THESE musicians were looking forward to a bright future after receiving a generous cheque for nearly £6,000.

The money was the result of a fundraising drive for the City of Oxford Silver Band in 1980.

The 25-strong band needed new uniforms and new instruments so members of the band’s supporters club agreed to help.

They organised a series of bingo sessions and raffles, and with donations and the proceeds of concerts given by the band, the target was reached.

When this picture was taken, it was all smiles as Beryl Webb, treasurer of the supporters’ club, handed a cheque to the band’s chairman, Frederick Trinder.

About £3,000 of the £5,700 raised was spent on new instruments, £1,700 on new uniforms and the remaining £1,000 helped clear the debt on the club’s £20,000 extension to its headquarters in Temple Road, Cowley.

The uniforms had their first public outing three days after this picture was taken, at a concert with a visiting West German band at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

The musicians pictured above were the latest in a long line to represent the band, whose early history is uncertain.

It celebrated its 75th, 100th and 125th anniversaries on the basis that it was formed in 1887 when Mr A J Taylor, his sons John, Dan and Fred and eight friends came together to play as Headington Brass Band.

But latest research suggests that a band of that name existed in 1849 and that Alfred Taylor and his brothers were members in 1857. Whatever the truth, the band was in great demand in the 19th century, performing at village feasts, horticultural and livestock shows and other gatherings. It also took part in celebrations to mark Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.

It has had various names over the years, including Headington Uniform Brass Band, Headington Temperance Band and Headington Subscription Band.

Later, it became Headington Silver Band, after replacing its brass instruments with silver-plated ones in 1914, and Headington Silver Prize Band, after it won the first Oxford and District Brass Band Association contest at Kirtlington Park in 1923. In 1925, when the band largely severed its links with Headington and moved its headquarters to the Cape of Good Hope pub at The Plain, it was decided to remove Headington from its name, although the title City of Oxford Silver Band wasn’t adopted until 1951.

The band has become well known for giving concerts at home and overseas, training young musicians and taking part in competitions. But for many years there was one serious omission – a home of its own. It practised in pubs, a hospital, a community centre and a canteen before work on its hall in Temple Road was completed in 1966. Today, it runs three bands – beginners, training and senior.

The band is appealing for former members to get in touch – visit cosb.co.uk/members.php

It is also trying to trace members who appeared in an ATV film in 1966 – it can be viewed at cosb.co.uk/aboutus.php