One of the short lived Championship Section banding names of the late 1980s and early 1990’s is to hopefully make a much more permanent return with the news that the Heart of England Band is to reform under the direction of Stephen Roberts.

Final incarnation

The band emerged as the final incarnation of the midlands based Birmingham School of Music Band, which later became the Jones & Crossland Band.

Under it various contesting identities they enjoyed considerable success under the likes of Roy Curran and Stephen (above) — claiming a podium finish at the 1979 National Championships, before going on to notch up a Grand Shield victory as Jones & Crossland in 1983, a trio of Pontins Championship victories and a total of four South Midlands Area titles.

The band also made appearances at the British Open, Brass in Concert and All England Masters championships, but last took to the top flight competitive stage at the 1991 Grand Shield.

Right level

Former members took the opportunity to reform the band for the Bolsover Charity Entertainment event in 2011 and again in 2013, but will now seek to return to competition at what they call ‘the right level’.

Band spokesperson Richard Dickins told 4BR: "The band originally grew from the dying embers of the Jones & Crossland/Birmingham School of Music bands.

However, along with their demise and so many other top bands in the midland area, considerable holes were left.

With that heritage in mind, several quality players have come together to form a strong nucleus with Stephen Roberts as MD to plug at least one of those major contesting gaps."

September start

4BR has been informed that rehearsals will commence at the end of September and that the band is currently working through the correct channels to make sure they will eventually compete at the appropriate contesting level.

The brand new Heart of England Band will be based in the Birmingham area, will function as a traditional brass band, but still strive for the highest levels of musical excellenceRichard Dickins

Done correctly

Richard added: "The brand new Heart of England Band will be based in the Birmingham area, will function as a traditional brass band, but still strive for the highest levels of musical excellence.

We wish to ensure that things are done correctly and that we can return to contesting at the right level, so we want to attract top quality musicians with a desire to make music at the highest level and understand that commitment is the only way to progress."

Contact

Those who are interested should contact Richard at: abdon64@gmail.com
Mobile: 07870 225828