*
banner

Amazing milestones at Woodhouse

The 160 year old Woodhouse Prize Band has been celebrating some amazing milestones of late.

Woodhouse Band
 

2013 has seen three milestone achievements for 160 year old Woodhouse Prize Band.

Survive and thrive

Gemma Grayson, Secretary of the proud Sheffield based community organisation told 4BR: "Village bands like ours rely heavily on volunteers to survive and thrive.

At Woodhouse we are privileged to have loyal and committed members and there is none more so than Graham Cook, who this year celebrates his own milestone of 70 years of service as both a player and conductor."

Great grandfather

Graham’s family connection with the band goes back to his great grandfather and today he plays baritone after conducting them for 35 years.

He told 4BR: "Conducting the band was a huge privilege, especially as I was only the seventh conductor in its history. Being involved with such a long running organisation is very rewarding."

Graham is also part of a family of nine brass players — all members of Woodhouse Prize Band.

Conducting the band was a huge privilege, especially as I was only the seventh conductor in its historyGraham Cook

Long service

At the band’s recent 160th anniversary concert, Graham was presented with a long service award in recognition of his 70 years of loyal commitment.

Gemma added: "We are only aware of one other bandsman with longer service in a neighbouring band. This achievement is something we are all proud of and I can only hope we have more and more members emulating Graham in years to come."

CD and march

The other milestone reached in 2013 sees the band recording their first ever CD which will include a much earlier celebratory march entitled, ‘WPB’ by Tom Cook, Graham’s grandfather.

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    


Fife Charieites

Result: 2025 Fife Charities

September 28 • Haydock claims the honours in Fife


Red Admiral

Results: 2025 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • There has been plenty of entertainment to enjoy in Chorley today


BBE Conference

BBE delegates head to Durham

September 26 • There will be accent on youth at the Brass Bands England Conference in Durham this weekend.


Gavin Higgins

Critics Award for Higgins

September 26 • The latest major accolade for composer Gavin Higgins comes from the critics themselves.


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Music from the Bandstand, Montpellier Gardens

Sunday 28 September • Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham GL50 1UW


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Quartet

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 3 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ


Olney Brass

September 26 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up:. Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


Milton Keynes Brass

September 26 • Required: Solo Euphonium and Solo Horn. We are a championship section band, newly promoted in 2025. We rehearse in Loughton Milton Keynes on a Tuesday night at 7.45pm until 10pm, with extra rehearsals prior to contests or formal concerts.


Hathersage Band

September 24 • BASS TROMBONE. 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?


Derek Renshaw

ABBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd