S a l e C t y B a n d
Historic Annual Reports
Annual Report 1878
The pecuniary position of the Sale Borough Band has been the subject of comment for several months past, and at a somewhat critical point in its career the trustees deem it expedient to offer a brief history of its formation and subsequent proceedings, in order that the public may decide whether it is to collapse or continue in existence as a useful and creditable institution.
The band originated in 1876, when a public subscription amounting to £123 was raised for the purchase of instruments and equipment. About £100 was spent in the purchase of instruments, and the balance was handed by the original committee who raised it to the Band for current expenses.
Mr Maynard undertook the management at a remuneration of £30 per annum and a weekly fee of 1s 6d from each member for tuition. The fees did not come up to expectation nor did the band receive that encouragement, in the form of an accession of members, which was anticipated; but the band was in an efficient state at the end of the first year.
They were then deficient in funds wherewith to meet the liabilities by £10, and a new arrangement was made by which Mr Maynard was to receive £40 per annum and no fees, Mr S. Basford being engaged as 1st cornet at a salary of £25.
They attempted to raise funds by an excursion on the Lakes per the Tommy Norton steamer on Queen's Birthday, 1877, but it was a failure. The public holding aloof, and the proceeds were only £2 6s; the consequence being that the bandsmen had to pay £2 14s to make up the charge for chartering the vessel. The G.L.S.N. Co. generously abating half the agreed price of £10.
It was the only appeal made by the hand in aid of their funds. Believing that the public would yet manifest some practical sympathy, they persevered, with Mr Maynard and Mr Basford, till the end of the second year, when the deficit had grown from £10 to £29, the bandsmen having contributed during the last year over £40 to the current expenses, and the general public less than £18.
At this disheartening juncture the band consider whether they shall hold together or disband and return their instruments. The decision remains in the hands of the public. If their vitality is to be preserved, they must be placed in a position to discharge their liabilities. If not, they must collapse.
It would be superfluous to labour the many advantages of keeping an efficient band in Sale, and we therefore, at the request of the trustees, publish the following statement of accounts of the Band from Oct. 1st 1877 to Nov. 30th 1878:
RECEIPTS
Members' subscriptions........ £30 8s 0d
Entrance fees.............. ............£ 3 6s 6d
Engagements ............. .......... £ 2 5s 6d
Donation - Mr Joiner ... ....... £ 3 3s 6d
Donation - Mr Puttick.. ....... £ 8 2s 0d
Donation - Mr Sharman ..... £ 3 10s 0d
EXPENDITURE
Mr Basford.................. £19 15s 0d
Lamps.......................... £1 1s 0d
Rent ........................... £2 5s 0d
Sundries ................... £0 15s 0d
LIABILITIES
Mr Maynard................. £18 19 3
Mr Basford .................... £3 10s 0d
Rent................................. £1 17s 6d
Advertising ................... £4 5s 9d
Total............................. £28 16 6
1878