*
banner

Old timer returns to Dumfries

A wonderful timepiece has been returned to Dumfries Town Band over 100 years after it was first presented.

Clock
  Calum and Julia Gray handed the old timepiece back to Dumfries Town Band

An old clock which was presented to a former member of Dumfries Town Band on his wedding over 100 years ago has been returned to the band.

The ornate wooden case wall clock was a gift to Henry Wells on his marriage on 16th July 1909.

Henry's great grandson Calum Gray and his wife Julia decided to return the clock to the band for future generations of musicians to appreciate. It will now be hung on the wall of the Dumfries band hall for all to admire and enjoy.

Marriage

A brass plate inscription on the timepiece reads: "Presented to H. Wells by the Dfs Town Band on the occasion of his marriage. 16/7/09."

Calum said: "The clock had been hanging on the wall of my parents' house all my life. It also travelled with them on their travels to homes in the UK as well as Turkey and Spain.

My grandmother also lived in Dumfries and Glasgow so the clock would also have travelled to those places with her before that. It was an important part of family history for my granny who'd had a difficult life. I'm sure she could have sold the clock when times were tough but she kept hold of it as it had belonged to her parents."

It is uncertain what instrument Henry played or what role he had with the band, although it is hoped that the band will now find out.

I'm sure she could have sold the clock when times were tough but she kept hold of it as it had belonged to her parentsCalum Gray

Impressive

Band chairperson Gillian Tweedie added: "We were delighted when Calum and Julia offered the clock back to us to out up in the band hall.

It is such an impressive timepiece which represents such a happy moment in our band's history — and we are sure it will keep time for us for many more years to come."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


nybbgb

NYBBGB Conductor finalists announced

December 5 • The quartet of conductors looking to claim the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Young Conductors' Competition title have been confirmed.


Music

4BR Review — Episode 12

December 5 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas discuss if we are starting to see a change in the music being performed at at major contests, concerts and on recordings.


Thurcroft Welfare

Thurcroft honour stalwart trio

December 4 • Three remarkable servants of Thurcroft Welfare Band have been honoured for their decades of dedicated commitment.


Purcell Brass

Purcell Brass Experience aims to inspire the next generation of performers

December 4 • The UK's oldest specialist music school has announced the launch of its new Purcell Brass Experience — and its free.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Thornton Cleveleys Band

December 5 • Thornton Cleveleys Band are welcoming applications for the position of musical director. We are a North West 3rd section band based just outside Blackpool.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings 19:30-21:30. Well attended and only a couple of vacancies


Haverhill Silver Band

December 2 • Haverhill Silver Band seeks an Eb bass player to join us for the areas and beyond. This is your chance to join East Anglia's premier brass band and compete at the Senior Cup and Whit Friday, as well as performing in great concerts throughout the year!


Haverhill Silver Band

December 2 • Haverhill Silver Band seeks a flugel player to join us for the areas and beyond. This is your chance to join East Anglia's premier brass band and compete at the Senior Cup and Whit Friday, as well as performing in great concerts throughout the year!


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd