*
banner

Death of Clive Giles

The death has been announced of the respected bandsman Clive Giles.

Giles
  Clive Giles was a highly respected figure in Welsh banding.

4BR has been informed of the death of Clive Robert Giles, a popular and highly respected bandsman who enjoyed a long connection with the South Wales brass band movement and the Newport Borough Band in particular.

He passed away at the Royal Gwent Hospital following a battle with cancer. Through the efforts of hospital staff his family were able to be with him.

Passions

His daughter Heather told 4BR: "Family and brass bands were his passion. He would have gone to band every night of the week and was very proud that both myself and my brother Chris followed in his banding footsteps.

He would volunteer to help at the various music centres we were involved with and after retiring from the Royal Mail he became a peripatetic brass teacher for Gwent Music Support Service. He was so happy when his grandson Finn started to play the cornet and enjoyed going along to his lessons."

Banding association

Clive was associated with Newport Borough Band for around 25 years — as a player, administrator and conductor of the Junior Band.

He played with the band at the 2020 Welsh Regional contest and was exceptionally proud of the resurgence of the band in recent years under the baton of Robin Hackett, which resulted in two Welsh Area titles and a National Eisteddfod victory.

Family and brass bands were his passion. He would have gone to band every night of the week and was very proud that both myself and my brother Chris followed in his banding footstepsHeather Giles

Family

Clive also contributed throughout the years to the TA Band, Crosskeys, BTM and the South Wales Police Band, as well as being an unofficial 'roadie' for his son's rock group.

Married for 43 years he also enjoyed playing table tennis, going for walks, meeting up with their many friends, pub quizzes and an extended family of three grandsons.

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    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd