*
banner

New Year Awards for banding trio

Clarence Adoo, Tim Thirst and Derek Holvey are awarded MBE's in the New Year's Honour's List.

 

A quick glance through the 2012 New Year’s Honours List has revealed at last three recipients of awards for people with a long term connection to the brass band movement.

There will be a great deal of celebration to accompany the news that Clarence Adoo, Derek Holvey and Dr Timothy Thirst will each receive the MBE.

Inspiration

Trumpet player Clarence Adoo has been awarded the MBE for services to music. Clarence was left paralysed following a car accident in 1995, but has gone on to become an inspirational figure to the thousands of people who have met him over the years.

He told the BBC: "I wondered at first whether it was a joke. I wasn't expecting or had any idea of receiving anything like this.

I had to read it three or four times through and I think it's sinking in now."

Unique achievement

The appointment to Dr Tim Thirst is for services to the Stalham Brass Band, the brass band movement, youth music and to the community of Stalham, Norfolk. It marks a rather unique achievement for the family, as Tim’s father, Gerald was also awarded the MBE in 2000.

Speaking to 4BR, Tim hoped that the award would encourage a new generation of young players to enjoy brass banding.

"The award came as huge surprise. I have been involved with the Stalham Band for over 50 years now, and hope the award persuades a new generation of youngsters to enjoy brass band music making."

Although Tim doesn’t yet know when the MBE will be presented, it will be day to remember.

"I must thank those people who nominated me, and I believe the award is very much for those who have helped me over the years. Brass banding is a family tradition and with my wife, son and daughter playing in Stalham with me, it makes this honour even more special."

Brass banding is a family tradition and with my wife, son and daughter playing in Stalham with me, it makes this honour even more specialTim Thirst, MBE

Respected

Meanwhile, 4BR managed to contact Derek Holvey whilst washing up the dishes at home – a household chore he will carry on doing despite the new honour to his name.

"I don’t think I could get away with not doing it despite the award of the MBE," he said modestly. "I even went to buy an early copy of the Western Mail today to make sure it wasn’t a mistake!"

Derek’s lifelong commitment to music in South Wales and services as conductor to the Four Counties Youth Orchestra has led to his award.

A longstanding and highly respected member and bandmaster of both Parc & Dare, from 1953 to 1997, and Treherbert & District Bands, Derek has also been tutor and inspiration to innumerable brass students across Mid Glamorgan and beyond.

"It’s been a double delight," he added. "I found out that the nomination came from the young players in the orchestra, so that makes it very special to me."

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    


Bolton Crown Court

Brass band conductor sentenced for abuse of position of trust

July 2 • Sam Olsson is sentenced at Bolton Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a girl under 18 by a person in a position of trust.


tIPS

BBE announces partnership with donations platform

July 2 • Brass Band England member bands can benefit from an easy way to gain cashless donations.


Mead in Japan

No fatigue for touring Mead

July 2 • Steven Mead has just return from tours of Japan and Australia with China, Taiwan and Hong Kong to come.


Wainstone Cup

Sextet after big money at Dr Martin contest

July 2 • Six bands will look to claim a large slice of prize money at the Dr Martin Wainstone Cup contest this weekend in Yarm.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd