Goodshaw band was actually formed in September 1867 and at that time was called the Goodshawfold Brass Band. The first recorded contest was at Colne in 1870 where the band came 4th place. This was followed by 2nd place the following year.

The bands name was changed prior to 1905, actual records of Goodshaw competing in the championship section of the national finals commence in 1905. History shows that on Monday 2nd September 1907, Goodshaw band came 3rd place in the National Championship of Great Britain at the Crystal Palace, behind the winners, Wingate’s Temperance and Black Dyke

1908 saw the band become outright winners of the prestigious working cup. Victories in 1906, 1907 and 1908.

1909 saw the band win outright the White City Championship Trophy. In 1910 the Goodshaw band had several victories, winning the New Brighton cup and the championship section at the 25th annual July contest at belle Vue, Manchester. The band remained in the champion section until the outbreak of war when every member of the band went to war, and every member returned home alive. A record never equaled.

Goodshaw band started contesting again in 1947 when it is recorded that the band came 3rd in the 3rd section at the Daily Herald area qualifying contest. The band was at this time conducted by E.Kershaw. 1949 saw a 1st prize at the 5th July contest at Belle Vue class ‘A’ and again the band was promoted to the championship section. Only to be relegated in 1951.

In 1956, the band won the 2nd section area on Snowdon area on Snowdon fantasy and played in the finals in London. Trips to London finals came thick and fast after that the band competing after qualifying in the area contests in 1960, 1962 and 1963. As a result, the band was again promoted to the championship level in 1964, Bert Howarth became MD. From this time to 1974, the band had a series of victories and excellent results.

Between 1974 and 1978 the band had several conductors and in May 1978 Kevin Bolton took up the baton. Kevin revitalised the band and continued with a victory in the Dublin International music festival.

Unfortunately the band fell on its hard times and in 1986 the band was at its lowest ebb. The few members left. Never gave up hope of reviving the band to its former glory.

The arrival or Eddie Bull as MD saw an arrival of players and the band again started to grow. Unfortunately Eddie passed away but the players were strong and kept going. A number of conductors came and went until the arrival of Alan Widdop. Alan did well with the band, taking them to Wembley Conference Centre for the national finals in 1992. He left to take the position of MD with the Marsden Silver Band. Again leaving the band to struggle on. Several conductors came and went, none unfortunately attaining the past glories of the Goodshaw Band.

The band again went through bad times in December 2003 players numbers were down to ten regulars.

Goodshawband 1904

The band took part in the area contest in Blackpool in March and in May 2004; the band won a trophy, for the first time in 4 years, when they came 3rd in the third section at the Whitehaven contest.

In January 2005 they went 1 better, winning the runners up spot at the National Mineworkers Contest at Butlins, Skegness.

In November 2005, the band finally went 1 better, as we saw the band achieve another very important goal by winning the Wilkinson’s ‘northern open’ Championship, 3rd section.

Time and history makes what is the back bone of any organisation. However memories are also what gives the organisation life. All of the aforementioned details and history have been painstakingly collected over the years by one member of the band who deserves recognition for his time, dedication and sheer belief in Goodshaw Band.

This year 2007, one band member will have been playing at Goodshaw Band for 64 years. This is a fabulous achievement; this person plays EE Flat Bass extremely well, and that in itself is an achievement. Our sincere gratitude and thanks go out to the president of the band , John Spencer for providing a full comprehensive history of the Goodshaw Band.

Over the years, several passed Goodshaw Band members, have made quite a name for themselves within the brass band movement. Some becoming household names within the realms of the movement.

Shaun Crowther, the very well known Eb bass player, joined Goodshaw band when he was a boy and was taught in the days when Bert Howarth was the conductor.

Jason Evans plays principle cornet with the Riverside Brewery, Marsden Band and has won the prestigious solo cornet prize at the Brighthouse March Contest in 2005 and 2006.

Stephen Lord left Goodshaw to play euphonium with Brighthouse and Rastrick. He played solo Euphonium on the famous ‘Floral Dance’ recording and recently played with the ‘Kings of Brass’.

Another fine cornet player .Douglas Blackledge moved from Goodshaw to the Black Dyke Mills Band

Finally in 1976, Mike Antrobus, the bands conductor, left Goodshaw to become the resident conductor for the famous Black Dyke Mills Band.