IN its heyday, Haltwhistle Old Silver Band acted like the proud standard bearer for the town.
It stood for musical accomplishment and, perhaps more importantly, community spirit.
Some men devoted the whole of their adult lives to the band, meeting for rehearsals three times a week and frequently spending a fourth performing at events throughout the region.
They were joined by their brothers and followed by their sons.
Meanwhile, their wives concentrated on organising fundraising events to help cover the band's costs.

So it is with heavy hearts that the last three members of the band have decided to call it a day.
It has existed in name only for many years now, kept going by a hand-full of members who could not imagine life without their regular music sessions.
Now the writing is truly on the wall, though, because they have decided to put the old Band Room up for sale.
Situated at the bottom of Comb Hill, the building has been home to the band since it sounded its first notes in the mid 1800s.

Which is why the last three members * Jonty Bell, Tom Fletcher and Dryden Smith * are determined that the money realised by the sale will provide a lasting legacy in Haltwhistle.
They will use it to set up a trust fund, which will be used to foster the musical ambitions of local people.
They have requested that Haltwhistle Town Council runs the trust fund, which was unanimously agreed to by councillors during their latest meeting.
Along with his fellow councillors, chairman Coun. Alan Sharp paid warm tribute to Jonty for the role he has played in Haltwhistle Old Silver Band for almost 80 years.
Jonty was also well known across the district for his leading role in the Singing Waiters over 25 years.
"I would just like to thank you on behalf of the town for all the hard work you have put in over the years," said Coun. Sharp.
"You were a stalwart of the band.
"You have done so much for the town, and I can safely say you are held in high regard for your devotion and commitment.
"People have succeeded in bands and singing because of your hard work.
"I think the trust will be a good thing for the future of Haltwhistle and for children who are interested in music."
Coun. Graham Ridley added: "In the past, the band has done a great deal to bring on youngsters.
"A lot of them got their first introduction to music through the band.
"If the trust carries on that good work, it will be a good thing for the town. We will all be grateful to you for that."

Jonty was just five years old when he was first introduced to band life.
"I used to go along with my father * he was the conductor at the time," he said.
"The band room was a wreck then. There was flooring in just half the room.
"While the band was playing in that half of the room, I used to sit in the other half making pot-pies in the dirt.
"I joined the band properly when I was eight years old."
Jonty is now 84.
His father, who was also called Jonathan, played the euphonium.
Jonty played the E-flat bass, while his elder brother, George, played the cornet.
It has been Tom Fletcher who has kept the band going in recent years, says Jonty.
Known for his skill on the trombone, Tom stepped into the breach when the band needed a conductor.
The remaining member of their stalwart group, Dryden, played the double-B bass.
"At one time, every village had a band, such as Haydon Bridge and Bardon Mill," said Jonty.
"The 1950s and 1960s were the heyday for us.
"We qualified twice for the national finals of a competition run by the Daily Herald, and we travelled down to London.
"We travelled all over the country during those days, and family and friends used to come with us.
"We had a terrific social life. It was grand.
"In the end, though, the interest in bands just fizzled out,"

The Band Room was closed at the end of August 2005.