*
banner

Deep stirrings in Lincolnshire

There is to be a stirring fanfare in a fine part of Lincolnshire later this month.

 

Lincolnshire might not be famed for it's brass band heritage, but deep in the heart of the county a fanfare is stirring.

A village band are set to commemorate their musical director of 30 years, with their very own world premiere.

Swineshead Silver Band, from Boston, Lincolnshire are set to fill their village church with the sound of 'Fanfare and Romance', a specially written tribute to Derek Stephens, later this month.

All walks of life

Cobbled together from all walks of life, the village band have been working hard on this ahead of the special performance.

And for Derek's dedicated family, pulling up a pew in the church will be particularly poignant.

Widow Janet Stephens personally commissioned the piece from Lincolnshire composer Brian Moore. And the end product has been produced with the couple's children in mind.

We wanted the music to be a lasting memory to Swineshead Silver Band. We also wanted it to be a recognition of Derek's love and hard work towards bandingJanet Stephens

Plenty of percussion

It features plenty of percussion, a nod to daughter Carol, who will be playing in the premiere and has played with the renowned Foss Dyke, Marple, Sellars and now Hepworth.

Lastin memory

The cornet piece has also been composed with Derek's son in mind; Ian Stephens a former principal cornet player with Swineshead Band.

Janet told 4BR: "We wanted the music to be a lasting memory to Swineshead Silver Band. We also wanted it to be a recognition of Derek's love and hard work towards banding."

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    


Podcast: The Brass Monkeys Episode 8

May 9 • The latest episode of the banding podcast with a Welsh flavour is now out, with a feature on Royal Buckley


Darwen Brass

Darwen appeal success for National Championships

May 9 • The band's successful final appeal sees then head to Cheltenham later this year as North West Regional Champion.


euro

Report & Result: 2025 European Conductor Competition

May 8 • Jaap Musschenga of The Netherlands wins the first European title of the weekend in Stavanger.


Gevena

Geneva offers two free tickets for Euros in Stavanger

May 6 • If you are quick off the mark in Stavanger on Friday then you can get your hands on two tickets for all the main attractions for the weekend — but you must bring a mouthpiece.


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Saturday 10 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: 103rd Spring Festival

Saturday 10 May • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool. . FY1 1HU


Dobcross Silver Band - Glossop Old Band

Sunday 11 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Olney Brass

May 8 • Ambitious and friendly L&SC 2nd section contesting band, based in Newport Pagnell (near to jnct 14, M1) currently seeking the following players: CORNETS (solo cornets desired, positions negotiable), Eb BASS, FLUGELHORN, PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM.


Bedford Town Band

May 8 • 1st horn position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Bedford Town Band

May 8 • BBb bass position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd