*
banner

Grimethorpe honoured by Parkinson tribute

The sound of Grimethorpe Colliery Band has been heard in tribute as well as at the funeral of the late broadcaster, chat-show host and author, Sir Michael Parkinson.

Parknson
  Sir Michael Parkinson retained a great love of the mining community he hailed from

The sound of Grimethorpe Colliery Band was heard at the recent funeral service for the broadcaster, chat-show host, journalist and author Sir Michael Parkinson who died in August.

Soundtrack to childhood

He once remarked that the soundtrack to his childhood was "choirs and brass bands" and recalled that Grimethorpe Colliery was where his father worked — "..when you couldn't see it you could smell it, an invisible sulphurous place."

He was expected to end up there, but after his father took him underground, he realised just how dangerous a place it was.

He retained a great pride and respect for the miners and the mining community he hailed from in Cudworth near Barnsley for the rest of his life.

Were were honoured that a recording of us performing the theme tune to his chat show was played at the funeralGrimethorpe Colliery Band

Music

The funeral service in Berkshire was attended by close friends with the band asked to record the famous theme tune to his chat-show was played, alongside recordings of his favourite singer frank Sinatra. The band also recorded their own personal tribute of 'Abide with Me'.

The band stated: "Were were honoured that a recording of us performing the theme tune to his chat show was played at the funeral."

https://www.facebook.com/GrimethorpeBand/videos/837314857862697

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    


Registry

Job vacancy at Brass Band Players Registry

July 29 • There is a part time role to be filled at the Brass Band Players Registry.


Raunds

Raunds appoints Matthew Brown

July 29 • The experienced Matt Brown has become the new Resident Conductor at Raunds Temperance Band.


Black Dyke Band

Mallinson flugel role ends at Queensbury

July 29 • Phoebe Mallinson looks forward to future opportunities as her time at Black Dyke Band comes to an end.


WELSH oPEN

2027 Welsh Open entries

July 29 • There are only a limited number of places available for the popular Welsh Open Contest in Newport next year.


Sherborne Town Band - Free Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park

Sunday 9 August • Summer Concert- Trowbridge Park BA14 8AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

July 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd horn player to complete our horn section. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

July 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Chinnor Silver

July 28 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (3rd) at 11am in our bandroom.. If your band is taking a summer break and you fancy keeping your lip in with a friendly,relaxed rehearsal come and join us.All abilities welcome and its all free with tea & cake.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd