The Lilleshall Collieries Prize Band

Extract from letter from Mr Malcolm Westbrook 17th Jan 2001

..My father was a Brass Bandsman, as were my uncles and grandfather. I should have asked more questions about the band when I had the chance. However at one time St Georges had two Brass bands, namely St Georges Old  and St Georges Temperance. St Georges Temperance were sponsored by the Lilleshall Colliery, a name that they used until about 1962 when Oakengates Council helped with the finances. My research shows that the Lilleshall Collieries Company, bought the band many new instruments and a set of new uniforms circa 1907.This is when the Temperance Band changed it`s name to "Lilleshall Collieries Prize Band". 

Whilst not in the top section, the band afforded visits from the famous Mortimer family for professional tuition. I cannot remember these visits, it was before my time. I did however go out on a Christmas morning playing carols at such places as Priorslee Hall, meeting the President of the Lilleshall Company, Mr Oxley. 

In 1953, a strong ladies committee raised funds and purchased the band a new set of uniforms. I think the band folded in 1970. Please find enclosed some of my photos.
Rather difficult to read, but this is a program from the 1913 Open Brass Band competition , held on Owen's Field, later to be behind the cinema, and now under the Eastern Primary flyover. You may be able to make out the competitors to be: Donnington Wood Institute, conductor Angus Holden, St George's Temperance, Bromboro Prize Band, conductor Mr Crate,  the prestigious Black Dike Mills conductor Arthur O. Pearce, and Wellington Old Volunteer, conductor C. Ralphs.

St George's Temperance Band, courtesy of Mr E.G.Leyland whose father was a member of the band. Pictured are, back row, Messrs George, Rigby, Eli Latham, Jarvis, unknown. Second row, Messrs W Allen, Davies, Alfred Leyland, Cheadle, R Brothwood, Willetts. Third row, Messrs Alf Stanley, Noah Stanley, George Gittens, Alf Brothwood, Jim Leese. The two lads on the front are Bill Smith and Eli Latham jnr.

St Georges' Old Band in about 1905 with the trophy they won in the Shropshire Brass Bands Championships held annually in The Quarry. The boy seated is William Shuker, aged twelve, later to be the conductor of the St Georges Orchestra. Immediately behind him is his father who was the band's conductor at that time. William Williams (second left, back row) later went on to conduct the Oakengates Town Band.

Lilleshall Colliery Band circa 1935

The  Oakengates Band 1929.  Back row standing From right T. Plimmer, R. Williams, W. Bould, T. Gilbert, W.. Shuker, W. Brice, H. Williams, J. Harris, G .Harris, T. Bywater, W. Lovell, J .Bates, E. Dyas,  Seated T. Hyde, W. Tranter, F. Beaman, W. Williams Conductor (     )J. Fenn, P. Lamsdale. 

The band practiced at The Charlton Arms Hotel ,Oakengates, where the landlord was Mr J Foulkes. 

Members of Lilleshall Collieries Band outside The Quarry Public house, now The Bell and Bails in St.Georges, probably taken in the early 1930s. Far right is Jack Rigby, euphonium. Sitting Jim Westbrook, trombone. Fred Talbot, E flat base is third from right. Harold Corbett, soprano cornet is second from left. The gentleman standing at the back is Bass Trombone player Tommy Lease. On far left is Ralph Hall, Tenor Horn.      

Taken at Wellington Church grounds showing members of Lilleshall Collieries Band. Far right is Harry Westbrook, far left Harry Ball. Others not known. Circa 1937        

New Uniform on Show 1952

Lilleshall Collieries Brass Quartette 1953, Harry Westbrook, Derek Proudler, Malcolm Westbrook and Eric Prime.

Long serving M.D. Mr J Rigby retires circa 1952 

LHS back row Harry Westbrook, Les Simpson, Peter Wooley, Clem Talbott, Harry Williams, Robert Williams, Les Hyde, Reg Williams, Councillor Mellor Harrison,   Sitting LHS middle Ernest Howells, Jim Westbrook,  Front Charles Alford, Jack Proulder, Derek Proulder, Center Mr Bowman, Mr. Jack Rigby. (retiring bandmaster) Sitting RHS Len Beech, Harry Talbott, Malcolm Westbrook.