1975BrentfordNylonsNethertonCollieryBand.jpg

Some names added by the Facebook Bygone Bedlington members :- 

I didn't know aout this 'merger'. Does anybody have details of when it occurred and why?

I think I was told it was because the pit closed (I had started to learn cornet in Netherton '72/3) and I don't believe it was a merger of two bands, but a change of name and "sponsor".

The band moved into the factory for rehearsals at that time and continued for a few years but there were issues with where we played, often we would be in a corner of the canteen which was not ideal for a band practice or the workers trying to eat. My mum stopped playing altogether around 78/9(?) and my father and I moved to another band, whether this was because the band broke up or not I don't know.

I think I was told it was because the pit closed (I had started to learn cornet in Netherton winter '72/3, probably the Institute/club?) and I don't believe it was a merger of two bands, but a change of name and "sponsor".

The band moved into the factory for rehearsals at that time and continued for a few years but there were issues with where we played, often we would be in a corner of the canteen which was not ideal for a band practice or the workers trying to eat. My mum stopped playing altogether around 78/9(?) and my father and I moved to another band, whether this was because the band broke up or not I don't know.

Other names to add:

I think these may be correct, 22 Arthur Brodie. 12 Clarence Milburn. 

Possibles, 18 Ian Lamb. 27 Howard Swanson

8 hours ago, Canny lass said:

I didn't know aout this 'merger'. Does anybody have details of when it occurred and why?

See details on this thread, if I've copied the correct link, this seems to fit with my memories.

@Bandsman1966 - it was Deborah Golding  (Facebook group Bygone Bedlington) that gave me the names and she commented :-  Jimmy was my dad, Barry is my uncle- he says he remembers this like it was yesterday. It was the year that they won the Picnic.               I sent her a copy of your photo, via Facebook Messenger and she is going to see if her mam , and uncle, can name some more.

Thanks for all the info, Bandsman1966. What a sad end for the band. I loved that band as a kid and me and my brother often played at being'bandsmen' marching (in our fashion) ehind them when they were practicing outside the institute,

I remember Jimmy well, and I think I remember Deborah. We lived on the Wansbeck Estate from the late 60's, by the middle shops and my folks stayed there until the 90's, the Golding's were only a few minutes walk away.

If they won the picnic in 75 that was the year before my avatar pic was taken. A press photographer posed mum and I on Front Street, it was probably the NP Leader? As you can see I was too small for a blazer. Actually I was too small for the hat and the horrible crimplene kipper tie too. Ten years old and marching with the band, I was so proud.