In April 1902 the Band took possession of a new set of instruments from Messrs Boosey & Co.  This was a full set (24) of Silver Plated, engraved instruments of the 'Class A' (as used by the British Army) at a cost of £319.00.  The Band then became Peebles Silver Band.

Between 1900-1914, the Band attended National and Border Contests and played at town functions including; the return of the detachment of Royal Scots serving in the Boer War, the tradition of playing Christmas Carols around the town (1900), the opening of the new Golf Course in 1908 and parades around the town at 5am to waken the townsfolk for their day's holiday "The Big Trip" to such places as Ayr. Gourock, Rothesay and Portobello and to keep the bands funds and the Bandsmens's loss of wages in the black, a charge of 3/- (15p) per Bandsman for the day was made!

With the outbreak of the Great War (WW1) the band ceased to function due to so many of it's members on active service, so once again the Army took over the instruments, this time to the Royal Scots for the formation of one of their regimental Bands.  A memorial plaque in the band Hall shows that 8 Band members fell during the conflict (25%), a high casualty rate for such a small organisation.

After the hostilities ceased, the instruments were returned to the town and the band reformed to play at the Beltane Festival of 1919.  Through the 1920's and 1930's, they carried out public engagements such as the unveiling of the County War Memorial in the Quadrangle in 1922 and the opening of the War Memorial Hospital on Tweed Green.  They also provided music for a number of occasions such as the Mill Picnics, School Sports Days, Formal Stage & Street Concerts and Sunday Afternoon Programmes in the Parks.  On the Contest front, there was progress with the Band moving from 4th section into the 3rd section, by playing in both the National & Border contests.

A new set of instruments was purchased in 1923 for £412, to replace the much travelled and repaired set from 1902.  Subscription lists were still being maintained throughout the District and an annual grant was being received from the Town Council.  Just as everything was looking rosy, once more in 1939, war was declared on Germany and the Band stood down for the duration.

Picture Gallery