*
banner

Boycott stumped by PolySteel

Cricket legend Geoffrey Boycott has been stumped by his lack of brass band knowledge it seems...

pOLYsTEEL
 

Geoffrey Boycott may know a thing or two about cricket, but he was stumped over hearing about the name of the PolySteel Band.

Regarded as one of England's finest batsmen ever to have played the game, Geoffrey Boycott thought he was being wound up on BBC Radio Fivelive Sports Extra on hearing the name of the Yeovil champions, PolySteel Brass Band.

Brass Bands for 20:20

The Yorkshireman, well known for his outspoken views on cricket, was speaking on BBC's iconic cricket programme, Test Match Special on Friday afternoon, where commentary was taking place on England verses New Zealand. Listener's were invited to email in about the kind of musical entertainment they would like to see at next year's 20:20 World Cup that is taking place in England.

Talking about his love of music in general, Boycott brought up the subject of brass bands. 'I'd like to see brass bands at the 20:20,' said Geoffrey, before adding, '...there are some well known brass bands up in Yorkshire such as Black Dyke, Brighouse and Rastrick and Grimethorpe'.

Entertaining

The former England cricketer's mention of Yorkshire bands soon led to the e-mails coming in including a suggestion to involve '...one of the most entertaining bands around' — the Polysteel Band.

Boycott thought the mention of the name of PolySteel Brass Band was a complete wind up, and he hinted that as there was the word 'steel' in the title, it had to be a steel band not a brass band4BR

Wind up?

Test Match Special is well known for talking about everything in life, whilst giving its ball-by-ball coverage of international cricket matches, and for the banter between the commentators and Boycott thought the mention of the name of PolySteel Brass Band was a complete wind up, and he hinted that as there was the word 'steel' in the title, it had to be a steel band not a brass band.

Whilst play continued, the BBC's cricket correspondent, Jonathan Agnew declared his delight after receiving an email from a gentleman named David Morgan about PolySteel and the band being sponsored, leaving Boycott to suggest further that it was from one of Jonathan's friends or relatives.

Apology

The explanation that there was indeed a band by the name of PolySteel led to Jonathan Agnew concluding his twenty minute commentary spot by saying '...you're going to have to apologise Geoffrey as here is the proof about the name'.

Geoffrey was a touch sheepish in discovering that the PolySteel Band did exist and quickly went very quiet.

A case of what's in a name for the Yorkshireman.

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    


Ron Westacott

Ron Westacott funeral arrangements confirmed

December 3 • The funeral of Ron Westacott will take place later this month.


mUSIC

Uncertain funding future for Music & Dance Scheme students

December 3 • Funding for over 2,000 students from disadvantaged backgrounds in many of the UKs leading musical schools and institutions is yet to be confirmed beyond the current academic year.


Tom

Memories recalled as Hutchinson takes final Cory bow

December 3 • 16 years of excellence and artistry were recalled as Tom Hutchinson took his final bow as principal cornet of Cory Band.


Pemberton

Final chord reached for Watkins at Pemberton

December 3 • The two year musical partnership between conductor Ryan Watkins and Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band has come to an end.


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


Haverhill Silver Band

December 2 • Haverhill Silver Band seeks an Eb bass player to join us for the areas and beyond. This is your chance to join East Anglia's premier brass band and compete at the Senior Cup and Whit Friday, as well as performing in great concerts throughout the year!


Haverhill Silver Band

December 2 • Haverhill Silver Band seeks a flugel player to join us for the areas and beyond. This is your chance to join East Anglia's premier brass band and compete at the Senior Cup and Whit Friday, as well as performing in great concerts throughout the year!


Chinnor Silver

December 1 • Having secured promotion to the 1st section from January our Christmas wish is for a Bb BASS and PERCUSSION players to join us.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom.. Good but realistic book of concerts and contests planned.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd