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The Diary of Alfred Horton member of the Hythe Town Band 1893 to 1913 Alfred
Horton was a clarinet player with the Hythe Town Band and kept a diary of band
activity over a period of 20 years from 1893 to 1913. Why he stopped making
entries at that point is unclear. Perhaps he was losing interest because the
majority of entries in the latter part of 1913 showed he didn’t attend
practises and generally didn’t even record what the band were up to in his
absence which was unusual up until then. Below
is an extract from his actual diary for January/February 1900 where you will
notice references to the Hythe band playing at the send-off of the East Kent
Volunteers to South Africa to participate in the Boer War.
There
are many references to the band’s engagements in and around Hythe playing
under the Town Hall, ‘up the Street, in Red Lion Square, along the canal bank
and at many social events such as Hythe Cricket Week and various Flower Shows. As
a one-time chairman and committee member of the band at the turn of the 19th/20th
centuries Alfred Horton, through his diaries, gives tantalising snippets of band
politics with particular regards to an argument (no actual detail given) which
culminated in some band members breaking away (himself included) to form what
became the Excelsior Band. There are later references to discussions about a
re-amalgamation although it is not clear when this took place if in fact it did.
An entry dated 29th March 1906 simply says ‘Played under Town Hall.
The Town Band broke up’. From this we can perhaps assume that with only one
band then remaining in the town namely the Excelsior Band it took over the roll
as ‘Town Band’ and eventually reverted to that name. Below are a few of the more notable entries transcribed from Mr Horton’s diaries. If anyone has more information or stories, real or anecdotal, or memorabilia, newspaper cuttings or documents relating to the Hythe Town Band please contact us as we would really like to hear from you. 1893 On
August 21 I joined the Hythe Town Band as a first clarinet in Bb the band then
consisted of the following members: John Nelson –
Leader, 1st cornet , bandmaster. George Austen
- 1st
cornet, Band Seargant. George Simple -
Piccolo, Bb clarinet, euphonium. Harry Cloke -
Ist clarinet Bb Walter Cloke
- 1st
clarinet Bb Alfred Horton -
1st clarinet, solo clarinet. James Trueman - 2nd cornet repiano Alfred Cloke -
3rd cornet Robert Potter -
Horn had to give up by Dr’s orders Jan 15 – learning side drum. Edward
Palmer -
Horn, side drum Harry Godden -
1st baritone, euphonium. William
Godfrey - 2nd
baritone, tenor trombone, 1st baritone, bass Charlie Capon -
Euphonium, tenor trombone, cornet David Arnold -
Bombardon Eb. Harry Horton -
Bass drum. Frank James -
Side drum William Trueman -
Triangle Practices were held once a week in the skittle
alley at the Duke’s Head on Mondays and played out on Wednesdays. 1894 June 1
Went to Lyminge it being ‘club day’ from 11am to 10pm had dinner and
4s 27
Played at Saltwood Rectory at a sewing class. Had tea and 1s July 24
Played up at Mackinson’s house because two Miss Mackinson’s were
married in afternoon. Gave us wedding cake, cigar and 1/3. August 1
Played at the Stanford flower show 3-8pm
(5/-) September 5
Played at Reach field during bicycle race also at ball in town hall.
(2/6, 2/-) December 3
Played at Institute with Snowball Minstrels 1895 January 1
Played at Institute old Folks tea. Had tea and ¼lb
of tea to take away. Rouse of the W. Kent played clarinet. February 13
Played at Institute at an entertainment in aid of the fire brigade (with
string band) (1/3) June 3
Whit. Monday. Marched from band room through street down Douglas Avenue
to canal bank and played there. July
3
Played the Congregational School children down from Hythe Station and
then played in Grove. 10
Played in Dr Hackney’s field and marched up street with Church School
children. 16
Marched about the street for Sir Bevan Edwards’ party
(2/-) 17
Played the Weslyian schoolchildren home from Seabrook.
(8d) August 6
Played under Town Hall during a dinner in connection with Sir Israel
Hart. (had tea) 7
Played at flower show in Mr Porter’s grounds assisted by 5 men of the 3rd
Rifles viz clarinet, cornet, baritone, trombone and Eb bass.
(5/-) December 5
Played at a Ball at School of Musketry to 11 with Nelson and Miss Jarvis 13
Marched to Seabrook 26
Played at Saltwood in afternoon, the others were out in morning. Also
played at a Ball at School of Musketry
(3/6) 1896 January 1
Played at Institute at old people’s tea 17
Practised with minstrels May 30
Went to Dymchurch (club day) from 3 to 11pm
(3/3d) July 16
Played at a Bazaar in Sandling Park
(3/9d) 17
Played under Town Hall for the benefit of the promenade Band 29
Played at Flowershow at Beachborough
(4/9d) August 19
Played in cricket field at Bicycle Parade
(2/4d) 26)
Played at a Fete in the 27)
Seabrook Hotel grounds
(5/5d) 29
Played at a Garden Party at Paddock House from 3 to 11pm (3/6d) 30
Played at an open air service in Grove and marched from Dukes Head
with the Oddfellows etc September 9
Played under Town Hall on account of the Mayor being presented
with a silver tea service
(2d) November 2
Marched up the street on account of the election 13
Marched up the street to the Bell and back 1897 January 6
Only 6 turned up so did nothing June 20
Headed the procession to church and played in church in morning
and evening 22
Headed the procession to the corporation field. Played in the field in afternoon and on Ladies walk
Bridge in evening
(8/6) 30
Played the Weslyian School children down from Saltwood
(7d) July 14
Played the Congregational school children down from station and 29
Played the Church Sunday school children up from Reach
(6d) 31
Played in the Porters field which was illuminated. First time
wearing our uniform August 9
Practise and committee meeting. The rule was made that the band
be divided 1st 2nd & 3rd class 18
Played in cricket field at bicycle parade (cricket week) afterward
(2/8) at a ball in Town Hall 10-30 to 3-30
(4/2) November 1
Marched up street on account of the election also committee
meeting 9
Played under Town Hall on account of H Cobay being made mayor 1898 January 1
Played in Institute with most of the band at an exhibition of
Animated photographs
April 30
Went to Ashford to Fete
(6/-) June 22
Played Congregational School children from Hythe Station to the Chapel then played in Grove 23
Played at Officers mess at School of Musketry
(1/11) July 1
Played in Grove. Received ½
years share of ticket money 11d 20
Played at a Flower Show at Elham
(5/4) August 9
Played on cricket field at animated photographs 10
Played in cricket field at cycle parade 11
Played in cricket field at animated photographs 12
ditto 13
ditto. 11/8 for the 5 nights 14
Played the Friendly societies into the Grove to an open air Service
It being Hospital Sunday. Were afterwards photographed in
cricket field September 15
Played at Paddock House on account of Miss Barrett being married
Had a cornet & a bass player from Ashford.
Played from 3 to 10-30
(5/6) 20
Practise and a special committee meeting to decide what was
to be done about A Austin & P Capon refusing to play at 2nd
class
price. They were suspended till January October 9
Went with 8 others of the Hythe band to assist the Cheriton
Band it being Hospital Sunday
(2/6) November 1
Played at the election
(1/-) 4
Practise & committee meeting agreed that I should have
5/- a year for reeds 7
Played in the Cheriton band at a carnival at Folkestone with
7 others of the Hythe Band
(4/-) 26
Played under Town Hall, made a collection for the Old Folks’
tea which amounted to £1-3-4½ December 3
Played under Town Hall 9
Practise received ticket money from July 1st 12/8 13
Annual meeting to elect the fresh committee viz Godden & Cowel
re-elected secretary and Treasurer all the Trustees committee
and Potter, C Capon, W Cooper, J Edwards, F Arnold, C Durez and
Harris and myself chairman 21
I played two clarinet solos at a smoking concert in Town Hall
got up by the band. 1899 January 2
Played in Institute at the Old Folks tea 3
Practise & committee meeting. I was paid 5/- for reeds to
Next November 26
Special committee meeting to read Austins & P Capons letters
Both were asked to come back to the band 30
Went to a meeting in Swan Hotel of the whole of the band the
President & 3 vice Presidents to decide the quarrel & to reform
the
Committee February 1
Played at a ball at Sandgate (Druids) with 6 of the band & Harris
& Miller
went for nothing
(8/6) 18
Played under Town Hall & made a collection for the Balaclava
heroes which amounted to two pounds 1s 3d May 6
Drilled on Green under F Stanger then marched along S- road, Twiss road
High St to Swan Yard June 30
Practise received 14/2 as ½ years share of ticket money. Only two
2d fines July 5
Played the Congregational School children down from Station then
Played in Grove 8
Played in cricket field to Bean feasters from London in morning & in afternoon at a cricket match & in evening in High
Street
(6/6) 20
Had a cold supper in Bandroom given by Misses Wilks, Price
& Teal August 9
Played in Grove the bandmaster of the 15 Hussars came down to see
Nelson about stands 13
Hospital Sunday at Sandgate played the procession from the schools
To Encombe then played the Hymns & in evening gave a sacred concert
In Grove for Mrs Cowell and collected eleven pounds 14
Played in cricket field it being cricket week 15
Played the dead march at Cowells funeral & in evening played in
Cricket field at the old English Fayre 19
Played in cricket field for dancing. Dick Rouse played Coopers Eb in
two or three things. For the week received 14/- 20
Hospital Sunday at Hythe played the procession from the Green to
the Grove & then played the hymns. Afterwards were photographed in
cricket field 23
Played at Flowershow at Seabrook 6 to 9-30
(2/6) October 10
Played in Swan Yard on account of Miss Elliot being married. Afterwards
played at officers mess at School of Musketry
(1/9) November 11
Played under Town Hall made collection for the Widows & orphans fund
(of soldiers killed in S Africa) collected one £ sixteen December 9
Played under Town Hall for the three reservists leaving Hythe 26
Played in Institute with a few of the band in the intervals of a Dramatic
Recital The following were the band at the beginning of
1900 Nelson
Bandmaster G Austen
Solo cornet J Eeles
1st cornet C Durez
2nd cornet Mayne
piccolo Tooth
flute W Cooper
Eb clarinet A Horton
solo clarinet H Stapleton 1st
clarinet J Edwards 1st
clarinet C Wood
2nd clarinet W Friend
2nd clarinet J Perkins
3rd clarinet E Highwood
3rd clarinet F Arnold
solo horn R Potter
1st horn H Harris
1st trombone T Bates
2nd trombone H Peake
1st Baritone (on euphonium) E Gosbee
2nd Baritone (on euphonium) H Godden
solo euphonium D Arnold
Eb bass J Alger
Eb bass C Webb
Bb bass H Horton
Bass drum H Alger
side drum H Beach
collector & drum major Recruits: C Cox
trombone Bennett
horn C James
clarinet 1900 January 3
Went to the Sandgate Artillery Volunteers ball with Nelson, Austen,
Cooper, Godden, F Arnold & Alger. Mr Harris went for nothing
(8/-) 7
Went to Church morning & evening there being a special service &
collection for the war 26
Practise. Afterwards played ‘Beneath Thy Window’ in Dukes Head at the
Brewery dinner February 3
Played under Town Hall & collected £2-0s-3½d
for the E Kent volunteers going to South Africa 12
Played the E Kent volunteers that are going to S. Africa from the School
of Musketry to Shorncliffe Station in morning. Tobin played a horn with us 14
Played at the Druids ball at Sandgate with Nelson, Austen, Cooper,
Potter, Godden, Harris & Alger
(8/-) 16
Played under Town Hall on account of Kimberly being relieved 27
Played in Swan Yard on account of the capture of Cronje March 1
Had a march to Seabrook with torches. Afterwards played ‘Kartoum’
under Town Hall on account of the relief of Ladysmith 13
Played under Town Hall because Lord Roberts entered Blomfontein. Hollands
1st came 18
Went to Church with the Mayor, Corporation clubs, volunteers & fire
brigade. Had a collection for the war fund 23
Played some E Kent Militia to station from the school of Musketry in
afternoon also practise
(6d) April 28
Played at the funeral of a soldier belonging to School of Musketry &
in evening Played in Swan Yard May 5
Played some E Kent volunteers away as far as Cannon Gate in morning also
played in Swan Yard 9
Played at Beach Rocks to the wounded soldiers 17
Played under Town Hall on a telegram being received that Mafeking was
relieved. Also played in Institute at a rendering of the ‘Ancient Mariner’ 19
Played in the torchlight procession in honour of Mafeking being relieved 29
Practise. Mr Palmer came round to tell us that our army had entered Joh..........
so we marched up to Town Hall & played Rule Brittania June 1
Went to Lyminge it being Club day
(7/6) 2
Played under Town Hall. Godden, Austen & I had new tunics 4
Went to a Fete at Ashford
(8/-) 5
Played in Grove & in front of Town Hall in honour of Lord Roberts
entering Pretoria July 1
Went to church parade at Elham 3
Played at School treat at Ashford
(4/-) 6
Played in Institute while some bean feasters from London had dinner. Also
played in Grove
(2/6) 24
Played at a School treat at the School of Musketry 25
Played the Weslyian School children up through the street at 2 o’clock.
At 6 went to Saltwood & played to them then. Part of the band played them
home & part played the Church Sunday School children down from Station August 2
Committee meeting in Swan. G Austen resigned because Nelson refused to
give P Capon an instrument 11
General meeting. It was decided to have a gentleman committee September 4
Practise. I refused to sign the rules thereby practically resigning.
Received ticket money from June
(2/9) 11
W Cooper, J Alger & I took our uniforms back
(Oct 3 Received 18/- commission on collecting) Excelsior Band September 19
Had a meeting in the Sportsman of ex-members of the Hythe Military band.
Present: G Austen, R Potter, D Arnold, F Arnold, J Alger, J Edwards, C Wood, A
Stapleton, C Capon, P Capon & W Cooper & J Cooper. Decided to form a
fresh band. I was elected Bandmaster & A Stapleton Treasurer & secretary 26
Had another meeting in Sportsman. F Stanger, W Fordwich, E Highwood &
Maycock were elected members October 1
Fresh instruments arrived. 5
Had the first practise 20
Played out opposite Red Lion, Windsor Castle and East end of Street.
Colected £1-15s-2d. Rec 4/4 21
Went to Cheriton to help the Cheriton band at a Church parade 27
Played in different parts of the Street. Collected 31/2½.
Mr Clarke brought a cornet player over
(3/10) November 21
Played at Saltwood also decided to discontinue our weekly subscription
having paid 5/- each & take 10/- weekly out of the collections for the band
fund December 19
Went down Park Road, Stade Street, Mayle Tower etc. Also concocted a
circular contradicting statements in the Reporter 20
Distributed circulars 1901 January 22
Met but did not practise on account of the Queen dying. Had a committee
meeting. I gave up the bandmastership to Mr Gimblett February 2
Marched the Brewery men to Church with Beethoven’s Funeral march to a
Memorial Service for the Queen April 29
Played a programme near the Red Lion for D Arnolds benefit. Collected £1-6s-0d
also had a meeting about buying uniforms May 1
Hamilton Day. Played under Town Hall in morning & opposite Red Lion
in evening 6
Went to Saltwood also were measured for uniform 25
Played up Street. Got our caps & trousers June 3
Played in Stade Street, Park Road and Parade. The tunics came 11
Went to Folkestone and played in the procession from the junction Station
which went to meet the volunteers just returned from S. Africa. Afterwards
played young Chapman home 15
Played up Street with uniforms July 3
Went to the funeral of D Arnold at Saltwood and played Beethoven’s
Funeral March October 17
Committee meeting at Cinque Ports. Framed a few new rules 23
Committee meeting to form rules 29
Meeting. Decided to allow Mr Gimblett £1 a week while out of work November 12
Meeting of all the band to pass the rules formed by the committee 26
Played in Institute at a poultry show (13 only) 30
Played up Street. Alec Stapleton came back from Bexley Heath asylum 1902 March 11
Practise & meeting of full band to discuss paying Gimblett &
decided to continue paying him £1 a week 30
Sun. Mr Gimblett went away to Yorkshire where he has a situation April 2
General meeting decided to advertise for a bandmaster. Sidney Trueman
resigned 7
Meeting to read letters in answer to advert May 10
Played up Street. Started wearing uniforms again June 1
Sun. Marched up the Street on hearing of peace being proclaimed 2
Played in Swan Yard & afterwards in a procession to the Green 30
Played in torchlight procession
(5/-) July 5
Were photographed also played up St. 14
Played in Grove for the Folkestone Hospital. Collected two pounds
fourteen & six 30
Went to Smeeth with the Juvenile Oddfellows
(3/-) August 4
Played at a fete in Folkestone football field. Afterwards played the
Hythe goal runners down from the Station they having won a banner 7
Played Weslyian children through Street in morning & went to Saltwood
& played them home in evening. Also played in Grove 8
Played up Street 9
Played at Sandling Park at the Coronation Festivities 13
Venetian Fete night. Played outside the Red Lion for half an hour September 11
Played in Grove. Bandmaster’s benefit collected two pounds seven &
six October 6
Committee meeting. Mr Gimblett came over having come to fetch his wife
home 20
Played under Town Hall it being the 2nd anniversary of our
playing out 1903 April 15
Played at the laying of the foundation stone of Oddfellows Hall 27
Committee meeting re amalgamation 29
Met the Town Band committee to discuss amalgamation 30
General meeting re amalgamation at Sportsman July 4
Took part in procession at Folkestone in aid of the Hospital 13
Played at Wilberforce Hotel at a Temperance meeting August 6
Miss Madden gave us a supper in the Church House November 15
Played the Mayor & Corporation to Church 21
Played up Street. Stanger & H Alger had a fight 1904 July 9
Played at a good running match in Corporation Field also played up St 25
Played at a garden party at Enbrook given by Sir E Sassoon August 3
10 of the band went to a bazaar at Newchurch September 22
Marched Sandgate Volunteers out November 5
Torchlight procession at Cheriton 9
Went through Sandgate & Hythe with the Cheriton torchlight procession 1905 May 24
Played on the Green during sports held by the School children July 22
Played up Street also played the Band of Hope children down from the
station 26
Stanford Flowershow
(5/4) August 16
Played in cricket field at a Tattoo with 1st Buffs &
Nelson’s lad
( 1906 March 29
Played under Town Hall. The Town Band broke up April 19
Shifted into the new Bandroom and played under the Town Hall May 10
Went to Smeeth Club
(4/9½) 24
Played on the Green in afternoon during the Empire day sports & under
Town Hall in evening June 14
Played in Grove. Mr Bushell measured us for uniforms 16
Dymchurch Club July 14
Played the Band of Hope children down from the Station afterwards played
in the Street 21
Played up Street. Got the new uniforms off Mr Bushell 25
Mr Griffiths took ten of the Band to the Stanford Flower Show & I
took 12 to Aldington 27
Played at the School of Musketry at a treat in afternoon & in Grove
in evening August 1
Saltwood Flowershow
(4/6) 6
Ivychurh Bazaar 8
Lydd Flower Show 13
Tattoo in cricket field. Massed with the Civil Service 20
Played the ‘Dukies’ up to Station
(2/-) November 11
Played the Mayor (J Scott) to Church, afterwards were photographed 1907 January 11
Went to Saltwood Castle, Mr Lenys & Brockhill February 11
General meeting to appoint Trustees 18
Opened an account at the Bank May 1
Concert in the Institute. Capt Orchard presented us with a leopard’s
skin drummer’s apron 4
Played under Town Hall also played the Church House football team up the
Street they having been to Ashford & won a shield July 24
Mr Griffiths took a small Band Stanford Flower Show & I took one to
Aldington Flower Show August 7
Mr Griffiths took a few to Lydd Flower Show. I had a few at the Hythe
& Seabrook Flower Show 10
Rehearsed the tattoo in the cricket field with the school boys afterwards
played under Town Hall 30
Played at a Tattoo at Folkestone 1908 April 2
12 of the band went to a meeting in Folkestone Town Hall about the
licensing bill July 22
Saltwood Flower Show at Sandling Park August 10
Played in cricket field afternoon and evening tattoo with Gordon Boys 11
Cricket field in afternoon and on Parade in evening 12
Cricket field in afternoon and evening tattoo with Ashford Works Band 13
Cricket field in afternoon and Grove in evening. First had chairs out 14
Cricket field in afternoon & evening 15
Cricket field in afternoon & evening 16
Hospital Sunday Service 19
Played in Grove with the non-conformist choir in aid of the hospital 26
Bazaar at Dymchurch 1909 August 4
I went with 9 to Stanford Flower Show. Mr Griffiths had 13 at Hythe
5
Beaconsfield Terrace
(4) 9
Cricket field afternoon & evening 10
Cricket field afternoon. Parade in evening
(4) 11
Cricket field afternoon & evening 12
Cricket field in afternoon. Grove in evening
(4) 13
Cricket field afternoon & evening 14
Cricket field afternoon. Town Hall evening
(4) 15
Hospital Sunday service in afternoon. Grove in evening
(4) 18
Lydd Flower Show 1910 May 9
Proclamation of George 5th 20
Played the Mayor & Corporation to the memorial service for Edward
V111 27
Played at the christening and launching of the new lifeboat June 11
Marched the procession of Brotherhood & Guestling down to the Hotel
Imperial & also Town Hall
(2) 22
Played Congregational children down from Station & afterwards Grove
(2) July 13
Played Junvenile Oddfellows & Foresters up through the St. August 9
Cricket field afternoon 11
Cricket field afternoon 12
Cricket field afternoon & evening 13
ditto
ditto 14
Hospital Sunday & Grove
(2) 17
Saltwood Flower Show September 28
Empire Day sports October 9
Went to Church with the Oddfellows it being their centenary 1911 June 22
Coronation (Saltwood morning & evening. Hythe afternoon) 23
Sports in cricket field August 2
Saltwood Flower Show 9
Stanford Flower Show 12
Funeral of a cadet encamped on the Green, also Town Hall (2)
(2) 16
Sandgate Regatta in the afternoon & in the Hythe Cricket Field in
evening 17
Cricket field in afternoon and on Parade in evening 18
Cricket field in afternoon & evening 19
Cricket field 20
Hospital Sunday Service 1912 April 28
Procession in aid of the Titanic fund May 2
Appledore Club July 17
School treat at Ashford
(4/6)
24
Temple Ewell Flowershow August 15
Cricket field & Grove
(2) 16
Cricket field 17
Cricket field & Town Hall
(2) 18
Hospital Sunday procession & service also Grove
(4) 21
Sandgate Regatta
(5/8) September 21
Played out for fire brigade in Stade St, Park Rd & Town Hall 22
Grove (for fire brigade)
(4) November13
P Capon left for New Zealand 1913 April 20
Went to Church with Mayor to celebrate St Georges day May 1
Appledore Club 17
Town Hall (1st wearing uniforms)
(2) 28
Hamstreet Empire Day 29
Garden Party at Lenys July 23
Temple Ewell Flower Show August 6
Sandgate Regatta November 16
Mayor’s Sunday also procession in afternoon & collection for Welsh
miners. Mr Friend of Seabrook first came (in morning)
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