*
banner

Sun to shine once more on Stanshawe?

20 years after their British Open win, trustees are looking to bring back the Sun Life Band under Roy Newsome for a one off concert.

Newsome
 

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.

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    


podcast

Join us now — 4BR Review podcast: Lessons from Europe?

October 29 • Join the discussion on whether or not UK banding can learn from the way in which our European friends host their major championship competitions.


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 2 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 2 November • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. SE10 9BJ SE10 9BJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Elland Silver Band

Sunday 2 November • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 7 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Drighlington Band

October 30 • Drighlington Band are looking for the following players for a full compliment: . . - Front Row Cornet . - Euph or Baritone or Trombone (we are flexible!) . - Percussion (Kit or tuned)


Hathersage Band

October 30 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Delph Band

October 30 • The Band are always looking for talented players to join them and are currently looking to fill the following positions - Tutti Cornet, Eb Bass and Percussion.. . We rehearse Mondays and Wednesdays 8-10pm at Delph Band Club.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd