The history of the Town Band can be traced to the early part of the 19th century qualifying the band as one of the oldest in the country. It was formed under the title The Whitworth Band. When the town of Spennymoor was created much later, Whitworth became part of Spennymoor. During the Boer War the band became a volunteer band adopting the military dress of the period, the band remained civilians however, not taking part in the action.
Whitworth Brass Band (Spennymoor, Durham)
Active in 1870, becoming Spennymoor Brass Band when the town of Spennymoor absorbed Whitworth. It became a Volunteer Band during the Boer War, and borrowed money from a local brewery in 1913 to purchase a new set of instruments, changing its name to the Spennymoor Silver Model Band.
In 1926 monies were still owed to the brewery and, the band being down to eleven players, it was decided to allow woodwind players to join, and they became the Whitworth and Spennymoor Military Band. It did not take long for the debt to the brewery to be paid off and, as more brass players joined, the woodwind players left to do dance band and orchestral work, leaving the band all brass once more.
After World War Two, the band started contesting as the Whitworth & Spennymoor Silver Prize Band. It gained sponsorship in 1975, becoming Camerons Silver Prize Band, but the sponsorship was withdrawn after three years and the band folded in 1978.
A successor band, Spennymoor Town Band, was formed in 1982. Another account states: "In the early 1870s the Whitworth Brass Band was formed, and the principal players were the members of the Raine family. Several of them became famous Band Conductors in various parts of the North of England.
One year Whitworth Band entered 41 contests, winning 16, being second 13 times, and third 7 times. The late Tom Snowdon conducted this Band for many years. Before this he was appointed Conductor of the Tudhoe Colliery Band when he was only 18 years of age. Mr. Snowdon led the Band on to several notable musical victories in North Country contests. He worked in the mine at Tudhoe and at Dean Bank until an advanced age, and died in his 79th year shortly after celebrating his Golden Wedding.
Mr. John Mutton, another famous bandsman, conducted the local Temperance Band for over 40 years, during which period they won many contests."
The band was successful in a bid to the National Lottery which enabled them to purchase a complete set of new instruments.
A Youth Band was also created. The band has won numerous competitions since its reformation and has represented the North East at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain on two occassions.
The band have had the privilege to perform with some of the leading brass band soloists; namely Jimmy Shepherd, Gordon Higginbottom, Alan Morrison, Roger Webster, Steven Sykes, Steven Mead, Sheona White and Brett Baker.
Towards the end of this year, two trustees and two former members set about re-establishing the band. Due to their efforts and the support of Spennymoor Town Council, Spennymoor Town Band was reborn, together with a Junior Band.
A black period in the band's history as, due to circumstances, the band resigned from the Durham Brass Band League and ceased to function as a band.
The band received its first and only sponsorship. The band became Camerton's Silver Prize Band. After three years the sponsors were taken over by a larger concern and fincncial assistance was dropped.
Monies were still owed to the brewery and some members "deserted the sinking ship". The band was down to only eleven players and decided to allow woodwind players to join, creating The Whitworth and Spennymoor Military Band. The band took on engagements and organised the first gala in the town to raise funds. It did not take long for the debt to the brewery to be paid off and as more brass players joined, the woodwind players left to persue dance and orchestral work.
As a brass band again, the name changed to Whitworth and Spennymoor Brass Band. After "doing their bit" in the Second World War the band re-assembled and started contesting and the band became known as The Whitworth and Spennymoor Silver Prize Band.
The band borrowed what was then a large sum of money from a local brewery to purchase a complete set of new instruments and changed its name to the Spennymoor Silver Model Band.