*
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    


Mountain Brass in Concert

New entertainment contest in Switzerland

May 19 • 'Mountain Brass in Concert' will feature six Swiss bands in a new contest celebrating 222 years of music making.


cooperation

World Championship challenge for the cooperation band

May 19 • The Scots will head to Kerkrade in 2026 to see if they can become World Champions.


Willebroek

European recall with Wobplay

May 19 • You can enjoy all the performances from the recent European Championships in Stavanger on the Wobplay.com platform


Keli

Review praise for brass accompaniment to Keli production

May 19 • The participation of Whitburn and Kingdom Brass players and soloist Andrew MacMillan have gained plaudits on latest 'Keli' stage production


Barnsley Brass - Quiz Me Baby One More Time

Saturday 17 May • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Albie Sugden Foundation Charity Concert

Saturday 24 May • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Ocean Brass - Segalula A Capella

Saturday 31 May • Jubilee Hall, Little Shore Lane, Bishop's Waltham SO32 1ED


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

May 18 • Reading Band are looking for TROMBONES and BASSES to join our lower end. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings in Woodley near Reading with our MD Stephen Bucknell.


The Corsham Band

May 17 • We are looking for a MUSICAL DIRECTOR.. Corsham Band is a well-respected ensemble, adopting a hardworking ethic to their music-making. We are a dedicated and friendly team of enthusiastic musicians looking to rebuild and develop the band.


Uppermill Band

May 16 • VACANCY: Euphonium to complete our team!. Rehearsing Mon/Weds in Saddleworth. Progressive, forward-thinking band with a calendar of exciting gigs led by James Garlick (MD). . Highlights include: performing in a Netflix production & playing live film scores.


Martin Heartfield

GGSM, ARCM, PGCE
Conductor, Adjudicator, Educationalist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd