About Hook Norton Brass Band

A Brief History

Hook Norton Brass Band celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. In 1886 a group of railway workers constructing the Great Western Railway joined together with local villagers in Hook Norton to form the band. The very first rehearsals were held at the brewery because the founder member and first bandmaster was a Mr John Harris, one of the brewery’s directors. The band flourished during the first part of the 20th century, but village bands generally declined after the second world war, for fairly obvious reasons. Hook Norton survived by moving to Banbury and attracting players from a wider area. The band was granted charitable status in 1999 and has a large stock of instruments so that nobody is stopped from playing by the lack of an instrument. Although the band is based here in Banbury, we are proud of our very strong links with Hook Norton. The brewery is our main sponsor, and the current Managing Director, Mr James Clarke, is our President as was his father and grandfather before him.

Friends of the Band

Over the years, a significant number of the Band's followers have made donations towards the running costs of the Band. Whilst this is not our only source of income, it does go someway to help cover the costs of the Band.

These loyal supporters are known as the "Friends of the Band", and their continued financial support is very much appreciated and makes a big difference to the economic position of the Band.

If you would like to become a Friend of the Band, please send your details to Mark Dickin, treasurer of the Band.

Copyright © 2006-08 Hook Norton Brass Band
Web design (Midlands) by Ferrer Consulting Ltd