Many people in the Pickering area maybe unaware that Pickering has a contesting Brass Band and hope this article will outline the band history.

          Stape Silver Band was established in 1884 in Newtondale, a farming community close to the edge of the North York Moors, and entered local contests in the early 1900’s and won many prizes including the ‘Jingling Johnny’, a trophy which was presented to the band at the first Douthwaite Dale competition.

          In the 1950’s the Band practised in various locations around the village of Stape including the old chapel and the house situated opposite, until in the early 1960’s, when they moved to Pickering, where is operates from today. On first moving to Pickering they operated in a small room in W.J. Robinson’s Egg   Packing Station for their practices.

          The band progressed and found that in the mid 1980’s they required a new challenge and entered the Yorkshire and Humberside Brass Band Association, giving them the chance to enter many new contests.

          In the first year the Band claimed 1st prize for their hymn playing, and has entered many times since, winning numerous prizes for their hymn, march and selection areas of the contest.

          In 1989 its own bandroom was opened, situated in Outgang Lane in Pickering. The bandroom was funded 50% by the Band with the remainder given by the local council.

          During 1992 the Band entered the North of England regional qualifying contest, and the following year won the contest, thereby earning a place at the National Finals, held then at the Wembley Conference Centre in London.

          The Band has continued to make progress and after a series of good results in the 4th section was promoted to section 3 at the beginning of 2003. Despite promotion they gained a well-earned 2nd place in 2005, again earning a place at the National Finals held in Dundee.

          2006 saw them embark on their second European tour to Belgium, playing in the crowded squares of Gwent, Antwep and Bruges.

          The band continues to contest and play concerts and is always striving for a new challenge. We are always recruiting players young or old and provide a good quality instrument and individual tuition. All bands need new players in order to continue the tradition and improve their standard.

Tanya Rex, Stape Silver Band Chairman.