Much of the workforce found employment at the newly opened Ever Ready Batteries and Electronics factory in the nearby village of Tanfield Lea.
Other highlights also included winning the title of BBC Band of the Year in 1974 and gaining 4th prize at The British Open in 1987.
The high standards of musicianship were maintained despite a lack of sponsorship which placed a financial burden on both the players and officials.
During March 2003, the band signed a sponsorship deal with the then motor retailer, The Reg Vardy Group.
The band's greatest achievement so far was gaining third prize at the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall in October 2004.
Sir Peter Vardy has always taken a great interest in the band's progress and development and maintained strong links with the management committee.
With this involvement, the band has performed at many pioneering concerts with famous names such as Elgar Howarth, Roy Newsome and Dr John Pickard.