*
banner

Shipston set to remember Senghenydd again

The compassion of Brother Bandsmen is to remembered by Shipston Town this weekend.

Senghenydd Band
 

The centenary of the tragic Senghenydd Mining Disaster, which claimed the lives of over 430 men and boys in October 1913 in South Wales will be recalled at a special concert led by Shipston Band this weekend.

Bereaved

The concert will be made all the more poignant as 100 years ago the then Shipston on Stour Town Band raised funds for the bereaved families, with their efforts gaining a great deal of national acclaim.

Such was the generosity that the Bandmaster of the Senghenydd Band, Mr William Turner, sent a letter to the British Bandsman newspaper which was later published both locally and nationally.

Brother Bandsmen

In it he thanked Shipston on Stour Town Band, and what he called ‘Brother Bandsmen’ for the amount of £2 17 shillings which was shared between the bereaved families following a collection taken as the band paraded their own streets.

In must be remembered that despite the resulting official enquiry finding many faults that could be assigned to the owners and managers of the mine, compensation and fines came to a derisive £24 in total, valuing each miner’s life at just over 1 shilling each — approximately 6p in today’s money.

The Sengenhydd Band lost six bandsmen in the disaster including the band’s founder and his son.

The Sengenhydd Band lost six bandsmen in the disaster including the band’s founder and his son4BR

Concert reminder

This Sunday the current Shipston Band will be joined by Midlands Area champion Jaguar Land Rover for a free concert at which the disaster will be commemorated by the playing of the ‘Miners Hymn’ – ‘Gresford’ as part of their programme.

The hymn was written by Robert Saint after the infamous Gresford Mining Disaster of 1934 where 234 miners perished.

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    


British Open

Fewer than 30 stall seats left for British Open

September 4 • You will need to be quick to get a downstairs seat in the stalls for the British Open — but you can still bag a bargain discount for the Grand Tier to enjoy 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


4BR podcast

4BR British Open preview

September 2 • Join us on air on Wednesday evening to give us your views and opinions ahead of the 171st British Open Championships at Symphony Hall.


British Open

New additions to prize list at British Open

September 2 • The new champion will bag a record cash prize whilst a new cornet award adds to the individual accolades on offer at Symphony Hall this weekend.


Alexander Richter

Richter award for pioneering brass band advocacy

September 2 • Alexander Richter has been presented with the prestigious Eitelfriedrich-Thom Award.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Cross Keys Silver Band

September 2 • We're looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join a strong section in a 2nd Section band based in South Wales. We have a number of community engagements and contests lined up for the rest of the year and into 2026. Rehearsals are from 19:30 on Tuesdays.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd