| Biography | The NBBC were founded in 1923 and sought to protect and monitor the welfare of brass bands and their players within the UK, much like a union that looks after the interests of its members. Much of their work involved fund-raising for the Empire Fund, the Bandsmans Memorial & Educational Trust as well as organising promotional tours and competitions. They also formulated rules that covered standards for competitions and conduct. The NBBC kept close links with other bandsmen groups throughout the Commonwealth and also had a branch in New Zealand from the early 1950s.
The NBBC became dormant during WW2 but re-emerged by the end of 1947 with renewed drive and vigour. Membership increased rapidly, reaching a peak of over 4,000 by 1955. One of their most notable members was Sir Malcolm Sargent who was President of the NBBC in 1960.
By the 1970s decline set in and there was not the same interest in its activities as before. Membership continued to fall and the NBBC had eventually faded out of existence by the end of the 1980s. |