*
banner

Death of Bob Archer

The death has been announced of Bob Archer, the former baritone player of Grimethorpe Colliery and Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Bands.

Grimethorpe logo
 

4BR has been informed of the death of Bob Archer, the former baritone player of Grimethorpe Colliery and Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Bands.

He passed away on New Year’s Eve shortly before midnight, after battling illness for the last few years.

Character and musicality

During a long and highly successful brass band career, playing under conductors such as Elgar Howarth, Bob earned a reputation as one of the finest baritone players in top level contesting — a performer of ability, dedication, character and musicality.

He was also regarded as one of the cornerstones of Grimethorpe’s success during his 29 years with the band from 1976 to 2005, notching up a personal haul of major championship wins that included victories at the British Open, National Championship, Brass in Concert and the Yorkshire Regional Championship.

Lasting friendships

He also appeared with the band in concerts all around the banding world and played his part in the film ‘Brassed Off’ before retiring from the band in 2005.

He also enjoyed the lasting friendship of countless Grimethorpe players and contesting rivals, and was particularly proud that he oversaw the development of many future Grimethorpe stars, including tuba virtuoso Steve Sykes.

Bob went on to enjoy another fine chapter in his playing career with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, helping them to enjoy another highly successful period of contesting success.

He was also regarded as one of the cornerstones of Grimethorpe’s success during his 29 years with the band4BR

Much loved

His wife Steph told 4BR: “He was much loved and will be missed by us all.”

The funeral will be held on Thursday 15th January at 11.45am at St Luke's Church in Grimethorpe then at Ardsley Crematorium in Barnsley.

Roy Batty is organising a band to perform at the church service.

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    


Black Dyke Band

Marshall leads with Evo

October 9 • The Black Dyke principal cornet player will lead Black Dyke Band's National title challenge on his new Oldroyd Evo cornet.


NYBBWales

Closing date looms for National Youth Brass Band of Wales auditions

October 9 • Young Welsh players who wish to represent their brass banding nation still have time to book an audition date.


Besses

Besses welcome new principal cornet

October 9 • Danny Riley has become the new principal cornet at Besses o' th' Barn Band.


Mining

Blidworth to help celebrate proud mining heritage

October 9 • The sound of a brass band will return to the site of the former Clipstone Colliery as Blidworth Welfare Band helps celebrate a proud mining heritage.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd