A Hucknall History
Huthwaite Entertainment
Huthwaite Prize Band
William Cooper founded the 1857 Hucknall Huthwaite Brass Band, formed by eight instrumentalists comprising a drum, soprano, saxhorn, bass trombone, two cornets and ophicleides. First public engagement heading earlier started Sutton Whit walks realised organisers had mistakenly made a double booking. Payment for both marching bands needed settling through county court ruling.
Hucknall Huthwaite Band
Undaunted by that troublesome start, the Hucknall Huthwaite Band became a regular feature musically marching ahead later and extremely popular annual Hucknall Huthwaite Methodist church parades. There had been great difficulties obtaining sheet music, while overcoming problems affording instruments plus uniforms. But having soon attracted some influential supporters, earliest photo believed fronting the Orchards in Boots Yard identifies later owners home for one old band patron and president Mr Coupe.
Establishing 1860 headquarters for the Hucknall Huthwaite Band in the adjacent Peacock Hotel must acknowledge owner Rowland Kesteven as another long standing supporter. His grandson Mr Arthur Rowland Lowe appears extending support through 1900.
Hucknall Huthwaite Band
Cooper surname remained synonymous with the Huthwaite brass band. Passing baton onto subsequent generations of a highly trained instrumentalist family very notably included deeply respected tutors plus broadly acclaimed contest adjudicators. Tracing back a c1840 Yorkshire birth deduces the 1857 founder was a barely 17 year old William Cooper. An infant when parents returned to their native Hucknall Huthwaite roots entertaining William among Cooper relatives. His successor Mr J B Cooper is infamously quoted for claiming he could produce a band of 16 players within a one mile radius of the band room - all from his own family.
Clearest basis behind relevant family tree begins from 1851 Hucknall Huthwaite census identifying a widowed Mrs Hannah Cooper 43 left mothering four sons. Entire family of Frame Work Knitters is more fully listed 1861 ageing, Charles 27, William 21, Joseph 18, Thomas 14, including daughter Elizabeth 25, with two grandsons Charles 4 and John 2, before she partnered Mr T Thompson.
Bandmaster William Cooper is credited with good performance on E Flat Bass, while very capably tutoring use of all the bands instruments. Heading his own 1871 family with wife Mrs Mary Cooper already mothering two children named James Ball Heath 3, and Hannah Cooper 2, their son Arthur is finally born 1883. Fathering a son-in-law might well recognise J B Cooper, until Mr James Ball Heath ends some confusion between shared names, taking band secretary role assisting next bandmaster the Mr J B Cooper.
William favoured passing baton onto highest qualified nephew, his aforementioned sisters son John. Keeping fuller given 1859 birth name firmly assures John Barnes Cooper is the Mr J B Cooper simply referenced thereafter. His marriage registered 1st quarter 1879 with Miss Martha Marriott will later prove significant determining this bands unique history. That evolves after working closely with band secretary J B Heath agreeing to progressively lead the Hucknall Huthwaite Band forward entering brass band contests.
Hucknall Huthwaite Prize Band
Referencing Brass Band Results discovers a commendable start entering nearby competitions. Taking 2nd place at Eastwood June 1885, is followed by next years 3rd place at Tibshelf. 
A disappointing 1887 result might have spurred them into next achieving their first win September 1888 at Hucknall Torkard. One good reason for dating earliest photo.
Particular interest concerning the Cooper family bandleaders has to note how John retained Main Street residence beyond Mrs Martha Cooper mothering his daughter Adelia bn 1884, sons Charles Aaron bn 1886, John jnr c1890. A second marriage registered Q4 1893 introduces Mrs Mary Cooper mothering a further five children, listed by 1911 census when John had swapped other occupations for Huthwaite Urban District Council rent and rates Collector.
Continuing to lead this band into competitions while promoting first prize wins desiring to achieve national top placements, its a retitled Hucknall Huthwaite Prize Band that gave 1896 open air concert billing, proudly featuring J B Cooper himself. His highly trained skilled tuition using all instruments would personally recognise a splendid solo euphonium player, retained by the Sutton Old Harmonic Band for all their competitions. Nevertheless, cousins J B Cooper and J B Heath still sought professional assistance to compete at highest level.
As a result of all their dedicated work, 1900 photograph fronting the Peacock Hotel headquarters would be celebrating the Hucknall Huthwaite Prize Band crowning success. That dates from 21st July National Championships held at the former Crystal Palace, Sydenham. Winning the Third Section really did justify earlier claimed Prize Band status continually recognised thereafter.
