News Archive 2017

The band has now completed their Christmas Season, bringing the banding year to a close.

Mr Gwynne Jones, principal euphonium player with the band, has decided to retire. His decision took effect before the Christmas Season. Gwynne attended the Christmas Concert at Tosside as a member of the audience. The conductor, John Cowking, thanked him for his many years of service. Gwynne was the Bandmaster and on occasions conducted when John was unavailable.

Gwynne’s brass band career began when he was a youngster, playing with bands in Wales. Previously to joining Slaidburn Silver Band he had played with several other bands in Lancashire. Although Gwynne was principally a euphonium player he also played other brass instruments. He was an important member of the band for many years and his contributions will be greatly missed. 

On the afternoon of Sunday 22nd October 2017, the band gave a concert at Newton Village Hall, to celebrate the life of band member Jenny Bradley, who sadly passed away on the 9th September.

The concert consisted of pieces of music from the last engagement that Jenny played in, together with musical items from each decade of her life; the 1920's through to the 2010's, as well as some of Jenny's favourite pieces.

The formal concert started with Deep Harmony, known as the "bandsman's hymn" and closed with the band's signature march, Slaidburn.

At the interval refreshments were kindly provided by the friends of Newton Village Hall. There was also a raffle organised by Slaidburn Archives; an organisation that Jenny helped found.

All proceeds from the raffle and collection were shared equally between Slaidburn Archives and the band.

Jenny's husband, Don, attended and thanked everyone for their support, which was echoed by the Band President, Anthea Hodson.

The band is sad to announce the death of Jenny Bradley, their oldest member. Jenny was 89 years old and played cornet in the band for more than 20 years. As well as being a very loyal player, Jenny also gathered a lot of historical information about the band, frequently creating displays for special occaisons. She accumulated a large number of photographs of the band across the decades. Many of which appear on our Gallery pages.

Jenny will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

The band will be playing for a celebration of Jenny's life at St Andrews Church, Slaidburn commencing at 2pm on Saturday 23rd September 2017.