*
banner

Roll out the barrel...

A band with a famous brewery past is making a comeback under a different guise in Richmond...

wATNEY
  The community band has enjoyed a rich and colourful past

A band with a colourful musical history is set to return later this year with the re-establishment of the Richmond-upon-Thames Band after an absence of 35 years.

Impression

Known as the Watney Silver Band in the 1960s and early 70s, the band made an impression both with their distinctive brewers name and their approach to music making, which at times included the use of French horns and double bass in concert performances under the baton of Albert Meek. They also enjoyed contest success too, winning the London & Southern Counties Second Section Area title in 1967.

Although sponsorship ended in the early 1970s the band carried on and a little later enjoyed success led by London Symphony Orchestra trumpet player Malcolm Smith, making a last contest performance in 1982.

Richmond

Now, through the efforts of local enthusiasts, the band is being reformed as the new Richmond Brass Band, with a mission to capitalise on the wealth of talented brass players in the local area as well as documenting the definitive history of the former band.

Led by Victoria van Uden, they will focus on public performance and community collaboration. Victoria is the Head of Brass at the Richmond Music Trust and has enjoyed tremendous success bringing a spotlight to brass education in the area.

the band is being reformed as the new Richmond Brass Band, with a mission to capitalise on the wealth of talented brass players in the local area as well as documenting the definitive history of the former band4BR

Get in touch

The band is now actively looking to recruit players, so if you are interested, or have information relating to the former band, then get in touch, by visiting their website at: http://richmondbrassband.com) or e-mailing: info@richmondbrassband.com

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    


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Victoria Wood

Limited tickets only for NYBBGB Easter concerts

April 8 • There are only limited tickets left if you wish to enjoy the New Horizons Concerts of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Leyburn and Manchester — so be quick.


Doodles

Spring upgrade from Doodles

April 8 • The bespoke mouthpiece business is offering a Spring custom upgrade...


Banstand

Radio: Bandstand

April 8 • More brass band music to enjoy from Lucas Burns in Australia with one work about a dog and a bomb...


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Harrogate Band

April 8 • We are looking for a Solo Cornet and Back Row Cornet to complete our team. . Interesting mix of engagements and contests. . Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Glossop Old Band

April 8 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Wardle Anderson Brass Band

April 8 • Wardle Anderson Brass are an ambitious, forward-thinking Championship Section band on the up, looking to strengthen the team. Vacancies: Solo Trombone, Eb Bass & Front Row Cornet. Strong recent Area result under new MD Jamie Cooper.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd