South Yorkshire Times, February 3, 1939
Wombwell Town Band
Presentation to Secretary
Long and Loyal Service
In recognition of his long and loyal service as secretary of Wombwell Town Band. Mr. Albert Johnson received a gift of a gold wrist watch from the members of the band at their annual meeting at the Ship Inn, ‘Wombwell, on Sunday. The honour of making the gift fell to Mr. Tom Timberlake who has been a playing member in the band for 45 years.
The watch was inscribed, “Presented to Mr. A Johnson from Wombwell Town Prize Band for services rendered.”
Mr. Johnson has been secretary for 25 years and has played a leading part in bringing about a revival of interest in its activities. The band is one of the oldest organisations in Wombwell.
The Chairman, Mr. William Copeland said he regarded it as an honour to be in the chair for that little ceremony, and he was also very pleased to be able to call on their oldest member, Mr. Timberlake to make the presentation. Mr. Copeland referred to Mr. Johnson’s long and conscientious service in the interest of the band, and said the example he had set was worth following. If they all showed the same zeal and pulled together, the band could again become a force in Wombwell. As a band they had youth on their side and there was no reason why they should not make headway.
Young Conductor
Mr. Copeland referred to the fact that they had a very young conductor, Mr. Maurice Thompson (19), of Hoyland Common who was imbued with new ideas coupled with enthusiasm, and would keep them up to date in their methods and practice. He appealed to the members to be consistent in their practice work and to try to cultivate a spirit of good comradeship in their ranks, no member running away with the impression that he was any better than another. He had great pleasure in handing over the watch to Mr. Timberlake for presentation and he hoped that it would serve Mr.Johnson is faithful as he had served the band for many years to come; also that every time you looked at it you will be reminded old friendships (applause).
Mr Jaber’s Corton (vice president) extended good wishes and words of appreciation to Mr Johnson, and said he hoped he would accept the gift as a reminder of the goodwill of present and past bandsmen. Mr. Corton thanked the people of Wombwell for their help and encouragement in the past year, which had been a record from the financial standpoint.
He said he hoped the some appreciation would be forthcoming in the Year just started. Mr. Corton mentioned that the band were to give another concert in the Empire Theatre, Wombwell, on Sunday, February 19th, as a result of which they hoped to raise sufficient money to liquidate the debt incurred by purchasing new uniforms. The uniforms were bought on March 27th last year and they hoped to have the account cleared by the same date this year. The uniforms cost £158 and only £28 remained unpaid.
Pleasant Association
With a brief and suitable speech, Mr. Timberlake made the presentation, expressing pleasure at having had long association with Mr. Johnson in band work. Mr. Johnson thanked the members for their kindly gesture, and said the watch would be numbered among his most treasured possessions.
The accounts, audited by Messrs Thornton and C. Canwell showed income for 1938 amounting to £266 13s.7 ½ d. Expenditure was £243 13s. 5 ½ d and there was a credit balance of £23 06s. 2d.
It was stated that during the year the band had been booked for engagements over a wide area, anhad made frequent appearances in Wombwell. At Belle Vue last year the band finished 7th out of 27.
Officials appointed were: President, Charles Richardson; vice-president, Mr A. Corton; chairman, Mr. Mr W. Copeland; secretary, Mr. A. Johnson, 14, Mitchell Terrace; committee, Messrs T Timberrlake, George Fisher, John Fisher, Harold T, I Homer an R Oldfield.