of a chiming clock to their veteran conductor Mr C. Roper. - (Mercury photo no 377)

 We know well that over the years the lovely hillside of Youlgrave had built up a reputation for doing things well; that the village was noted far and wide for the high quality of its amateur drama, for its political consciousness and religious zeal; that the skill and artistry of its well dressings were renowned, that it had produced more than its fair share of scholars, musicians, craftsmen and last, but not least, good footballers.

We knew that they had every reason to be proud of their fine village band, but we did not know until last Friday what a friendly reception and convivial time awaited all who were invited to one of their famous pie suppers.

 To hostess Mrs Brindley, of the Bull's Head Inn, must go the credit for the pies - and what pies! Everyone sniffed with the zest of the 'Bisto kids' as plateful after plateful was carried into the long room, where a company of over 60 made up of Youlgrave bandsmen and their wives and friends were seated.

We could hardly wait for Grace - sung appropriately to the tune Rimmington - to attack the luscious fare; crisp pastry and inch thick, tender steak; smooth floury 'tater' - and such gravy! More home made pastry for the afters and cheese and biscuits for those who had room for it.

Before we came to the real business, of a handsome chiming timepiece for eighty-two years old band conductor Cornelius Roper (pictured) we heard speeches. Band committee chairman, Mr H. Marsden, paid tribute to Mr Roper for his loyal service extending over sixty three years, twenty-one of which he has wielded the baton, and welcomed two other old members, Mr Arthur Marsden and Mr William Birds.

They were, he said, as keen and proud of them as they were of their keen younger members, to whom Mr Roper and assistant conductor Mr H Shimwell, were devoting a great deal of time.

MR C. ROPER 

'

He has attended many rehearsals when he has been the only one there'

said secretary Mr Luther Bacon, speaking of Mr Roper's dogged efforts to save the band in difficult times.

 Equipping their eight recruits of school age with instruments had,

he said, at first, made such a mess of funds, but Sunday concerts had increased their balance by £15 and they had £88 in the bank which could be spent on the reconditioning of instruments. --

 -- Speaking of Mr Roper, the only other founder member of the band, Mr Arthur Marsden, said with affection,

' Old Neeley's been a marvel.' He went on to tell humorous stories of the band's past when they travelled in waggonnettes to fulfil engagements on distant villages.

The presentation was made by the band's youngest member John Bacon.

The secret had been well kept and 'Old Neeley' was completely surprised, -'though I know there's bin a lot o' talkin' an I twigged there was somethin' goin' on.' - was his comment as he returned thanks.

'They know something about the good life and good living at Youlgrave' we thought as we drove homeward.