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The Crofton Band photographed outside Nostell Priory Gates in 1895. It is hoped to re-create this picture with the current members at the same location in the near future.
The band was formed as Crofton Brass Band in December 1873 in the old mining village of Crofton, four miles South East of Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The band was composed of men and boys employed by local collieries. The first recorded engagement was the re-opening of Crofton Parish Church on 11th April 1875.
The First World War took its toll on playing members, leaving only old men and boys to carry on.
In 1936 the band changed its name to Crofton Silver Band, being completely self-supporting and still being composed of mining industry employees.
The Second World War again reduced membership but the band carried on until the war ended and returning service men rebuilt the playing strength.
In 1955 the National Coal Board requested that the band represent a local colliery promising financial support and the name changed again to Nostell Colliery Band. The promised support did not materialise and the band remained self supporting.
With the demise of the coal industry, Nostell Colliery closed in 1993 and in the same year the name changed once more, reverting to Crofton Silver Band. The first engagement under the new name being the long standing Crofton Old Folks' Annual Party.
The band has always been involved in the community but the playing strength today is made up of people from all walks of life.
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