*
banner

Stalham give Her Majesty a good Christmas mumping...

The Stalham Band has given Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh a good Christmas mumping this year.

tHE qUEEN AND THE BAND
 

Members of the Stalham Band gave Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh a good ‘mumping’ this year, as they visited the royals at Sandringham House in West Norfolk.

Mumping Day

Established in the twelfth century, the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle is on December 21st, and is locally known as ‘Mumping Day’, as the poor went begging to the homes of wealthy landowners singing or playing instruments to increase their appeal. In Norfolk they became known as ‘Mumpers’.

Recent research has revealed that the Stalham Band has been ‘mumping’ in the community for over 150 years, although the practice has now changed from knocking on wealthy doors and playing carols, to holding day-long sessions in shopping centres, playing at carol concerts and visiting residential and care homes for the elderly.

Special address

“For the last five weeks the band has been on its yearly festive campaign of ‘mumping’, raising funds for the band and local charities,” Director of Music Tim Thirst told 4BR.

“And last Saturday, the house we were invited to play at was something rather special.”

Checks

In 2007 the band became the first to be invited by Her Majesty to start off her holiday in Norfolk by playing carols at Sandringham House, and this year the invitation came again.

After undergoing last minute security checks the band coach was given a police escort into the House grounds, before 37 players and their MD assembled in the ballroom to provide the royal party and over 50 house staff with a half-hour programme of Christmas music.

In 2007 the band became the first to be invited by Her Majesty to start off her holiday in Norfolk by playing carols at Sandringham House, and this year the invitation came again4BR

Festive treat

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh spoke with all the players, with Her Majesty being very interested in the band training scheme running in the Stalham area schools which gives children free instrument loan and free tuition.

Before the players were treated to festive refreshments in the house, the Duke arranged for a group photograph in front of the house to mark a ‘mumping’ to remember.

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    


4BR Review

4BR Review to go live...

July 15 • For the next episode on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm, the 4BR Review will be live broadcast — and we want your to ask the questions that matter...


Ambassord

National Youth Ambassadors inspire Bradford youngsters

July 15 • The NYBBGB Ambassador Ensemble has played their part in celebrating all things brass in Bradford.


IBBSS

Great Hall conclusion for IBBSS global delegates

July 15 • The Great Hall at Swansea University will provide the venue to close this year's International Brass Band Summer School.


Wardle Blast

Wardle Blast help tie global city links

July 15 • The commercial connection between the cities of Manchester and Osaka have been strengthened by the brilliant youngsters of Wardle Blast.


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Lewes, Glynde and Beddingham Brass Band

July 16 • Could you be our new solo euphonium player? We are a friendly 2nd section band who rehearse weekly on Thursdays in Lewes, East Sussex. Our rehearsals are 8pm - 10pm. Join us on our journey with our newly appointed MD!


Audley Brass

July 16 • Audley Brass (1st Section National Finalists) are seeking a first-class SOLO EUPHONIUM player to help us push on to the next level. We have many exciting events in the diary, including no less than 5 beer festivals and Wychavon Festival of Brass.


Audley Brass

July 16 • Audley Brass are seeking a COMMUNITY BAND CONDUCTOR to take our small ensemble to the next level, drive recruitment and bridge the gap between the Community Band and our 1st Section contesting Main Band.


Stephen Tighe

ARCM, LDBBA, (Dip)PFS.
Adjudicator / Music Director / Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd