Stanhope Silver Band can boast a proud tradition of banding, which has been traced back to 1823. The history has been well documented, highlighting the origins of the Band Of Hope, whom it’s known performed in Stanhope Methodist Chapel in 1823.
By 1859 Mr. R De Lacy was conductor of Stanhope Band and he persuaded the band to take part in their first competition at London’s’ Crystal Palace in 1860. The band travelled by train from Frosterley station and was one of 169 bands to compete.
1904 saw the band purchase a complete set of new instruments and the band was renamed Stanhope Silver Band.
1923, Jack Woodhall, who was only 19 took over as conductor and led the band for 50 years and became a musical legend within Weardale.
1950’s saw Stanhope Band enjoying a successful period and were Northern Area Champions in 1957. In 1964 they were second in the Northern Championships and went onto victory in the Fourth Section Championships in London.
1987 saw a terrible day for the band when the band-room was burnt to the ground with the loss of all instruments, music and the huge drum “BIG BEN”. The band was allowed to practice at Horn Hall where they had gained shelter 60 years earlier.
February 1997 the band were kindly offered the old CO-OP store in Stanhope for their new home with an “interest free” mortgage which shows the support that is always received from all sections of the community. 1997 was also a good year as the band was awarded £86,480 from the National Lottery and Stanhope came to a standstill as the band marched and played beneath the Market Cross. Photographs still adorn the band room walls.
The history of the band would be incomplete without paying tribute to Herr Paul Munch who is described as an honorary member of Stanhope band. Paul’s father was a POW in the Harperley POW camp, who was put to work with the Craig family farm in Stanhope. Paul’s father decided to stay after the war therefore Paul was brought up in Stanhope and joined the band. Paul returned to Germany to start his own family but continued to maintain his friendship in Stanhope. He organized for the band to celebrate the 750 year anniversary of a nearby village in Germany which was an enormous success.
The band are looking to the future and hope they continue to enjoy unique community support, as they have done for the last 200 years and take appropriate actions when new challenges arise.