The Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band hail from the small pit village of South Elmsall in the Brass Band heart lands of theWest Yorkshire coal fields, situated in between Doncaster and Pontefract. The South Elmsall Village Brass Band can be traced back to humble beginnings in 1884.
The original front sheet of the first set of rules for the Band from May 22nd, 1884.
The first known picture of the Band outside the Plough Inn in South Elmsall, thought to be 1884.
In 1905 the band was adopted by the local Frickley Colliery, which in turn was to become owned by the Carlton Main Coal Company, and by 1923 the band became known by its present name.
The first ton of coal leaves Frickley pit, 8th September 1905.
The reputation of the Band flourished and continued to build upon its reputation of being a first class outfit and one which not only rose to challenge the very best bands of the day, but become one of the best known and best regarded Bands in the world.
Despite this great heritage, by the mid 1990’s times looked very bleak for the band, as it did for a great many other bands and working personnel in the mining industry, with the eventual closure of the Pits in the UK and with the Frickley pit in particular. It was at this time due to the closure and subsequent unemployment that the band was down to only six members, and close to extinction. However, due to the tenacity and the desire of those remaining members, the band was rebuilt and in a few short years by 1999, became Yorkshire Champions and represented Yorkshire at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
During the band’s long and successful History, it has both competed and triumped at many of the most prestigious competitions in the world. Most notably, the band has held the titles of European Champions (in the 1960’s), National Champions, British Open Champions, Granada TV Band of the Year, BBC Best of Brass Champions, Spring Festival Grand Shield Champions & Yorkshire Area Champions.
In addition, the Band’s Quartet group have had the honour of being British Open Quartet Champions in 2003 and 2005.
The bands most recent achievements include being awarded 6th place at the prestigious 2006 British Open Brass Band Contest where they were the second highest placed Yorkshire band on the day, beaten only by the eventual winners, the Black Dyke Band and most recently a well deserved 2nd placing at the 2007 International Masters Contest in Cambridge, narrowly beaten by the Fodens Richardson Band.
The band has appeared on TV and Radio Countless times, and many may remember their appearance on ‘Top of the Pops’ in 1981 accompanying Tony Capstick, with ‘The Sheffield Grinder; Capstick comes home’; a partnership which saw them rise to number three in the hit parade!
The band count themselves fortunate to have many truly world class musicians in their ranks including the multi award winning Principal Cornet player, Kirsty Abbotts who’s many awards have included Cornet Champion of Great Britain. Musical Directors include Russell Gray; one of the all time great cornet players and a conductor who holds National titles in Great Britain, Japan, France, Switzerland and Norway to name a few! The band is also fortunate to have Dennis Hadfield as Resident Musical director - an name that requires no introduction to Brass Band audiences across the UK.
CMFCB celebrates the fact that there are current members of the Band who’s family have been assosiated with us for generations….these include Ray Sykes, Andrew Till, Jonathan Sanderson and John Vairy. John’s Grandfather, George Adams, can be seen on ‘G’ Trombone on the Band picture from 1897 above, on the middle row, fifth from the left.
George can also be seen below in a Photograph John believes to be from around the early part of the 20th Century, circa 1909….
Hi,
I sent an e-mail a couple of months ago because I believe that the man in the middle row, 6th from the right may be my Grandad ‘Arthur George Adams.’ As my own Father passed away 15 years ago, I know very little about my Grandad and only saw one picture of him many years ago. I would love some sort of confirmation on this picture so that I could print off this picture for myself and my own children. He lived in Gordon Place, South Elmsall and moved to Yorkshire from the South of England. I would really appreciate a reply, even if the answer is not what I would wish for.
Yours Faithfully,
S. Fowler
Correction to the above comment. 6th from the left, not the right.
S. Fowler.
Hello there S. Fowler.
I too believe the the ‘G’ Trombone player to be George Adams, as does our former Librarian and now Community Liaison Officer John Vairy, as it is John’s Grandfather also. You must know John as this wouild presumably make him your Cousin?
I am about to post another Picture of George, as supplied by John’s Mother, who is George’s Daughter - so watch this space.
Shaun Roche.
Dear Shaun,
Many, many thanks for your reply. John Vairy is indeed my Cousin and his Mum Eunice is my Aunt. I am so pleased that after all this time, I can now put a face to his name.
Kind Regards,
S. Fowler.
hi i was looking for any info on jack argyle euph player i believe that he played for this band in the 60s and 70’s he taught me at school and i have recently started playing again i know he had a nephew who i think played trombone for yorkshire imp, i know he had great times with the band and is regarded as one of the top euph players of his time by people like trevor groom, but i knew jack and he taught me well just would like to trace his footsteps and achievments that he made with the band. thank you for any help you can give me
lee featherstone
Hi Lee,
Thanks for your comment regarding Jack Argyle, we have got some of the older members of the band working on it!
Jack’s son - Peter was the trombone player I think you are on about, however i’m not too sure.
If it is Peter, then his sons also went into banding, Paul plays soprano cornet with Rothwell Temperance Band - http://www.rtb.org.uk/index.php
I think it might be a good idea to get in touch with Paul through the bands website.
Hopefully we can also find out a bit more information for you.
Cheers
Jon Sanderson
Dear CMFCB.
I am writing with regards to any historical statistics you may have on
Irvin Vaines, my father was the Principle Cornet Player with the band for many years.
I also understand that Irvin is a great friend of Ray Sykes and shared some of the most prestigious years within the bands history.
What i do not seem to be able to find on the web site is any photographs of those championship years or any of those other fantastic band members.
This may be a long shot but I am trying to put something together as a gift for his next birthday ! I know how much he has loved the band over the years and what it means to his life.
If anyone could help with any information I would be more than happy.
Kind Regards
Darren Vaines
Dear CMFCB
I am trying to obtain some archive information with regards to Irvin Vaines ?
I understand that my father Irvin is a lifelong friend of Ray Sykes and many other legends which were pivotal in the championship years of CMFCB.
I know this is a long shot but I am trying to present my father with a framed edition of his life with CMF.
His love and passion for the band will never fade, he talks about the fantastic friends and band members every day.
He told me recently that he once had the chance to join Dyke or Grimethorpe as Principle Cornet Player, something very honorable back in day ! however his heart and soul was at Carlton Main and this has never changed.
Any information or ideas would be appreciated very much ? Photographs, Records, anything that can be duplicated will be gladly returned.
Kind Regards
Darren Vaines
Hi Darren, please get in touch with me via the contact pages.
Thanks,
Shaun Roche.
Enjoyed viewing your website,particularly the history(naturally!)I mention both Jackie Argyle and Irvine Vaines in my book “Beyond the Box “(two chapters devoted to Carlton Main)Jackie was ist Baritone when I joined in 1949 and moved on to Solo Euph ahortly after when Benny Lowery had his teeth out in 1950.Jackie was solo Euph during the great successes of the 1950, A fine player with an enormous sound. Irvine joined us from Cresswell in 58/9 and sat next to me and a great friend of mine . Some mention should be made of Ken Aiken -Jones who was the principal Solo Cornet during that period when the band were practcally unbeatable 1956/1960 For your information the photograph of the band thought to be sometime in the 40s was actually taken in 1952 before the bands third tour of Holland.If you
Hi David - your comments are of great interest to us, and as you can see, you have unfortunately cut short! please email me via the contact pages so we might be able to revise the history section!
Many thanks, Shaun, CMFCB.
Hi David
Thank you so much for the feedback with regards to you’re book “Beyond the Box”
I would dearly like to obtain a copy! please advise where I can purchase one?
I would also like to use this as one of the items to present to my father in a framed addition of his life with CMF
I was having a conversation with Irvin a couple of weeks ago over a few Pints and he talked about the fond memories he had of Jack Argyle and many others Brian Dyson was also mentioned………Then he started going technical on me with a Whistle version of the Carnival de Venice! He must have thought I was Jimmy Shepheard or something, the best part came when he tried to go through the Triple Tongue section, similar to Benny Lowery his Teeth came out !
His comments were….”That’s how it sounded at the Winter Gardens in 64″
Glad I didn’t buy any Tickets for that one !
If you have any other snippets of information or Photographs please let me know.
Best Regards
Darren Vaines
Hi Darren
Give your Dad my regards and ask him if he remembers the swimming club, where we all went to after practise on Tuesday and Thursday ( next door to the bandroom) I have no books left at home but you can get one from Jagrins Music Publications from the Internet. Also ask him if he can still read music without the red and blue markings Jack Atherton added on every piece that we played. Unfortunately I do not have any photographs except of the early fifties and those published on the site here.
David
hi david
i would also like a copy of the book, i,ve managed to get his sons peters phone number and i am going to give him a call, i think we have already spoken about jack argyle, my contact details are 01213846102 or 07967824693
regards
lee featherstone
Congratulations on your website, most interesting.
During my years with the band in the 1940’s, Jack Argyle would often stand in on
second euphonium. At that time he lived somewhere in the Doncaster area.
I have a photograph of Harry Mortimer conducting the band in what is the present bandroom, but unfortunately Benny Lowery is covering not only him but the baritone section as well.
If my memory is correct, Joe Stevenson was playing first baritone.
In this period, Ralph Lowery had just begun to learn to play a brass instrument.
Every Saturday evening, Benny, Ralph, Billy Wesson and myself would go dancing
at “Doughties” in Holly Bank, Hemsworth.
G.W.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IRVINE HAVE A NICE DAY
WE HAD SOME GOOD TIMES TOGETHER
I AM STILL PLAYING AT 86
ERIC
Great Website thought i would look at it to see if there was anything about my Uncle Mick Whalley who my dad (Bill Adamson who worked at frickley pit) says took me to hear you play. i have been in Bunbury Western Australia since 1967.
Hello Walter
Mick was in the band when I joined in 1949, he played on the top row. Mick is on the 1947 photograph taken outside the Colliery Managers house. He is the cornet player, fifth from the left on the back row. The cornets ine up in 1949 was G,Dunn, W,Hardy M, Whalley. T.Mudd Sop. R.Stevens, Flug.C.Hardy. Rep. D.Read, 2nd Cor. A.Garbett. & E. McKenning ,3rd Cor. E.Lloyd & J.Prosser. I believe Mick left about 1951. I remember Mick as a good solid top cornet player, hope this helps. Best wishes, David Read
thanks for your reply. the other thing i am trying to find is a recording of a track that my uncle mick says was done by the band it is about a guy and his father coming home from the pit i think the single is entitled ? comes home.
Walter, Are you thinking of the Tony Capstick single that was done in 1981, on Dingles Records SID27, the titles being:- THE SHEFFIELD GRINDER and CAPSTICK COMES HOME. It came into the ‘CHARTS’ on the 21st March 1981 at 54, on the 28th March it was 10th, on the 4th April it reached 4th, 3rd, on the 11th April then it dropped to 6th, on the 18th April it slumped to 17th, on the 25th April it dropped down even further to 24th then went out of the ‘charts’ altogether. I maybe 65 but my memory is still good ask my old mate Ray Sykes !!!!!!!!
That’s the one does anybody know where i can get a copy.
Walter, why not try Keith Quinn, a mate of mine, he may have it, his website is www,euph9.freeserve.co.uk/quinn.htm He has worked wonders for me in the passed getting ‘UNAVAILABLE’ recordings. GOOD LUCK KEITH.
I was fortunate to be taught cornet by Tommy Mudd from 1962 and joined Frickley in late 1962. I left the band in September 1965 to join the Regimental Band of the Scots Guards at Pirbright in the Junior Musicians wing.
When I joined the band Jimmy Shepherd was the principal, he went to the Dyke and the principal was Irvin Vaines who was a very underestimated player with a superb tone.
Pricipal horn was Roy Brown, principal euph Ian Craddock, sop was Ray Sykes, principal trombone Frank Wesson, bass trombone Lawrie Mann.
In the 3 years that I stumbled through, I was the worst but learned a lot. I used to get to band early so I could listen to Jimmy putting Ray Sykes, Fred Ellis and Johnny Blount through their paces.
My first contest was the area playing Rienzi, sweat is not the word for it and Belle Vue what can I say. You came onto the stage to be surrounded by hundreds of pairs of beady eyes waiting for that mistake, unbelievable an era that can never be repeated.
Hi, just wondering if you could help me locate Colin Outhwaite. I played with the band (EEb bass) for about 6 months back in 1968 (i think), Colin and I joined together but Colin stayed longer than me (I was only 15 and travelling from Boroughbridge which became too much hassle for my Dad). I know Colin had a second spell with the band more recently as I bumped into him and Ray Sykes at the area when you Blitzed it!
I did dep with the band again a few years ago when Roger Webster was guest soloist, it was quite a stressful night as the other EEb player was also a dep!!
Hi, just wanted to know if anyone else had any stories of my grandfather Benny Lowery? I saw on a differant site that someone had named him as one of their favorite players. Nice to know he’s still being talked about.
Hello,
Just saw your website and an entry stating that you were Europeran Champions in 60’s…well, I was a member of Grimethorpe during mid-70’s and from time to time I would be invited to help you out on percussion as percussionists were a rare breed in those days…and, I went on the Belgium/Germany tour with CMFCB in 1975…during which the band played at the European Championships in Belgium taking First Place…conducted by Bobby Oughton…then went on to tour the Essen/Mulheim region of Germany as guests of the Thyssen Mining Group who were involved in talks with the NCB over new contracts…we were the ‘cultural’ ambassadors that week…hope this info is useful…regards,
Ian.
Iain
I refer to your grandfather Benny a number of times in my book. I can tell you that at the time,Benny Lowery was one of the finest Euphonium players in the country, you need not take my word for it, it is also the view of Geof. Whitaham who knows a thing or two about euphonium playing!
Apart from being a brilliant Euphonium player he was a perfect gentleman and a nicer person you could not wish to meet. One of the most abiding memories I have of Benny is of him standing up in the beautiful Flower Hall in Aalsmeer Holland in 1949 and playing ‘Facilita,’ he received a standing ovation which lasted several minutes and then received a bouquet of flowers from someone in the audience. Benny used to do weight training in the bandroom ,this training came in handy because one day his father Ralph became trapped in an underground fall and he was able physically to pick up a steel ring that was pinning him down(the sort that holds up the roof on the main underground roads)this enabled his father to be released. What a man!
David Read
David,
Thanks for your reply. Some great stories there. Where can i find your book?
Iain
The book is called ‘Beyond the Box’ and was published in 2004.I believe that the band had a few books at one time but if you can’t get it from them, you can still get it from http://www.jagrins.com
I have to be fair to you that although I had a recollection of Benny rescuing his father, my friend Alec Garbett ( who also played in the band at that time) filled in the exact details for me. Incidentally, If you don’t already know, Benny is on the photograph of the band in the Picture Section of the Archives entitled Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Broadcasting Band 1952, he is on the front row third from the left.Your Grandad also played for a brief period with Alex Mortimer and the CWS Manchester Band also Creswell Colliery Band and Grimethorpe.If you do get the book you will read an amusing story of how Benny supported we younger members of the band in our quest to be paid the same money for broadcasts as the older members, they were getting 18 shillings we were getting 9 shillings( 90p and 45p in todays money!)Without Benny we would not have got it!
David Read