Times and Northern Advertiser, 13/09/1946, p. 2
Introduction:
It would be a difficult matter to adequately express the appreciation we have for the efforts of our ladies’ committee. Their help, both financially and socially, places us under a debt of deep gratitude. It was mutually agreed that their fund should be transferred to the band’s account, and they handed over £25 /9. The ladies also donated £20 to the building fund, and there was another gift of £4 4/ – a total of £49 13/. The ladies should be proud of this work.
(“EXCELSIOR BAND ACTIVITIES,” 1936)
So stated Mr. A. E. Sanders, then Secretary of the Port Pirie (S.A.) based B.H.A.S. Excelsior Band. And rightly so, it was a substantial amount of money for those times to be provided to the band. Bands all over Australia, since they began, were always in need of funds, and they worked hard to provide for themselves. However, here we have a group, the ladies’ committee, who were not playing members of the band, but an associated entity, nonetheless. There were many of these ladies’ committees, or auxiliaries – the naming is interchangeable – associated with brass bands across the nation during a good seventy year of the last century. This post focuses on the important fundraising and social activities they undertook.
These ladies’ committees should not be viewed purely through gendered glasses as they were set up in different times. In the history of our band movement, we know that while there were early female brass bands, it was largely a male orientated activity. But there is a wealth of evidence that shows the womenfolk were very supportive of the band movement, not only actively listening to the bands, but also providing material support, which they were very good at doing. In fact, we could view the ladies’ committee as a kind of club as the women involved not only supported the band, but being part of a committee was a social activity as well.
In this post, we will find that the ladies’ committees involved themselves in a range of activities to support their brass bands, and that their support was integral and deserved much thanks. The evidence of their activities comes from the newspaper articles of the day and reports of annual general meetings – like the one provided by the B.H.A.S. Excelsior Band. What we do not have is pictures of these fine folk. Photographs of bands are easy to find. Finding pictures of their supporters is much more difficult. Nevertheless, this post will highlight a measure of support for bands that is perhaps underrated and lost to time. It is important to acknowledge the work of these women.
Seeing a need:
As detailed in a previous posts, bands were in need of some essentials in order to function – instruments, sheet music, and uniforms (de Korte, 2018b). We must not forget places to rehearse as well (de Korte, 2020b). All these things came with costs attached and while bands were reasonably good at dealing with local councils to obtain funds, more money was always needed and welcomed. Such was the perilous state of some band finances that they could not survive monetary shocks or social upheaval (de Korte, 2020a, 2020c). So having varied sources of funding was always going to be of benefit.
Let us work with a theory through this post, and the evidence will become clear, that the bands of this time that had two committees worked quite effectively. For the simple fact that a band committee, which, due to the time, was male and they largely focused on the running of the band. Having a ladies’ committee that focused on fundraising and social events meant that the time and energy of the band committee was somewhat freed up.
The need was clearly there; it was just a matter of forming ladies’ committees who were enthusiastic about supporting the brass band. According to a letter writer who wrote to the Glengarry, Toongabbie and Cowwarr Journal newspaper in 1925, ladies were quite fond of music, especially that of a brass band (A Member’s Wife, 1925).
Bands and their ladies:
There is no definitive time as to when the earliest brass band ladies’ committee started but newspaper articles provide us with indicative dates. In an article published by the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper in July 1899, we find that the Newtown Brass Band of Sydney was the benefit of a ball “arranged and carried out by a committee of ladies of which Mrs. W. Rigg was the hon. Secretary, and Mrs. Trindall the hon. Treasurer” (“NEWTOWN BRASS BAND.,” 1899) with the aim of providing funds for the band to obtain new uniforms. Admittedly. The Newtown Brass Band was already well supported by the local community – Dr. Trindall was the MC for this event and Mr. Rigg M.L.A. “made a few remarks” in support of the band (“NEWTOWN BRASS BAND.,” 1899).
For the newly formed Quairading Brass Band located in the town of Quairading, east of Perth, a ladies’ auxiliary was formed not long after the band came into existence in 1919. And as reported in the Eastern Districts Chronicle newspaper, this auxiliary applied themselves to arranging the concerts with great success (“District News,” 1919).
The Essendon City Band, based in the north west suburbs of Melbourne, had quite the proactive band committee, and reported as such at the 1922 annual general meeting by the then (retiring) secretary, Mr. W. H. Gore, jun. (“ESSENDON CITY BAND,” 1922). However, it was Mr. Gore’s wife, Mrs. Gore who took some initiative to help the band.
On August 22, Mrs. Gore proposed a gift sale to raise funds. The proposal was adopted, and a ladies committee formed. In the short time available the sum of £78 10s 6d was raised (including £9 proceeds of house party organised by Mr. Skehan), and £6 17s was also donated from R.S.S.I.L.A. Mrs. Gore reported that in moving amongst the people she found that the upmost good-will existed towards the band, and the citizens generally were appreciative of its work in the district. Some of the public bodies were endeavouring to make arrangements to work conjointly with the band in promoting the social life of the community, and it remained for the committee to make the best and most equitable arrangements possible.
(“ESSENDON CITY BAND,” 1922)
The South Caulfield Brass Band located in the east of Melbourne, decided to form a ladies’ committee to help put on a concert at the Caulfield Town Hall in September 1927 as the band needed to pay off the debt on instruments (“South Caulfield Brass Band.,” 1927). Their invitation to interested parties, which was detailed in an article published by The Prahran Telegraph newspaper, was welcoming.
Any lady interested in the work of the band is requested to communicate with the secretary, if desirous of assisting.
(“South Caulfield Brass Band.,” 1927)
The South Caulfield Brass Band was not the only band to form a ladies’ committee for help with special events. In the same year, the Healesville Brass Band also formed a ladies’ committee, and they were much more organised as they voted in office bearers – “President, Mrs. Verity; vice-president Mrs. Hal Brown; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. R. Coates.” (“HEALESVILLE BRASS BAND.,” 1927). This committee was quite firm in their fundraising aims:
The main objects of the ladies’ committee is to provide members of the band with suitable uniforms and to purchase new instruments. It is confidently expected that the ladies of the district will support the band to their utmost ability.
(“HEALESVILLE BRASS BAND.,” 1927)
Sometimes, the main objectives to starting a ladies’ committee were a bit more open ended. The Lismore Citizens’ Brass Band, as can be read in the article below, held a meeting to “consider the advisability of forming a committee to further the interests” of the band – with the end result of forming a ladies’ committee (“LADIES’ BAND COMMITTEE,” 1930).
In the town of Merbein, located in the far north west of Victoria, the newly reconstituted Merbein Brass Band was the recipient of an equally enthusiastic ladies’ social committee that immediately decided to hold a “social, in aid of band funds” (“BRASS BAND LADIES’ COMMITTEE,” 1932). The social was to consist of “Cards, competitions, and a musical programme” to “engage the attention of patrons” (“MERBEIN BRASS BAND,” 1932). This would have been a successful event given that way the town swung behind their band.
Support for the brass bands often came from people who held important positions in towns. Such was the case in Shepparton, Victoria, where the then Lady Mayoress, Mrs. D. Summers invited interested women to be part of a new ladies’’ auxiliary and presided over the meeting – the ladies’ auxiliary was to take the place of the existing social committee of the Shepparton Brass Band (“SHEPPARTON BRASS BAND,” 1935). Within one month of starting, in November 1935 this new auxiliary got to work almost immediately to raise funds in order to provide 27 uniforms for the band (“BAND UNIFORMS,” 1935b). For the Shepparton Brass Band, there was a sense of urgency to provide the uniforms. In January 1936 they were to host a meeting of all the bands from the Goulburn Valley and it was important that the Shepparton Brass Band looked as good as possible (“BAND UNIFORMS,” 1935a). The new ladies’ auxiliary, and the band itself had their work cut out for them soliciting the support of the townsfolk.
The middle years of last century brought about upheaval with the advent of the Second World War, but for the bands, they recognized that additional help was needed to operate. And they continued to form ladies’ committees to help the bands. Mr. W. J. Moore, then secretary of the Berry Brass Band outlined in his report at the 1937 Annual General Meeting of the band how new committees would assist the band.
We would like to recommend the formation of a Citizens’ Committee, and also a Ladies’ Auxiliary, in the near future. What can be done by such adjuncts is shown in Casino, where there is a juvenile band of 63 performers, and 25 clamouring for admission. We must get the people of Berry interested in their band. With the formation of theory classes at regular intervals, and the hearty co-operation of the general public, the band should flourish and provide a never-failing source of enjoyment to those who appreciated the inspiring strains of outdoor music.
(Moore in “Berry Brass Band,” 1937)
Some very worthwhile aims for the then Berry Brass Band to achieve.
Another band based in the Riverina region of New South Wales voted at their meeting in 1940 to form a ladies’ auxiliary, but it was only mentioned in the minutes with no clear goal as to what this auxiliary should aim for.
It was moved by Mr. McLay and seconded by Mr. Turner, that the lady supporters of the band be given the authority to form a committee to be known as the Narrandera Citizens’ Brass Band Women’s Auxiliary.
(“Citizens’ Band,” 1940)
The newly inaugurated ladies’ auxiliary of the Norseman Brass Band in Western Australia formed post WWII and found their work in supporting the band as well as providing a social group for lady supporters of the band, thus providing two avenues of connection (“Norseman Brass Band Ladies Aux. Formed,” 1949).
This is only a small sample of little stories relating to the formation of ladies’ committees across the Australian band movement. For the various reasons they were formed, the fact that these committees were comprised of volunteers who gave their time for the band and social connection was the most important aspect of all.
The many ways to raise funds:
Balls, socials, bazaars, carnivals, baby competitions, singing competitions, cake stalls, and assisting at concerts…if there was any way to raise funds for brass bands, the ladies’ committees were on to them. And they had a good time doing it too as the committees, as mentioned, functioned as a kind of social club. The takings from such events were not insignificant, and the funds were much appreciated by the bands.
Some of the events that were held have already been detailed in this post as ladies’ committees were initially formed to fund specific items for the band – instruments and uniforms were particularly important. All things considered, most of the events were held just to raise additional funds which the bands used at their will.
The ladies committee of the Port Pirie Proprietary Brass Band held a very successful social event at Port Pirie’s International Hall in March 1906. Not only were 90 people present and £21 raised, but the ladies’ committee also presented something very special to the band.
The chief event of the evening came as a great surprise to all in the shape of a very handsome drum major’s staff, being presented to the Band by Mesdames J. Holwell and C. Langford on behalf of the Ladies’ Committee.
[…]
The Chairman in a very neat speech called upon Mr Fred Lewsey as an old supporter of the Band to make the presentation on behalf of the ladies, to the band, through their Conductor and Bandmaster, Mr. Thos Morgan. Both gentlemen thanked the donors for the valuable and handsome present, and expressed the hope that wherever the staff was carried it would be the means of bringing good luck and victories to the Proprietary Band.
The Bandmaster then called on Mr Tom Everon, drum-major of the Band, to accept the present custodian. Mr Everon, in responding, said it gave him the greatest pleasure of his life in having an opportunity of thanking the donors for their useful and ornamental gift, especially as the donors were ladies.”
(“The Proprietary Brass Band.,” 1906)
Running social events was a popular activity for ladies’ committees and this is evident through a range of newspaper articles which detailed what went on. Despite World War One being underway, the Lakes Creek Brass Band Ladies’ Committee of Rockhampton held a coin social at the local Masonic Hall. Several activities were on offer including dancing, a progressive euchre tournament, open air games, a waltzing competition, a find-your-partner competition, and musical items were provided by the band and vocalists (“LAKE’S CREEK BRASS BAND.,” 1917).
Like the Lakes Creek Brass Band Ladies’ Committee social that took place in 1917, several years later the ladies’ committee of the Bacchus Marsh Brass Band also ran a very successful social event. In front of 80 people, musical items were presented by soloists from the band – including a mouth-organ duet – and vocal and other items were part of the entertainment (“BACCHUS MARSH BRASS BAND.,” 1934). The obligatory thanks were provided by members of the band.
The boys voted the ladies “Jolly Good Fellows” at the close of the very enjoyable function, for they provided the good things that appeal to the boys and incidentally to grownups as well.
(“BACCHUS MARSH BRASS BAND.,” 1934)
In the early years of World War Two, any pleasant activity must have been a welcome distraction. For the ladies committee of the Clare Brass Band, one activity was a singing competition which was held in the home of Miss M. Rowley in October 1941 (“Clare Brass Band.,” 1941). It was not a small affair as fifty ladies attended the afternoon, and twelve of them participated in the competition where variety on order. Some ladies presented tap dancing, others played the piano, and there was singing – “which caused much fun” (“Clare Brass Band.,” 1941). Takings were a bit on the small side at “£1/3/6”, but no doubt appreciated by the band (“Clare Brass Band.,” 1941).
The Kurri Kurri Boys’ Brass Band were very lucky to have a ladies’ committee helping them with fundraising. Being the proactive band that they were and having the opportunity to enter band competitions on a regular basis, adequate funds were essential. Kudos to the ladies’ committee of the band for arranging various functions, including the mentioned “baby show” (“KURRI BOYS’ BRASS BAND,” 1942). For the record, a tiny snippet of news published in the Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder newspaper noted that the boys travelled to Sydney on the 22nd of January 1943 to compete in a competition (“PERSONAL,” 1943). Obviously, the latest rounds of fundraising were successful in meeting goals.
In April 1950, the Clare Brass Band was in recess “due to a shortage of bandsmen”, but that did not stop their very proactive ladies’ committee from raising funds in the hope the band would become active again (“Clare Brass Band,” 1950). They held a social afternoon that month with a variety of entertainments including “competitions, elocutionary items, songs and games” (“Clare Brass Band,” 1950). It was noted in this article published in The Northern Argus newspaper that the Clare Brass Band Ladies’ Committee was quite proactive in what they did and how much in funds they had raised.
The ladies committee have £105 in the bank, proceeds from the social afternoons. Many food parcels have been sent overseas, and appreciative letters have been received from the recipients.
Mrs. Shashall, President, and Mrs. H. J. Aitken, Mrs. M. Kain, and Mrs. R. McEvoy, vice-presidents, thanked and expressed their appreciation for past help, and hoped in the near future the ladies would support their local band which is an acquisition to any town.
(“Clare Brass Band,” 1950)
On a side note, the Clare Municipal Brass Band reformed (and renamed) in 1951, then went into recess by the end of 1952, before being reformed again in November 1954 (“Clare Municipal Brass Band Reformed,” 1954; Tilbrook, 1954; “YOUNG RIDERS—AND THE BIG BRASS,” 1952). The photograph below shows the Clare Municipal Brass Band as it was in 1952. No doubt the ladies’ committee of the band would have been pleased to see the band reformed and know that their extensive fundraising activities helped.
The Horsham Brass Band Ladies’ Auxiliary was also active in the early 1950s. As the article below shows, they held a cake and produce stall, with the proceeds being £6 with further events planned in the lead up to Christmas (“CAKE STALL FOR BAND,” 1953). Even small amounts of fundraising were useful for the band.
With the varied forms of fundraising, the ladies’ committees contributed much to their bands as well as contributing to their localities as well. With this help came much thanks, as was evident in these articles. Funds for bands was an ongoing concern, and the more help that was provided, the better.
A long-standing anachonism:
It is not the greatest measurement but judging by the numbers of newspaper articles that mentioned ladies’ committees in the 1950s and 1960s, there seems to be a reduction in the numbers throughout this time. History will tell us that from the 1950s, females started joining brass bands in greater numbers as playing band members so perhaps, this also influenced the makeup of band committees (de Korte, 2018a). However, social factors could also be at play as society in general changed. For example, the King Island Municipal Band noted in 1968 that the loss of their ladies’ committee was due to the lady that ran it leaving the island (On the Beat, 1968). Change in the band movement can sometimes be gradual as new ideas take hold.
Conclusion:
This author has often heard of bands being described as a family or a community. The stories here demonstrate that all people involved – players and helpers – are important. The bands and their committees were wholly responsible for creating a community that supported the band. And in times past, that support was much needed. The ladies that volunteered to organise, run cake stalls, dances, obtained uniforms, and undertook innumerable other supporting roles did so with an enthusiasm that made a real difference. Who knows how many bands would have faltered over time had it not been for that little bit of extra support provided by a hard-working ladies’ committee?
References:
A Member’s Wife. (1925, 30 March). Coursing Club and Ladies : AND A BRASS BAND, TOO! Journal : Glengarry, Toongabbie and Cowwarr Journal (Traralgon, Vic. : 1923 – 1929), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article274569550
BACCHUS MARSH BRASS BAND. (1934, 28 July). Melton Express (Vic. : 1915 – 1943), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article254741515
BAND UNIFORMS : Appeal by Auxiliary. (1935a, 23 November). Shepparton Advertiser (Vic. : 1887 – 1953), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article175424913
BAND UNIFORMS : LADIES’ AUXILIARY ACTIVE : CONCERT AND FAIR. (1935b, 15 November). Shepparton Advertiser (Vic. : 1887 – 1953),b1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article175424344
Belle of Belles Chosen At Casterton. (1950, 20 September). Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic. : 1869 – 1954), 20. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224922352
Berry Brass Band : Annual Meeting. (1937, 23 September). South Coast Register (Berry, NSW : 1926; 1929 – 1931; 1933 – 1948), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article284207960
BRASS BAND LADIES’ COMMITTEE. (1932, 19 July). Sunraysia Daily (Mildura, Vic. : 1920 – 1956), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article265797449
CAKE STALL FOR BAND. (1953, 04 November). Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 – 1954), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72774559
Citizens’ Band : Meeting of Committee. (1940, 16 February). Narandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser (NSW : 1893 – 1953), 6. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130478489
Clare Brass Band. (1941, 17 October). Blyth Agriculturist (SA : 1908 – 1954), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article222446550
Clare Brass Band. (1950, 05 April). Northern Argus (Clare, SA : 1869 – 1954), 9. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article97823288
Clare Municipal Brass Band Reformed. (1954, 24 November). Northern Argus (Clare, SA : 1869 – 1954), 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article97827526
de Korte, J. D. (2018a, 22 April). Early female brass bands in Australia: they were rare but they made their mark. Band Blasts from the Past: Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2018/04/22/early-female-brass-bands-in-australia-they-were-rare-but-they-made-their-mark/
de Korte, J. D. (2018b, 08 July). Instruments, sheet music and uniforms: how the bands of old obtained the essentials. Band Blasts from the Past: Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2018/05/13/instruments-sheet-music-and-uniforms-how-the-bands-of-old-obtained-the-essentials/
de Korte, J. D. (2020a, 04 June). Australian society and brass bands: The Pneumonic Influenza pandemic of 1919. Band Blasts from the Past: Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2020/06/04/australian-society-and-brass-bands-the-pneumonic-influenza-pandemic-of-1919/
de Korte, J. D. (2020b, 01 September 2020). A room to call their own: the space and place for bands. Band Blasts from the Past: Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2020/09/01/a-room-to-call-their-own-the-space-and-place-for-bands/
de Korte, J. D. (2020c, 18 October). Testing times: the resilience of Australian bands during the Great Depression. Band Blasts from the Past: Anecdotes, Stories and Personalities. https://bandblastsfromthepast.blog/2020/10/18/testing-times-the-resilience-of-australian-bands-during-the-great-depression/
District News : QUAIRADING : Brass Band. (1919, 10 October). Eastern Districts Chronicle (York, WA : 1877 – 1927), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article148580826
ESSENDON CITY BAND : ANNUAL MEETING HELD : Year of Pronounced Activity. (1922, 07 December). Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1905 – 1924), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article283500348
EXCELSIOR BAND ACTIVITIES : How Public Supports Music : Seventeen Concerts Bring £19 to Funds. (1936, 21 February). Recorder (Port Pirie, SA : 1919 – 1954), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article95923315
HEALESVILLE BRASS BAND : LADIES COMMITTEE. (1927, 10 December). Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian (Vic. : 1900 – 1942), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60293633
KURRI BOYS’ BRASS BAND. (1942, 04 December). Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 – 1954), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article99933708
LADIES’ BAND COMMITTEE. (1930, 26 July). Northern Star (Lismore, NSW : 1876 – 1954), 8. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article94144077
LAKE’S CREEK BRASS BAND. (1917, 03 November). Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 – 1954), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article53831976
MERBEIN BRASS BAND. (1932, 26 July). Sunraysia Daily (Mildura, Vic. : 1920 – 1956), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article265800182
NEWTOWN BRASS BAND. (1899, 24 July). Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14228752
Nice, A. C. (1926, 07 September). MERBEIN PUBLIC BRASS BAND—August, 1926. Sunraysia Daily (Mildura, Vic. : 1920 – 1956), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article258720934
Norseman Brass Band Ladies Aux. Formed. (1949, 09 June). Norseman-Esperance News (WA : 1936 – 1954), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article258610441
On the Beat. (1968, 03 September). BAND HAS NOT BEEN INACTIVE. King Island News (Currie, King Island : 1912 – 1986, 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article264727496
PERSONAL. (1943, 22 January). Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 – 1954), 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100051247
Peterborough Municipal Brass Band : JUNIOR INSTRUMENT FUND. (1946, 13 September). Times and Northern Advertiser, Peterborough, South Australia (SA : 1919 – 1950), 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article124976509
The Proprietary Brass Band. (1906, 28 March). Port Pirie Recorder and North Western Mail (SA : 1898 – 1918), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article95249731
SHEPPARTON BRASS BAND : Ladies Auxiliary Suggested. (1935, 03 October). Shepparton Advertiser (Vic. : 1887 – 1953), 1. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article175421706
South Caulfield Brass Band. (1927, 15 July). Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889 – 1930), 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165185419
Tilbrook, I. T. (1954, 10 November). CLARE MUNICIPAL BRASS BAND TO BE RE-ORGANISED : CONDUCTOR REQUIRED : (To the Editor). Northern Argus (Clare, SA : 1869 – 1954), 10. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article97827167
YOUNG RIDERS—AND THE BIG BRASS. (1952, 06 August). News (Adelaide, SA : 1923 – 1954), 12. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130812675
Band Blasts from the Past 