An accompanying letter written 1901 by an unnamed well wisher eventually featured in THE BRITISH BANDSMAN 12th March 1906. Presenting this well understood background couldn't merit the oldest founded brass band, but an updated 1982 press account would assert a very unique 125 year record.
Hucknall Huthwaite Prize Band (Founded in 1857)
This band was formed in 1857, starting with the small membership of eight players. Great difficulties had to be contended with at the start in getting funds for instruments, etc. The instrumentation at this time is rather interesting to present day bandsmen, being as follows: One soprano in D flat: two cornets, A flat: one saxhorn, D flat: one bass trombone, two ophecleides, and one drum. Music was not so easily obtained at this time, and the band used to get a few pieces from Wombwell's menagerie band. After two or three years, the headquarters was shifted to the "Peacock Inn," which, it is interesting to note, is still retained. They have always been strong supporters of Richard Smith's Champion Journal, and are subscribers at the present time. The first engagement, which was on a Whit Monday, is certainly interesting, as, by a mistake of the people engaging the band, two bands turned up where only one was wanted, which led to County-court proceedings. In the end both bands being paid for their services. One good feature of Hucknall Huthwaite is the many old supporters it contains in its ranks, the soprano and horn players have been seen 44 years' service, and two others can reckon 42 years. Mr. William Cooper, father of the present bandmaster, was one of the energetic spirits of the band, and he it was who trained both his son (Mr. J.B. Cooper) and the present energetic secretary (Mr. J.B. Heath) for the present positions which they hold. Mr. William Cooper was a good performer on the E flat bass. Mr. J.B. Cooper was thoroughly put through the traces by his father, taking one instrument after another until he came to the
solo euphonium, upon which he is a splendid player - so much so that his services were retained for the Sutton Old Harmonic Band (a good band in its day) for all contest engagements. Upon Mr. J.B. Cooper becoming bandmaster, with Mr. J. B. Heath as secretary, both determined that a good forward policy should be adopted, and that the band should go in for contesting. And this policy was the right one is proved by the splendid position the band holds in the contesting world at the present time. Out of 10 contests, no less that 7 firsts were secured, 2 being seconds, and 1 third. The band have always gone in for good professional tuition, the following gentlemen having taken them in hand from time to time:- Mr. Simpson Bradford, the late Mr. G.F. Birkenshaw, Mr. Alfred Gray (Manchester), and, last of all, Mr. Edwin Swift who coached them for their magnificent victory at the Crystal Palace last year, in which they gained the first prize and three specials, competing against no less than 17 bands, some of which were very strong indeed. It may be of interest to know that Mr. J.B. Cooper can produce a band of 16, within a radius of one mile of the band-room, from his own relations. It speaks well for the members that the band has been engaged for 23 successive years on Whit Thursday, and it has been renewed for the year 1902. Mr. J.B. Heath and the members have every reason to be very proud of themselves for the great strides they have made in the contesting world, and, being in such energetic hands, we are confident the band will still maintain its great reputation.
Well Wisher.
1900 Hucknall Huthwaite Prize Band
Figures in brackets denotes years of membership when this photograph featured 1906 in The British Bandsman Magazine, taken upon winning the prestigious Crystal Palace Contest. A Lowe, supporter - A Cooper (22) - J B Heath (Secretary 27) - A Hodgkinson (2) - J Evans (3) - C F Marriott (8) - A Smith (4) - J Clay (4)
H Sprittlehouse (20) - W Bailey (2) - C A Cooper (5) - J Stringfellow (42) - John Bonser (7) - M Marshall (44)
W Newel (2) - W Cooper (42) - J B Cooper (bandmaster 27) - W Davis (5) - S F Cooper (14) - L Thompson (14) - Jas Bonser (7)
Huthwaite Prize Band
The prize band from Hucknall Huthwaite might be found competing under varying area titles like Hucknall-under-Huthwaite or Huthwaite Old. until adopting official 1907 township renaming to present the Huthwaite Prize Band. Bandmaster Mr J B Cooper is lastly identified conducting a creditable 3rd place out of 28 entrants at the September 1911 Crystal Palace Cup. He appears then passing baton over to his eldest son. Reportage suggesting it was through death that year, failed to realise he witnessed return of son Percy Barnes Cooper from war service. Death aged 62 is now determined from Mansfield registration date 4Q 1922. His full name however, was carried on by his second son John Barnes Cooper junior, who shared same highest degree of family training.
Devoted band secretary Mr James Ball Heath Cooper died aged 75 as registered 4Q 1937. He would have also witnessed growth and development of the entire next generation fathered by Mr John Barnes Cooper, passing baton over to his eldest son and third successive Cooper family member Mr Charles Aaron Cooper. He was remembered personally preferring to be simply called Chas.
Charles Aaron Cooper had been identified possessing musical talents since joining the Free Church Choir aged eight. From alto to a rich tenor, his voice firstly gained concert admiration. Instrumentally choosing the cornet, he was soloist when Hucknall Huthwaite Band claimed their Crystal Palace win. Marriage registered 2Q 1907 with Miss Annie Hallam lists 1911 home at 38 New Street, holding main occupation of Underground Coal Miner. As well as conducting Huthwaite Prize Band from that year, broader musical interests included conducting a 1912 Huthwaite Symphonic Orchestral Society. Dutifully completing army training led to playing in the Sherwood Ranges Military Band, although regimental discharge to resume colliery work entertained 1915 war time venues.
1925 Huthwaite Prize Band
A. Walters - F. Willan - J.G. Evans - W. Thorpe - A. Spencer - Charles Cooper Jnr. - W. White - S. Cockayne - J. Clay - J. Anderson - G. Hames - R.A. Cooper - T.G. Dobb - J. Limb - C.F. Marriott - W. Thompson - A.E. Robins - F. Rowbottom - W. Walvin - F. Hickling - C.T. Chapell - J. Laitt - J.B. Cooper - P.B Cooper - Charles A. Cooper (Band Manager) - S. Fox - Clarence Cooper - C.B. Cooper - W. Cooper.Advanced studies beyond winning 1918 Associate Diploma from the Victoria College of Music, earned Mr Chas A Cooper national respect as an excellent musician, conductor, tutor and since 1920, a Midlands adjudicator up until his 1965 death. Chas conducted the Huthwaite Prize band through about two dozen widely held contests, regularly collecting shields and trophies after gaining 5th place back at the 1921 Crystal Palace arena. Winning the Oxfordshire & District Contest Section 1 Open merits 1925 dated photo.
Personally advertising qualified services in Wright & Round's Brass Band News September editions adds roles of composer and arranger, above offering Bandsmen tuition as Principal of a Midland Correspondence School of Music. Among all their related musicians, one brother gains testimonial mention in a Higham advert stating It is by Comparison that the Experienced Instrumentalist Estimates Value. Copy of Letter received from Mr. J. B. COOPER, (Huthwaite, near Mansfield, Notts. June 1926), the Well-known Notts Orchestral and Brass Band Trombone Soloist. To Joseph Higham, Dear Sir, I cannot speak too highly of the "Paragon" Trombone I recently purchased from you-both for Orchestral and Brass Band work. The tone is brilliant and easy to produce and I can get ppp easily without using a Mute. After playing another make of Trombone for a number of years, I realise the ease I have missed: Now I do not dread heavy programmes, for in my Higham I have a perfect Instrument at last.
1932 Huthwaite Prize Band
Arthur Fawhert - Chas Cooper junior - M Bradford - Fred Brown - Jack Limb (President) - Frank Lee - H Hinks - Sam Liwbridge - Chas Marriott - W Berresford T Harrison (drums) - R Cooper - G Bee - T Dobb - F Bridger - Alf Thompson - Tom Gelsthorpe (Assist. Librarian)
Chas Chappell - C B Cooper - P B Cooper - J B Cooper - Chas A Cooper (Conductor and Musical Director) - W Bee - S Fox - J Laitt - W Wild.
Named bandsmen from 1932 Notts Free Press announced a forthcoming live radio broadcast. That 1½ hour concert given from the Birmingham studio was in fact fourth time Huthwaite Prize Band had been heard over the airways. Year before they performed twice from the Midland Regional broadcasting studio, after first playing to microphone heard regionally through a Nottingham Station.
An entrepreneurial Billy Butlins presented one of the biggest band contest festivals. 
Promoting his 1933 Butlins holiday camp enticed more of the nations many colliery brass bands with silver cups and cash prizes. Attracting 77 entries boosted future appeal for the Skegness seaside resort. Interestingly, Mr Chas A Cooper was among official adjudicators when entry in Class A for Huthwaite Prize Band was conducted by his brother J B Cooper.
Year after they secured a second place trophy in a Butlins March. Proud mention was given at a 1935 Huthwaite carnival annual fund raising event organised by Mr W Clark. His appeal on behalf the band highlights how they voluntarily often supported local causes by providing free concerts, as well as showing popularity for large crowds being entertained by their own carnival attractions. An open concert on the old Market Place started the days events, appreciated by a fully packed audience before the Whit Walk likewise drew crowds lining all streets to witness a musically led parade.
