Codnor Old Prize Band
Founded in July 1860 by Mr William Eyre (conductor) and his brother Joseph, Codnor Brass band was for many years the only source of entertainment (apart from the annual wakes) in Codnor. The various chapels could always rely on the band on anniversary days to lead processions in the village and at Christmas they would play hymns in front of the big house at Hall farm. They also had a competitive reputation and entered numerous contests winning many prizes. The band was at the height of its fame around 1905 and held weekly practices at the Miner's Arms, The band ultimately merged with the Butterley Colliery Ambulance Band (see bottom)

Fig.1 Codnor Old Prize Band pictured in 1906, names from left to right are;
Back Row: Bill Ratcliffe, W. Bostock, John Wathey, John A Eyre, J Grainger, George Walker, Jim Sheldon, Ted Fletcher, W. Gaunt, Jim Hartropp, Harold Wright, Len Hand
Third Row Standing: Fred Warren (Base drum) Joe Walker, G Gilbert, Alf Challands, Tom Langley,?,?,?,?,?,?,?,?
Second row Seated: John Eyre, Harry Eyre, Bill Curzon, Albert Walker, Harold Hand, Jim Hartropp, G Lamb, John Brown
Seated on ground: Jim Daniels, Ed Eyre, Joe Eyre, Tom Brown

Fig.2 This is the Butterley Co. Ambulance Band pictured at Codnor Miners Welfare in 1938. Displayed with kind permission of
The Ripley & Heanor News

The names from left to right are;

Back Row: Gordon Platts, Ron Pidcock, Frank Spencer,?, Jack Parkin
Middle Row: Dennis Burgin, Harry Booth, Pat Spencer, Bill Watson, Ernie Ingtam, Tom Crossley, Dennis Langton, Lawrance Taylor, P Cresswell, Bill Mills,?
Front Row: Ray Webster,  B Langton, Walter Sharpe, Esra Platts, Jack Webster, Harry Sharp, Alf Challands, Tom Litchfield