In the 15 years since the Leyburn Band reformed, George Lundberg and his family have been the glue that has kept Leyburn Band together. However, that hasn’t always been the case, as Philip Sedgwick reports

FOUNDED in the early 19th Century, Leyburn Band’s roots are lost to time. Its earliest recorded appearance was when it processed through the town to demonstrate loyalty to Queen Victoria on her marriage to Prince Albert in February 1840.

The band then became an integral part of the dale’s musical scene, performing at venues such as Wensleydale’s agricultural show or tea dances on Leyburn Shawl.

Cheap railway travel opened opportunities for the band to break free from the dale. In July 1863, members of the band travelled by train to London (return fares first class 21s (£1.05) or 10/6 (52½p) second) to compete against 20 other bands at Crystal Palace.

Leyburn, unfortunately, weren’t placed – Darlington came third – but their cornet soloist Robert de Lacy was second-placed, winning a gilt-plated horn, worth a small fortune.

The popularity of brass bands peaked prior to the First World War and then a gradual decline set in, both locally and nationally. Leyburn soldiered on until 1930, when it marched with war veterans.

After that, its story is punctuated with short-lived attempts at restarting it, all of which floundered.

In 1989, Mary Sanderson, whose husband’s family had played with the band, took it upon herself to reform the band. After a fundraising push, several silver instruments were bought but were put into storage when the group folded once again.

After being contacted by Mrs Sanderson in June 2002, the D&S Times ran a story to promote a further attempt. Typically, as a shrewd daleswoman, she added: “Can those who have previously had instruments on loan, please return them?”

By the following year matters had progressed. A public meeting attracted a smattering of experienced players who were happy to play on an occasional basis plus eight novices keen to learn. Three instruments were returned, with offers of more.

Amongst those present was experienced conductor George Lundberg and his daughter Emma. He recalls: “The band had £1,000 in the bank and five pieces of music, but 60 per cent of musicians couldn't read music or play at all.

“There were 13 playable instruments – three were from when Leyburn was a reserve military band and so are over 100 years old, and we still have them.

“The band and learning group started practising on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons, as we still do.”

On Friday, November 29, 2003, for the first time in more than a decade, the newly-re-formed ensemble faced the public for the first time, playing carols at the town's Christmas lights switch-on.

Since then, under George’s expert tutelage, the band has made a steady rise to prominence. It has produced three CDs, taken part in Brassed Off at Richmond Theatre and won countless trophies at contests including Brass in Ripon and the world’s second oldest brass band contest at Hardraw, which was first held in 1881.

Highlights were Leyburn’s tenth anniversary concert, the band members being issued with their uniform jackets, and the recent performance at St Paul’s Cathedral.

The years have not been without drama. For instance, there was the occasion when musicians Mark Millman and Sarah Rawson were to be married at St Matthew’s Church in Leyburn. However, with the appointed hour arriving, the snow falling and the bride’s Rolls-Royce nowhere to be seen, the band struck-up an impromptu concert for the waiting guests until she made it to the church.

Then, recording their last CD at Low Row chapel, snow intervened once again when a sudden downfall trapped them inside until gone midnight when they were dug out.

There was also an appearance on BBC television’s Countryfile where George was up-staged as a conductor by presenter Matt Baker.

Eighteen years after its most recent restart, the Leyburn is once again an integral part of the community. It is made from all walks of life, with many members travelling in from addresses throughout North Yorkshire.

Without a fuss they have raised more than £10,000 for charity since reforming. Last Christmas coincided with a serious problem for St Matthew’s church’s boiler so the band quietly donated its share of the concert fee towards its repair.

The secret to the Leyburn’s success is undoubtedly George’s infamous cheesy jokes plus the band’s ability to play what the public like to hear.

George says: “We don’t usually introduce music that people have never heard of because they won’t like it.

“If you play three pieces of music they don't know and you lose the audience; can you imagine Brighouse and Raistrick Band not doing The Floral Dance? The audience would walk out.”

Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and latterly cancer have been bitter blows to George, affecting much of his life’s work as a musician and conductor, but he still manages to conduct at practices and he plays the piano every Christmas at Low Row United Reform Church.

All three of his daughters – Emma, Rebecca and Victoria – are talented musicians. Each has a music degree and they play both brass and woodwind with the band. Rebecca normally conducts, although both Victoria and Emma can also take up the baton.

Emma is now bandmaster and is a driving force, often up at 3am doing last minute music transpositions. Her son, Freddie, plays with the junior section.

Reflecting, George says: “I regard Mary Sanderson as the saviour of Leyburn Band and it is important that that we now have a full complement of players and top-quality instruments.

“Over the years the band has given me immense pleasure and I am proud that it doesn’t matter who is in charge, every single member of the band works with tremendous energy.

“I hope we can continue to enjoy performing for our audiences.”

Amen to that.