The Pleasley Colliery Welfare Band recently played to a packed audience of over 120 people last Friday evening.

125 years

Held at the Pleasley Miners Welfare, tickets were sold out and the organisers had to open a new areas to allow for more people to come in. The concert marked 125 years of the band’s history, but also the resurgence of the band after diminishing to just six players in 2006.

The whole evening was absolutely fantastic. Having the support from all the audience spurred the band on all nightSecretary, Helen Cutting

Hard work paid off

MD David Cutting and the band, had been preparing for the concert over the last two months and all the hard work paid off on the night. Past players of the band, local bandsmen and women, and also members of the community were amongst the audience, as well as some who have never heard a brass band before.

Varied programme

The programme was varied and included everything from 'Colonel Bogey' and 'A Little Prayer' to 'Elsa’s Procession to the Minster'. Soloists for the evening included principal cornet Helen Cutting, flugal player Dave Marson and John Hudson.

Representing the youth of the band was Emily Buxton 11, who stood up and played ‘Bless This House’ on the cornet.

Age range

At the other end of the age range was the band’s own MD who showed off his talent as a euphonium player, by performing 'Blaydon Races'.

The band also held a raffle which raised over £600.

Band Secretary Helen Cutting told 4BR: "The whole evening was absolutely fantastic. Having the support from all the audience spurred the band on all night".