Family History Fun: Musical Notes- Past and Present

This week’s Sepia Saturday prompt photographs features a small musical ensemble with an invitation for us to show our related old photographs.

I begin with images from my local heritage group - Auld Earlston.

Earlston Orchestra in Concert, 1898

The earliest reference found in the local press to the Orchestral Party (sometimes called Orchestral Society) was in “The Southern Reporter“: 28th October 1886. The occasion was a concert and dance, organised by Earlston Street Lighting Committee to raise funds to provide winter street lighting in the village. After the concert, part of the evening was given over to dancing.

Throughout the first half of the 20th century, local newspapers regularly reported on the activities of the orchestra . cheif conductor was Mr, SAmeul Fisher , with Miss May Smith and Miss Betty Kerr taking on the role of deputies.

During the First World War, the Orchestral Party was a regular participant in fund raising concerts, held to provide Christmas gifts to serving soldiers; to assist the War Relief Fund; and for the War Comforts Fund under the banner “Under the Flag of Britain” in a programme of patriotic music, with the plaudits:

“The Earlston Orchestra gained fresh laurels from the high standard of excellence reached by its members”. (Berwickshire News: 7th December 1915)

The 1920s & 30s marked a busy time for the orchestra. Events included playing at Carolside in aid of the Scottish War Memorial Church [at Edinburgh Castle]; at a major two-day Masonic Bazaar; and at Earlston Horticultural Show. , a WRI (Women;s Rural Instiutute) sale of work where the orchestral played "in a tasteful and effective stye".

Conductor Samuel Fisher died 8th May 1938 aged 75, buried in Earlston Churchyard. With his death and the impeding threat of war, this once showcase of Earlston musical talent appeared to come to an end.

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In 1944, Polish Lancers were stationed in the village in training for the Normandy landings, with their tanks taking over the concreted Rugby Football ground. The Polish contingent involved themselves in the local community events, including playing for the dances which were a popular form of wartime entertainment.

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Earlston Clown Band - The earliest report found appeared in "The Berwickshire News" of 28th August 1906 and referred to a village picnic at Cowdenknowes House, near Earlston, where the band was the star performer in the entertainment.

"The famous Clown Band was unanimously considered, nay acclaimed, as the most striking and most original performance of the day.......... The performer on the big drum would be marked for distinction, for never before "throbbed the war drum" under such handling as it got from the wielder of the drum sticks."

The last report found was in "The Berwickshire News" of 13th July 1937 when the band took part, with great acclaim. in a fancy dress parade in Lauder.

"Much of the success of the parade was due to the efforts of the Earlston Clown Band, which led the procession through the streets of the Burgh . The antics of the band, who were all in character, and its leader Mr. John Murdison roused peals of laughter from the many spectators who had gathered to watch the procession.

At the presentation of the prizes, an extra vote of thanks was given to Earlston Clown Band, who had kindly given their services free.

No further press reports were traced after that date. Did the outbreak of war bring an end to the Clown Band activities, which had delighted its followers down the decades.

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To more recent times - musical groups in costumes that reflect their country’s heritage.