The
drum which was the centrepiece
of centenary celebrations in 1997
The Resurrection
The
present band was formed in 1969 by parents of the then thriving schools
band which consisted of children from Tayport, Newport and Wormit Primary
Schools who were receiving tuition from peripatetic brass teacher, Thomas
Hillan.
The schools band, which was going from strength to strength under the
baton of Mr Hillan was becoming a great crowd puller at local events in
North East Fife.
This encouraged parents to pursue the possibilitiy of forming a community
band which could also include adults. It was known that when the old Tayport
Instrumental Band had folded in the 1950s, instruments used by the band
had been put into storage in the burgh chambers (now the council offices)
in Queen Street. Included was a bass drum bearing the band's name and
a date which indicated that the band had been in existence as early as
the 1890s.
A bequest had also been left by former member James
Wallace on condition that it could only be of financial gain to an
organisation called Tayport Instrumental Band.
So, those attending the meeting agreed to resuscitate Tayport Instrumental
Band.
The drum can be seen on some images taken of the band in the 1920s
and 1930s.
Meritorious Success
The 'new'
Tayport Instrumental Band, which drew it's membership mainly from the
schools band, entered it's first contest in 1970
which was in the 4th Section at the Scottish Regional Finals in Arbroath.
The band were placed 2nd out of a field of 16 bands from all over Scotland.
This meant promotion to 3rd Section and qualification to represent Scotland
in the 4th Section at the National Finals which were to be held in London
in October. Unfortunately, lack of funds, prevented the band representing
Scotland in London, but under the leadership of Mr Hillan, the band
progressed through the section in consecutive years to bec0me a Championship
Section band within three years of membership into the Scottish Amateur
Band Association.
As
this was an unprecented achievement, The Scottish Amateur Band Association,
in 1972 marked this unique feat by presenting a special scroll.
The band had qualified to represent Scotland at the National Finals
in London on two previous occasion in Fourth Section and Third
Section but had been unable to attend due to lack of funds.
But on this
occasion, the hard working committee were determined that the band should
attend and extra fund raising was carried out which brought funds to
equip the band with a much-need new
set of instruments.
Travel and
accommodation were organised and the band travelled securing 4th
place at the National Finals in Lodon from a field of 22 bands from
all over the United Kingdom.
This was prior to reclassification when the 1st Section was introduced
which made the band's progress even more remarkable.
Association presented the band
with this scroll to mark the
unique achievement of reaching
Championship Section in
three years of becoming
a member band.
It is on display in the bandhall.
Official Coat of Arms
Also
on display in the band hall is a copy of the official document which was
produced when Tayport Instrumental Band registered it's very own coat
of arms with Lord Lyon historial keeper of heraldic arms in 1972.
It is made up of a mixture of the coats of arms of the old burghs of Tayport
and Newport and of images symbolising music.
Since its official registration, it has been widely used over the years
by the committee on uniforms, falls, music folders, stationery and websites
etc. and has become a unique symbol of indentification.
The original document is kept safely in the bank.
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