*
banner

Grimethorpe goes back to deep mine roots

Members of Grimethorpe Colliery Band have taken their instruments underground to mark the 40th anniversary of the Miners' Strike.

GRIMETHOPRE
  The players of the band went underground to play their instruments

An ensemble from Grimethorpe Colliery Band recently returned to its industrial roots after being asked to perform 460 feet below ground at the National Coal Mining Museum for England near Wakefield.

The six players were asked to descend to the bottom of the pit shaft at Caphouse Colliery to help promote a forthcoming sold out concert this weekend which will take place there — although above ground — to mark the 40th anniversary of the 1984 Miners' Strike.

Chill down spine

Cornet player Scott Walker was one who took part, connecting him once again to an industry that saw his father work in a nearby colliery. He admitted that if the pits had remained open, he would have most likely have joined him.

"It sends a bit of a chill down the spine," he said after the ensemble played 'David of the White Rock'. "I would most probably have followed him into the mining industry but unfortunately when I started work all the collieries had closed."

Famously the band played the role of Grimely Colliery Band in the hit film 'Brassed Off!', which, although romanticising aspects of the dispute, still touched on the social upheaval and sense of pride that was lost when pits were closed.

It's really an important time now looking back at those challenging times and what the coal industry meant. To do that with Grimethorpe is very special indeed for usNational Coal Mining Museum

Privilege

Asked about her experience of playing below ground, horn player Helen Varley added: "It's really something. It's really a privilege to be part of an event like this."

Dr John Tanner from the National Coal Mining Museum added: "It's really an important time now looking back at those challenging times and what the coal industry meant. To do that with Grimethorpe is very special indeed for us."

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    


Competiton

Conductors prepare to claim Final berths

June 28 • The semi-finalists at the Brass Band Conductors Association Conducting Competition will be looking to book their place in the final this evening in Halifax.


Mnozil Brass

Choir pews only for Mnozil

June 28 • If you want to see Mnozil Brass tonight in Birmingham then be prepared to sit in the choir.


Russell Gray

Gray Pops in to CBS news...

June 28 • Russell Gray recently appeared on Minnesota CBS News in the USA to give a plug for the start of the Minneapolis Pop Concert series he is leading.


Foden's Armagh

Foden's stars to lead in Armagh once again

June 28 • Players from Foden's Band will continue to help inspire players of all ages and abilities in Armagh in August.


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


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd