Newtongrange Silver Band

Off early to get a tram into town and to beat the crowds, getting some steps into the process.

The city is so Christmassy as we get ever closer to next Sunday. Anyway, here is the Newtongrange Silver Band, playing carols outside Waverley Gate, Waterloo Place.

The present Band was founded in 1892, although it is understood that another band had previously existed in the district. For over 90 years the band was closely linked with the coal mining industry which was the sole reason for the existence of the village of Newtongrange.

In the early years the band was supported by the Lothian Coal Company which would make jobs and houses available for incoming players. A voluntary weekly subscription from the miners employed at the Lady Victoria Colliery was a major source of income, and the Dean Tavern (operated as a trust with profits used to support organisations and activities in the village) has always been a source of financial support.

From 1926 the administration of the band was in the hands of the local Miners Welfare Committee. Following the closure of the Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange, the miners at the nearby Bilston Glen Colliery continued the mineworkers' support for the band. This came to an end in 1985 and since then the band has sought commercial sponsorship to supplement its own fundraising activities to meet the band's running costs.

Despite mining having gone, I am glad to see that these bands still survive, and can bring Christmas cheer today.

I hope you have all had a good Sunday.