To see a larger picture right-click on any of the thumbnails and select "open link" then use your browser's back button to return to this page.

A Family tradition, and something else which spans many generations, is a love of the Brass Band. Brass Bands thrived in these mining communities and musical ability was a very respected skill. Joseph Appleton born in 1849 in Haydock was a gifted musician and a Bandmaster. His oldest son William Appleton (Christine's Grandfather) born in 1872 in Rainford was a Bandmaster by the time he was 19 years old. William also played the cornet as did his brother, Albert although Albert obviously also played the Tenor Horn and Euphonium from the Photographs of Ashton in Makerfield and Taber Mine Bands.

These Photographs of Skelmersdale Old Prize Band date from 1894 and 1913 respectively. They were discovered in Melbourne, Australia during our recent trip. They have been in the possession of John Appleton's family for many years. William Appleton can be seen in the centre of the back row in the 1894 photograph, holding both cornet and baton. In the 1913 photograph he is second from the left on the back row. 

William Appleton                        Albert Appleton                     Ashton in Makerfield Band

 Taber Mineworkers' Band                             Harworth Band founded by William Appleton

All of William's sons played brass instruments too, but none of his daughters. Joseph (1897) and Seth (1899) played cornet, William (1901) and John (1911) played trombone. William later became Bandmaster of Thorseby Colliery Band.

Geoffrey Appleton                      Leaving Thoresby Band                          Bandsmen in Australia

                                                                                                               Seth, John, Gerald, Ronald & John

                Seth and John Appleton 1993             William Appleton seated with children           Ethel Appleton with her husband 

                                                                                Primrose & Seth to his left and brother        John and sons John, Ronald, Gerald 

                                                                                 John and his sons Ronald & Gerald              and Geoff and daughter Margaret

Two photos of Ronald Appleton with trophies 

Oakleigh City Band in concert 4th May 2002 Melbourne, 

Australia Conductor Ronald Appleton.

Brother Gerald on 1st Euphonium (front right), 

Brother John on 1st Baritone (next but one to Gerald),

 Nephew Seth on Flugelhorn right end of front row facing forward 

and his brother John on 1st trombone front extreme right.