*
banner

Death of Susan Elsworth

The death has been announced of Susan Elsworth, aged 63.

Gawthorpe
 

After a short illness, Susan Elsworth passed away on Wednesday the 13th of February at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, aged 6.

Founder

Susan founded Gawthorpe Brass 85 and has provided inspiration for thousands of musicians over the last 23 years.

Although not a brass player herself, Susan tirelessly developed and promoted the Gawthorpe Brass organisation, overseeing Mother and Toddler, Funshop and Learner Groups alongside Training Band, Youth Band and two senior Bands.

These groups perform throughout Britain and further afield and through Sue’s energy and vision have given young musicians fantastic musical experiences and very high standards of performance whilst nurturing a life long-passion for music making.

Although not a brass player herself, Susan tirelessly developed and promoted the Gawthorpe Brass organisation, overseeing Mother and Toddler, Funshop and Learner Groups alongside Training Band, Youth Band and two senior Bands4BR

Leading light

A typical Gawthorpe week sees hundreds of musicians of all ages and experiences meeting together and this has been due to the “leading light” of the organisation-Susan Elsworth.

Susan also taught piano and music theory to countless students, inspiring and enthusing all who came into contact with her.

Arrangements

She leaves husband John, children Matthew, Rachel and Sarah and grandchildren Bethan, Lily and Joshua.

The funeral will be held on Monday the 25th February at 10am at Holy Trinity Church, Ossett and Dewsbury Crematorium at 11.30 am.

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    


whit friday

Report & Results: 2025 Christmas Whit Friday

December 13 • Diggle and Dobcross Youth get an early Christmas prezzie contest bonus on a night of festive fun in Delph.


National Youth Championships

Judges announced for 2026 National Youth Championships

December 11 • Anna Wilby, Christopher Bond, Stephanie Kennedy, Lauren Chinn, Daniel Brooks and Ailsa Russell (above) will be making the decisions at the National Youth Championships next March.


Brass Matters

Podcast: Brass Matters — The Centre of Things Part 1

December 11 • Join John Wallace and friends as they discuss his latest musical project.


rules

Regional Championship borrowing rules confirmed

December 11 • Bands in Sections 1-4 will be able to borrow players to boost their chances of National Championship qualification.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Petworth Town Band

December 9 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with an inspirational MD Paula Streeter. Concerts are planned for next year and we would welcome you to join us


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 9 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.


Flookburgh band

December 9 • Flookburgh Band Vacancy ........ Musical Director . . We are newly promoted to the Second Section and looking for an inspirational Musical Director to lead us forward!. Concerts: 5 main concerts per year + summer engagements . .


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd