EDWIN Swift is still remembered among brass band circles as one of the greats, even though he died 108 years ago this week.
Mike Shaw, former editor of the Colne Valley Guardian, has provided salient points from the remarkable life story of a lad from humble beginnings in Upper Clough, Linthwaite, who left school at the age of nine to work in a textile mill and became a self taught musician.
He joined Linthwaite Band aged 10 and practiced his cornet standing outside on the coal house roof. By the age of 14, he had become conductor of the band.
“Edwin pursued his musical studies surreptitiously while working as a weaver,” says Mike. Once, when he was caught out by his boss, he was asked: “Edwin, who art ta weayvin for, thissen or me?” Edwin replied: “Ah’m weayvin a piece for missen just now.”
On his 32nd birthday he gave up the mill to become a professional conductor and musical arranger and was in great demand all over the country. Some of his compositions became contest test pieces.
After an illustrious career, he died on February 9,1904, leaving a widow and six children. His funeral on February 12 was attended by an immense crowd, including representatives of bands from all parts of the country.
An augmented Linthwaite Band, more than 80 strong, led the funeral cortege from Milnsbridge to Linthwaite Wesleyan Chapel, drums muffled with black drapery. Mills closed and special trams were run from Huddersfield to bring mourners.
The Brass Band News said of him: “Courage, work, faith. These were the three things that made Edwin Swift one of the greatest band trainers the world has ever seen. We shall not look upon his like again.”
And the brass band world still remembers him.
