Ever Ready Band
By the end of 1968, Ever Ready had taken over sponsorship of the band and given the band a new home. The band became known as The Ever Ready Band . This was a golden period for all concerned including eleven consecutive regional championship wins between 1972 and 1982 which included five hat tricks. Other highlights also included winning the title of BBC Band of the Year in 1974 and gaining 4th prize at The British Open in 1987. At this time, The Ever Ready Band totally dominated North East brass band competitions and the band became well known for their high standards of musicianship. The now famous scarlet tunics were seen at major concert venues throughout the United Kingdom. All good things come to an end and like Craghead Colliery had in 1968, the Ever Ready factory closed in 1992. The Band became entirely self-supporting, whilst retaining the famous Ever Ready name in token only. The high standards of musicianship were maintained despite a lack of sponsorship which placed a financial burden on both the players and officials. The Band did find a new permanent home not far from its original roots of Craghead Village, in the centre of Stanley, County Durham, where through fundraising and financial help from the players, the band was able to purchase an old Salvation Army Hall.
Read more about this topic: Reg Vardy Band
Famous quotes containing the words ready and/or band:
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