A CAMPAIGN is underway to pay tribute to a historic and radical Colne Valley band.

Local historians want musical residents to help form a band in tribute to the Milnsbridge Socialist Band. They are looking for a group of people to play in the Red and Green Club in Bankwell Road, formerly the Milnsbridge Socialist Club, where the band was based.

Formed in 1908, the band was a well-known around the area and was renowned for leading the International Workers Day marches in May.

Red and Green Club trustee, Paul Salveson, said: “We are trying to gauge if there is enough interest out there to make it happen. It won’t be a full revival but there’s a great deal to be told about the band and I hope this project will allow just that while playing some of the band’s favourite songs.”

In its hey day, 24 people were part of the band, which led demonstrations and strikes around the area, as well as taking part in regional contests.

Huddersfield radical historian, Alan Brooke, said: ““As we know there were many bands in the area at that time but the Socialist Band formed to fill a different role, which arose from the difficulty of getting local bands to take part in Socialist events because of pressure from rich patrons.

“So around 70 men and women club members pledged a penny a week towards expenses and 24 new instruments were ordered from Hyams of Manchester for £300.

“This then allowed them to be present at demonstrations, where they played popular left wing songs, such as The Red Flag, Marseillaise and England Arise.”

But the band began to fall into decline after the end of World War One, due to a reduced interest in the socialist cause.

Alan, added: “It went into decline after World War One due to feelings of disillusionment and difference of opinions regarding the conflict. In 1935 the members decided to call it a day and sadly decided to sell their instruments, which went to Crosland Moor Brass Band.

“They felt even further dismay when the club didn’t immediately pay up and it took a while before the payment was settled.”

Contact: by email paul.salveson@btinternet.com.