The trustees of the Stanshawe Band (also known as Sun Life Band) have announced that a reunion concert is be being organised to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the band’s historic British Open win in 1990.

Roy Newsome

The concert will take place in June 2010 in Bristol, headed by Dr Roy Newsome, who led the band to victory at the Open and who enjoyed a long and successful association with the band.

The highly talented Bristol based conductor and composer Philip Harper has also been commissioned to write a special piece to mark the occasion. Philip enjoyed several years as the band’s solo horn player during the 1990s.

The idea of the concert is the brainchild of ex-members Alistair Woodman, who spent 11 years as Principal Percussionist, and Jon Griffin who served for 14 years on Cornet.

I’m absolutely thrilled to be asked to lead the Band again for this reunion concert, and I have so many wonderful memories of my time with themDr Roy Newsome

High standards

Alistair and Jon told 4BR: "Sadly, many of the band members simply gave up playing when we disbanded as there was no opportunity in the Bristol area to perform with another band at the exceptionally high standards we had achieved.

"However, over the last few years, more and more of these players have been appearing again on the local band scene, and this gave us the idea to put on a reunion concert.

"We wanted to do something for them so that they could re-live the fantastic memories we all experienced during our time in the band, plus also renew old friendships with the band’s many ex-players and supporters."

Thrilled

Roy Newsome was equally upbeat: "I’m absolutely thrilled to be asked to lead the Band again for this reunion concert, and I have so many wonderful memories of my time with them. I still feel very sad that it came to an end after such a short lifetime."

Calling ex-members

The organisers are now appealing for all ex-members to get in touch so that they can determine how many want to perform at the concert.

They can do this by either visiting www.stanshawe-band.co.uk for an information pack or by e-mailing ajwoodman@blueyonder.co.uk.

They are also keen to hear from those ex-members who do not wish to perform, so that they can ensure they have not left anyone out.