Huthwaite photographer Ernald Lakin dated his 1956 Huthwaite Prize Band grouping, which could have helped celebrate the bands so far unmarked centenary. Its after Mr Charles Aaron Cooper updated his 1949 advertised address to 19 Columbia Street, where he eventually died 1st September 1965. Addressing top corner on Sutton Road is the Huthwaite Library, beneath which the band had moved from the Peacock Hotel. They'd soon made and kept longest regular use of that Lecture Hall for future headquarters.
1956 Huthwaite Prize Band
Records cannot clarify much more than Mrs Annie Cooper had mothered three sons. Reginald Cooper is personally remembered keeping bandmaster role throughout 1980s involvement and John Cooper possibly played big bass. Father Charles Aaron passed baton onto youngest son Haydn Cooper, recognising my introductory tuition by this families fourth Conductor and Musical Director.
Huthwaite Silver Prize Band
Appeal of classier looking silver plated instruments might well have gained favour under Chas leadership. Nevertheless, a fuller titled Huthwaite Silver Prize Band best differentiates years under next progressive musical directorship of Mr Haydn Cooper. Many more will recognise him throughout all his years teaching schoolroom music classes. But shown leading these younger band members into 1972 trophy winners also recognises his two cornet playing sons, Lynden with my school pal Martin Cooper.
1972 Lawrence Wheatcroft Trophy Winners
Robert Lockey, Carl Booker, Jill Neal, Jill Badman, Jane Gilbody, David Shepard.
Martin Portman, Malcolm Leviers, Karen Booker, Judy Hardy, Paul King, Christine Lockey, David Pemblington.
Rob Saunders, Richard Adams, Haydem Cooper, Lynden Cooper, Martin Cooper, Ian (Wag) Whawell.
Haydn was born 11 July 1932, and claimed joining the 1940 band. Swapping role from euphonium instrumentalist followed fathers 1965 death, when receiving baton appointing him Musical Director of Huthwaite Silver Prize Band. Brass contest results reveal renewed 1972 interest entering smaller local competitions. They led to broader arenas including Pontins. With monthly regularity especially throughout the 1980s, they gained many favourable top placements. Mr H Cooper had also conducted a Bakewell Silver Band into four contests between 1981-84. Additionally encouraging an 1988-89 Tideswell Band conducted some higher places.
Sons raised on Blackwell Road were advised to swap instruments. Both did very favourably suit euphonium, like their father before them, respectfully knowing Haydn had led the band into setting a unique 125 year record as fourth generation conductor all from the same Cooper family. Basic exposure in 1982 press had to realise history was still in the making. Elder son Martin started work at Birchwood Boats, but followed employment settling a family still maintaining musical interest with a Clevedon brass band. His brother Lynden inherited longer term local dedication winning notoriety as a soloist, before then relocating his own family to Crich.
Haydn keeps band in tune for 40 years
A MUSIC-LOVER who has devoted his life to Huthwaite Prize Band has received two prestigious awards for his tireless service.
Conductor Haydn Cooper (73), of Crescent Road, Selston, has been keeping the band to the beat for 40 years and been a member for an amazing 65 years.
And this week delighted Haydn said he was 'overwhelmed' when he was presented with the special long service awards by the North East Midlands Brass Band Association at a surprise party attended by former band members and pupils from around the country.
Said Haydn: "There has been lots of highlights really, but that Friday takes a lot of beating."
His proud wife Liz (61) described the party - which took place on 4th November - as a 'wonderful tribute' to him.
"It is rare for anybody to have 65 years and our band is one of the oldest in the country," she said. "There were people there who we haven't seen for years and years."
Music runs in Haydn's family, with the Huthwaite Prize Band founded by his great-grandfather William Cooper in 1849 and has been passed down through the family ever since.
Haydn is the fourth Cooper to lead the band and expects his son Lynden to take over when he retires.
Said Liz: "It has gone down from father to son. I don't think there's another band in the country like that."
The band, which has about 25 members, now meets at Selston parish meeting room after having to leave its base in Huthwaite because of problems with anti-social behaviour in the area.
Haydn, whose main instrument is the euphonium, has also been a music teacher sincce he was 18 and has taught brass and woodwind lessons at many local schools.
He still continues to teach Kirkby Woodhouse Primary School and Underwood CofE Primary School - despite having a triple heart bypass operation about two years ago.
Haydn says he taught hundreds of pupils over the years with some of them becoming professionals - and has taught three generations of the same family in some cases.
He has received previous musical awards, being honoured in 2001 by the Worshipful Company of Musicians for his long service in teaching brass players.
And Haydn is determined to keep conducting the band as long as he can, telling Chad: "I will keep going as long as my health enables me to. Music has been a thread that has run right through my life and still does."
Huthwaite Band's Unique Record
Huthwaite Prize Band celebrate their 125th anniversary this year and members believe they hold a unique musical record - for one family has held the baton since the band first struck up in 1857! And now they are trying to raise cash to buy new uniforms to commemorate their anniversary.
Over the last century and a quarter the band has been led by the Cooper family. It was started by founder William Cooper and today three of his great-great grandsons carry on the family tradition. Their first headquarters were the Peacock Inn, Huthwaite and their first engagement a Whit Monday walk for which two bands had been booked by mistake. It took a county court ruling to ensure both bands should be paid for their services!
Founder Mr William Cooper trained his nephew J.B. Cooper in all the instruments of the band which was originally formed with a membership of eight players. Present day treasurer Mr Frederick Allsop explained at that time they had great difficulties in buying instruments and uniforms. Sheet music was almost impossible to obtain and the band was fortunate enough to acquire a few copies from the Wombwells Menagerie Band.
Mr J.B.Cooper became the musical director and he once said he could produce a band of 16 players within a one mile radius of the band room - all from his own family. J.B. Cooper died in 1911, a well known and respected teacher and adjudicator. His son Charles Aaron Cooper was appointed musical director. For 54 years "Chas" was well known nationwide as an excellent player, teacher, conductor and adjudicator until his death in 1965. His youngest son Haydn was then appointed to the post of MD thus ensuring an unbroken line of Coopers as musical directors and conductors for 125 years.
The present band has 30 members including three sons of Charles Aaron, Haydn, now the musical director and conductor, Reginald, bandmaster and John instrumentalist. Although they have no sponsorship the band with the help of an eager supporters club is hoping to raise sufficient money to buy new uniforms to celebrate the anniversary. For they are justly proud that although they may not be the oldest band in existence they are surely unique!
c1980s Huthwaite Silver Prize Band
Huthwaite Silver Prize Band probably made longest regular use of the designed Lecture Room beneath Huthwaite Library. By the 1990s however, that secluded rear area had begun attracting anti-sociable groups. Prior its closure also threatening potential loss of Huthwaite library, band practice meetings had already been transferred nearer his Selston home, where Haydn managed to maintain musical interests beyond a thereafter simpler named Huthwaite Prize Band, even after a triple heart bypass.
Huthwaite Prize Band
Deservedly enjoying November 2003 presentation of a long service award, that reportage also reflects how family readily accepted a recent claim suggesting their Huthwaite Prize Band might even trace back to an 1849 founder. Unfortunately, the source of that undisclosed evidence is better known maintaining ambiguous beliefs rather than asserting any historic factual accuracy. Studying earliest genealogy cannot readily question such long given 1857 founding by an already experienced young musician. Its just worth noting others have claimed the Cooper family were also founding members of the North East Midlands Brass Band Association.
2013 Huthwaite Prize Band
Losing local band contact after being shown playing at the 1991 opening of a revamped Sutton-in-Ashfield market place, must be attributed to relocating the Huthwaite Prize Band headquarters into Selston, and through later severe illness all following loss of a dilapidated Huthwaite Welfare Park concert bandstand. Attending an advertised 2013 Christmas concert did however, find Kirkby-in-Ashfield possessing a newly styled bandstand, before everyone finally sought warmth inside that parks nearby visitors centre.
Having doggedly maintained passionate devotion leading Huthwaite Prize Band throughout severe illness, Haydn Cooper passed away at home on 15th December 2019, aged 87. Family, friends and pupils attended the funeral service held on 6th January at St Helens Church, Selston, where band members provided musical tribute during celebration of his much broader lifelong influence.
Independent relocation of two sons already very firmly committed to their own local family band interests elsewhere, cannot deny this Cooper family will always remain synonymous leading their Huthwaite Prize Band. There are some much older brass bands, but death of Haydn must at least set one unique UK record from this families early venture, by proudly marking 162 years continuous leadership throughout all four successive generations.
Younger son Lynden had been destined to next inherit role of Huthwaite Musical Director. Nonetheless, his experience had already extended a fine family tradition conducting other bands. A fifth successive generation baton leader of national repute may therefore recognise Cooper surname breaking yet another unique record. Martin Cooper is also still an instrumentalist who'd favoured the euphoniun. And because both brothers became grandparents, there might be some future chance of passing on their musical legacy.
Huthwaite Prize Band has regrouped following national pandemic lockdowns. Announcing rehearsals and concert bookings were being resumed from October 2021 finds them based back in Huthwaite. Thursday contact addressing inside the Sherwood Street, United Methodist Free Church, invites past and newer voluntary members of all ages and experience to join them in a new era.
05 Nov 13 by Gary Elliott Updated 06 Nov 21