The bands of Hatfield and Askern Colliery officially merged in June 2018 to form the Hatfield and Askern Colliery Band.
Askern Colliery Band was first formed in 1921 as the Askern Silver Prize Band and during the late 30’s and early 40’s was conducted by the great Harry Mortimer to many contest successes. Askern’s most successful period was during the late 70s and early 80s, culminating in being crowned National Champions in 1980.
Hatfield Band was formed in September 1947 by two miners of Hatfield Colliery, Jim Rigby and John George Hedley (known as Geordie) and has been the premier brass band within the Doncaster area for many years. There have been many contest successes during this time. Most notably the Pontins Championship section winners in 2007 and more recently “Brass at the Guild” Championship Section in 2017.
Over the years, the bands have flourished under the direction of such greats as Ken Johnson, Alan Exley, Steve Sykes and Graham O’Connor. At the same time the band shave fledged many renowned figures in the brass band world, such as David Read, Roger Webster, Steve Sykes, and Richard Marshall to name but a few.
The Band rehearses in dedicated rooms at the Askern Miners Welfare Club, with a separate Library and Instrument storeroom adjacent. This is enviable for any Brass Band. Currently resurgence has been driven under the influential and charismatic leadership of ex-Grimethorpe Band Flugel horn player Stan Lippeatt.
2020 started with an excellent 7th place in the Championship Section at the Yorkshire Area contest, before Covid-19 brought the curtains down.