As in the period after the Great War, the Band was reformed in time to lead the Beltane Festival processions of 1946.  In 1949, the finances were put on a solid footing when the Band was 'put on the rates' (in reality, a sub committee of the Town Council).  The name changed to Peebles Burgh Silver Band the instruments refurbished and revalued at £2000.00 and proffesional Conductor and Teacher appointed, Mr James Amos who was to lead the Band for the next 17 years.

The highlights of many years of contesting reached their peaks in 1957, 1961 and 1991 when the "Toon Band" after the qualifying rounds went on to represent their town and country at the National Finals in London - great achievements for local musicians made possible by the backing and enthusiastic encouragement of the Council and the townspeople.

An enormous and significant step was made in 1970, when the first two girls were taken into the Band as learners due to the teaching of brass instruments in the local schools and an 'enlightened' attitude within the Brass band movement and today about 25% of the contesting Band and about 50% of the learner class are ladies.

The community spirit was carried forward further when in 1989 another full set of Silver plated instruments was purchased, this time at a cost of approx. £30,000 - a far cry from the first set of Silver instruments in 1902 costing only £319!  Currently, the Band is engage in projects to raise fund for a set of new instruments to be delivered in 2002.  With youngsters of the town being turned away from the learner's class, this will allow the present set of instruments to be handed down so that we can continue to encourage youth development.  It is then hoped that through structured courses in music, we will have a complete, independent 'Junior Band' up and running in the near future.

A good start for the next 168 years of music in the town!

Picture Gallery

Author: Dougie Mackie (dougie.mackie@peeblessilverband.com)