*
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    


Swoss Open

Result: 2026 Besson Swiss Open

September 21 • Brass Band Treize Etoile regains possession of the Swiss Open title in Lucerne.


York

Result: 2026 Third Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 20 • Let it snow... Allerton claims the Third Section honours in York.


York

Result: 2026 Fourth Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 20 • Wardle Community are the ultimate Heroes of the North as they claim the National title in York.


York Barbican

Result: 2026 First Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 19 • Marsden discover the source of a thunderous success in York.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St John's Band (Mossley)

September 20 • We are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.. . We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and have a varied calendar of concerts, contests and ten-piece engagements.


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites percussion players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites BBb Bass players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd