*
banner

The best band mum in Scotland...

The remarkable Gillian Reid continues to inspire future generations of young players...

Riverside Youth
  Gillian was joined by her daughter at the presentation

Cornet player Gillian Reid was recently presented with Lifetime Membership of the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA), recognising her years of involvement in the brass band movement as a player and administrator.

Next generation

Gillian currently helps inspire the next generation of young musicians at the Riverside Youth Band in Inverclyde. She has become a member of the organisation's management team and still gets her cornet out regularly to sit alongside young players during the band's weekly rehearsals in Port Glasgow.

She was presented with her medal at the band's resent summer concert, with members of her family surprising her by being there — including daughter Abbie, a former member of the band, who travelled from Dingwall especially for the occasion.

Treasure

"Receiving the SBBA Lifetime Membership Award is a memory I will treasure," she said, "as it involved my family and my favourite thing, brass banding. To begin with, I was a little confused and surprised and definitely overwhelmed — but I'm enormously grateful."

She added: "Brass banding wasn't very cool when I was younger, but that never bothered me. I enjoyed the challenge of trying to put together all the components of the music."

Mother and daughter

Gillian started lessons in 1981 at primary school before playing for Paisley Youth Band and Brediland Brass before moving to Johnstone Silver Band in the early 1980s, where she served as an active member for more than 30 years.

When her daughter Abbie came along to Riverside Youth Band in 2018, Gillian was more than happy to get stuck in and she has immersed herself in the life of the organisation.

Gillian has become a 'band mum' to so many players in the band, and we hope she will continue to be involved for years to comeRiverside Youth Band

Marvellous accolade

In marking her achievement, Duncan Galbraith, Riverside Youth Band Chairperson added: "This is a marvellous accolade that honours Gillian's decades of service to the brass band community in Scotland.

Gillian has become a 'band mum' to so many players in the band, and we hope she will continue to be involved for years to come."

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    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd