We are grateful to Mrs. Dorothy Beedham for lending us this photograph which shows Normanton’s coronation celebrations in 1911, led by the Bottesford Brass Band. On the reverse is a list of the names of some of the people in the picture.
The Band rehearsed in the village school and before the Great War was led by Mr William Sutton (1835 – 1924), grandfather of Mrs Dorothy Beedham.
He was a keen and able musician and played the flute in the band. In the 19th Century he and his brother also played violins in the group of musicians who played at church services before Canon Norman had the first organ installed in 1859.
During the Great War the band was lead by Mr. Pacey and provided dance music for fund raising events for the Red Cross.
We have received a request for information about the Band in the 1920s from Heather Scott, who has links with the village. Can anyone tell us more about the band or the people in the photograph? Which Normanton barn is shown in the picture?
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I think two of my relations are pictured on the photograph of Normanton Barn, 1911. The writing on the reverse mentions Wm Turner and Mrs Robinson. I don’t suppose you know which people they are? Thank you, Elizabeth.
We think that William Turner is one of the band members. In the picture ‘detail right’ he is probably the bandsman with his jacket unbuttoned and holding his instrument by his leg with the horn facing upwards. However, we regret that we have not yet been able to work out which of the ladies in the photo is Mrs Robinson, though she is most probably one of those in the picture entitled ‘detail centre’. Neil Fortey.
Many thanks for your prompt reply. This information is very helpful to my own research on my family history. ‘Mrs. Robinson’ was my Great Granny, Sarah Turner, before she married Great Grandad, Thomas William Robinson in 1896 at St. Mary’s Church, Bottesford. They lived at 7, Muston Rd. according to the Census 1901. At some time they moved to Home Farm, Normanton. I am unsure when, but they were able to buy the farm at the Duke of Rutland’s Sale in the 1920’s. William Turner was Sarah’s brother. He is recorded on the 1901 Census living at 5, Muston Rd. with his widowed mother and sister Harriet. This cottage was next door but one to his sister Sarah (my Gt. Granny). My Auntie, who still lives in Bottesford remembers that ‘Billy’ Turner was a carrier with a horse and cart. I have just one photograph of my Great Granny Sarah taken when she was an old lady, probably in the 1950’s. I can just remember her. I also have one photo of Great Grandad, Thomas William Robinson taken in the garden at Normaton. This was probably in the 1930’s.
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