*
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    


4BR Review

4BR Review — A look back at the RNCM International Brass Band Festival and more

January 28 • Join Iwan and Chris on Thursday evening for a look back at the RNCM Festival as well as looking forward to the Norwegian Nationals in Bergen and more...


Simone Rebello

4BR interview with Simone Rebello

January 28 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox caught up with Simone Rebello to find out more about the forthcoming RNCM Day of Percussion.


Ulf Rosenberg

4BR interview with EBBA President Ulf Rosenberg

January 28 • 4BR speaks to the EBBA President after the announcement that the 2028 European Championships will not take place in England.


rps aWARDS

Shepherd Group join Moore on RPS shortlist

January 28 • The Shepherd Group and conductor Sean Chandler have nominated for the RPS 'Inspiration Award' — and the banding movement can help them win it with their votes.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


Cambrian Brass

January 24 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn and EEb Bass positions.


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd