*
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    


Van looy

Van Looy ready for Bourgeois challenge

January 23 • The Belgian euphonium star will showcase one of the most fearsome concertos for the instrument at the RNCM Festival with Welsh Champion, Tredegar.


Concord Brass Band

4BR Friday interview with Concord Brass Band

January 22 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Steffen Maersk of the Danish National Champion as they get ready for their RNCM International Brass Band Festival debuts this weekend.


Meadeuphs

Euph and baritone prelude to RNCM Festival

January 22 • The RNCM Euphonium & Baritone Ensemble will provide the musical aperitif for the weekend of concert performances and discussions in Manchester.


Yorkshire Youth Band

Yorkshire Youth set for RNCM showcase

January 22 • The Yorkshire Youth Brass Band are ready to make a memorable mark at this weekend's RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


Regent Hall Concerts - The January Band

Friday 23 January • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

January 23 • Cleethorpes Band are recruiting a Musical Director. . We seek a leader with brass band experience who can motivate and develop players. A charismatic individual who can shape and deliver concert programmes to be enjoyed by both players and audience.


East of England Co-Op Band

January 21 • PRINCIPAL CORNET - East of England Coop Band. We are a friendly, motivated, and ambitious 1st Section brass band, who under our MD Mark Ager, are keen to progress into the Championship Section. We rehearse Monday evenings, 7:30-10pm in Ipswich


British Airways Brass Band

January 21 • British Airways clubs band currently has trombone seat vacancies. . Friendly non contesting band based in Heston, South West London near to Heathrow Airport.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd