BILSDALE Silver Band is a truly rural band.

It has been in existence since at least 1859 – when it competed in the Lofthouse Grand Village Band Contest, which was described by Charles Dickens in the weekly periodical All The Year Round.

Some of the earliest photographs of Bilsdale Band are from a 1911 pageant to mark the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary held at Busby Hall, in Carlton, near Stokesley.

Around this time, the bandmaster was William Garbutt and practices were held at his farm in Chop Gate.

One of the Band’s long-term supporters was the late Les Featherstone, of Chop Gate, who rarely missed a performance.

To acknowledge a generous bequest from Les, the band has commissioned a major work for brass band by one of its former bandmasters Dick Blackford, entitled Bilsdale Fantasia.

It is based on a hymn tune Ewecote by William Garbutt – and reflects the grandeur and tranquility of Bilsdale.

Mr Featherstone’s legacy will be used to sponsor brass tuition at Bilsdale, Midcable Chop Gate, Carlton and Faceby schools in the belief that teaching local youngsters to play brass instruments is a valuable skill for life, and will ultimately help perpetuate Bilsdale Silver Band.

Bilsdale Fantasia was premiered by the band at the Bilsdale Show in August.

Currently, the band has about 30 players from a variety of backgrounds, including seven families, most with two generations playing.

Players have many professions and skills, and include a number of retired people with members coming from as far south as York and as far north as Middlesbrough.

The band plays for general public enjoyment, mainly on Sunday afternoons, and often outdoors, including stately homes, abbeys and at the seaside. The busiest schedule of playing is from the spring through to autumn.

At home the band supports the local community playing at occasional church services, and at the traditional village shows and fetes, giving an annual Christmas concert in Chop Gate.

The band is neither a competition band nor a marching band, but has occasionally attempted both, just for fun, winning class “C” for unregistered bands at Malton Brass 2002.

There is a weekly practice in Chop Gate Village Hall, and everyone plays just for the love of it, nearly all income going towards new music and repairing and replacing the instruments

The band is always looking for new members. Established, or returning musicians and confident beginners are welcome.

Full details and other information can be found at bilsdalesilverband.org.uk