Consett Salvation Army Band 140

The following year four of the converts; Ned Lennox, Jim Simpson, George Storey and Bob Greenwood formed a band to help with the singing in the services, both indoor and outdoor. Ned Lennox was the leader and the rehearsals were held in Ned’s one living room in Puddlers’ Row. The group made their first performance during the Christmas period of 1879.

And so 140 years ago the very first Salvation Army Band was formed in Consett, County Durham.

And to mark the Bands 140th anniversary a blue plaque has been unveiled in the town.

One of the original Bandsmen, who played the trombone, was the great, great grandfather of Kelsey Thackery who is twelve years old and plays the cornet in the training Band.

Premier’s Northern Correspondent Ian Britton went along to find out more from Major Ian McCredie.