1970-1979
An unbelievable decade which saw the band grow into one of Britain's finest ensembles and recognised as such on the world stage.
Formal picture taken in the ballroom of the band's own social club in 1973.
Extract from Sun Life Band's 20th Anniversary concert programme
"........From Brighouse, of course, I moved to Stanshawe - now the Sun Life Band. In those early 70's it was a promising 2nd section band, all the players around the stand could play all the notes but I had to help to improve the sound. I thus embarked on a building job, which took the band through to many National successes, such as a second place to Black Dyke Mills at Belle Vue [The British Open Brass Band Champions] in 1976 - the test piece on that day was 'Epic Symphony' [Percy Fletcher]"
Prof. Walter B. Hargreaves
The band wins Spring Belle Vue thus giving them the opportunity to play with the best in the land for the very first time.