1927
A year of significant contest achievement.
9th July Belle Vue, playing “Carmen” in the Kings Hall, the Band excelled itself and gave a first class performance to win First Prize.
A lengthy press report states “The homeward journey was one of merriment” and also mentions the interesting fact that the Temp. was the only band to play seated (copying the Australian band which had adopted this method and won the 1926 contest).
Their seventeen year old soloist, George Bulmer, possessed over 60 medals, which was claimed as a world record for a boy cornetist.
Later in 1927 another record was claimed for the band, when they held the Belle Vue July Championship and the Crystal Palace Grand Shield, both at the same time.
5th September The Band now qualified to appear in the Open Championship playing “The Merry Wives of Windsor” by Dr. T. Keighley, “Here the Band was for the first time amongst the best bands in the world and although unsuccessful, have a most remarkable performance. George Bulmer was away and Albert Coupe, a fine soloist from Luton Band was engaged to play solo cornet.
24th September Crystal Palace, Rothwell Temperance Band consolidated their claim to first class status by winning the “Grand Shield” section on another fine test piece “Epic Symphony” by Percy Fletcher, receiving compliments from St. Hilda’s men who won the championship section with this music in 1926.
These compliments must have been gratifying to conductor Nathan Sidebottom who was known to hold St. Hilda’s as the model for emulation by Rothwell Temp.
As in 1924 the first prize at Crystal Palace occasioned great rejoicing and the Band returned home on Sunday, September 25th to be mobbed by the village. They played to the Temperance Hall where Mr W Lunn MP spoke a few words of welcome and then 90 people enjoyed a super provided by the wives and supporters of the Band.
A presentation concert was held at the Picture Palace Rothwell, Mr W. Lunn JP MP was Chairman and Colliery Owner Joseph Charlesworth presented the Crystal Palace Grand Shield to the Band. He also made a presentation to the Conductor, Mr. Nathan Sidebottom of a case of cutlery subscribed by members and local tradespeople. No charge was made for the concert but a collection raised £18 10s.
In May 1927 Mr Joseph Charlesworth presented to the Committee a valuable silver shield for annual competition at the Band’s own contest. The first winners of the shield were Morley.
Witsuntide marked 25 years of unbroken service at the Longwood (Huddersfield) Church School Feast and a special collection was made which raised £2 in addition to the fee of £14.
