*
banner

Death of former Grimethorpe star

The death of former Grimethorpe horn player Bryan Smith has been announced.

Grimethorpe
 

It has been reported that Bryan Smith, former principal horn with Grimethorpe Colliery Band, and regarded by many as one of the finest exponents of the instrument, died on the 18th June.

Character

One of life’s great characters, who always had a wicked twinkle in his eye, he will be sadly missed by his many friends and admirers.

Many will have tremendous memories of a beautiful sound, allied to his innate musicianship — it was said he could bring a tear to a glass eyeDavid James

Memories

As former collegue David James told 4BR: "Many will have tremendous memories of a beautiful sound, allied to his innate musicianship — it was said he could bring a tear to a glass eye."

Deepest sympathies are with his wonderful wife Elsie and his daughter Kim, son Keith, and his six grandchildren. He had been ill for a number of years and Elsie was his administering angel, who kept him going.

Funeral details

The funeral will be at St. Luke’s Church Grimethorpe at 11.15am, Wednesday 1st July, then Ardsley Crematorium at 12.30pm.

No flowers, but donations would be most gratefully received at Ward 27 Barnsley Hospital.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Whit Friday

Whitsuntide celebration on Radio 4

May 31 • The celebration of Whitsuntide in Saddleworth has been marked on Radio 4 — accompanied by brass band music


Saddleworth

Results: 2026 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday

May 31 • The official results from each venue have now been announced with confirmation that Brighouse & Rastrick are crowned champions as Milnrow take local honours and Tewit Silver Youth take the youth prize.


Antwerp Brass

New band formed after Festival Brass spilt

May 30 • Antwerp Brass has been formed after a major split from former Belgian champion Festival Brass after their European Championship appearance in Linz — led by Guy Audenaert and Harmen Vanhoorne.


Russell Gray

Conductors enjoy Gray and Black inspiration

May 30 • Russell Gray and Stuart Black take the lead on the Scotsman's latest conducting course.


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 31 May • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Chinnor Silver

May 28 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on Monday(1st) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to come along and join us in a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.. What is not to like = wont effect your no1 band ,its free and with coffee and cake


Otley Brass Association

May 26 • Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a new member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our MD, Martyn Beecham.


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd