News from the World of Brass Bands

Old and New at Glossop Old

Recently revived under new MD Les Webb, Glossop Old Band is aiming to re-enter the contesting arena after the summer season. The band is building in strength each week, with just one or two vacancies remaining. To which end they would like to welcome to the band Andy Bradley (1st horn) a warm welcome back to Trevor Allen (Eb bass)

Trevor started with Tintwistle Junior band when he was 9 then moved to Mirlees Works Band age 14, before progressing to Fairy Engineering Band (1975-1977). He joined The Post Office Band in 1978 which then became British Telecom before moving back to Tintwistle Band in 1979. In 1997 he joined Glossop Band where he stayed until 2005. After a two year break he then joined Silk Brass in 2007 until re-joining Glossop.

Andy started his banding career with the Whaley Bridge Band on cornet under former Glossop Band Euphonium player Peter Cordey, he played with Whaley for 24 years before becoming a founder member of Silk Brass from Macclesfield. Following 17 years with Silk he stepped back from banding in 2013 due to the increased pressure of work, but has realised that 1 rehearsal per week creates a fantastic work/life balance.

Speaking of the two new players MD Les Webb told The Brass Band Portal, "it’s brilliant to have players of Trevor’s and Andy’s experience come to the band. It allows me to concentrate more on the musical aspect of the band rather than how the new players will fit in."

Marcus Jones

5/5/15

Buxton Brass Band Festival 3 May 2015

In the Third Section adjudicator John Doyle hopefully began the renaissance of a band with a world famous name. Besses o' th' Barn (Simon Cowen) has suffered lean times in recent years. It is to be hoped that their victory signals a upturn in their fortunes! Old Hall Brass (John North) was second with Ifton Colliery Welfare (Wayne Rushton) coming a worthy third with the Euphonium Section of Matlock Band (G Hawley)taking the Barry Hinde Trophy for the best Euphonium Section.

Formby Band (Louise Hough) took the First prize in the Fourth Section to Merseyside, with their outstanding interpretation of An English Pastoral (Dean Jones). Stalybridge Old (Dave Ashworth) claimed second place with another old favourite Labour and Love (Percy Fletcher). Skelmersdale Prize Band took third place with the basses of Denton Brass being awarded with the Best Basses title.

Results

Championship and First Section (Adjudicator Michael Fowles)

1. Bollington (P Christian)

2. Elland Silver (D Brooks)

3. Hazel Grove (N Beasley)

4. Haslingden & Helmshore (D Holland)

5. Whitworth Vale & Healey (J Binns)

6. Ireland Colliery Welfare (I Knapton)

Third Section (Adjudicator John Doyal)

1. Besses o' th' Barn (Simon Cowan)

2. Old Hall Brass(J North)

3. Ifton Colliery Welfare (W Rushton)

4. Golborne Brass (M Whitfield)

5. Matlock (G Hawley)

6. Greenfield (T Haslem)

7. Hawk Green (Marple) (N Hewson)

8. Greenall's (N Boardman)

Fourth Section (Adjudicator John Doyle)

1. Formby (L Hough)

2. Stalybridge Old (D Ashworth)

3. Skelmersdale (D Chapman)

4. Pleasley Colliery Welfare (G Benson)

5. Denton (Matt Bailey)

6. Lees (Mark Landon)

Shirly Woodward

5/5/15