*
banner

Shock departures at Grimethorpe

Roger Webster and Ian Shires services are 'terminated' at Grimethorpe with immediate effect.

Grimethorpe
 

The departure of Principal Cornet Roger Webster and Assistant Principal Cornet Ian Shires from Grimethorpe Colliery Band has been confirmed.

Sad day

Speaking to 4BR, Band Manager Terry Webster reiterated the official statement issued earlier today, although he did say that he felt it was ‘a sad day for the band’:

Terminate

"The trustees of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band have decided to terminate Roger Webster’s services and also those of Ian Shires. We thank Roger for his services over the last three years and Ian for the past ten years at Grimethorpe."

As it is not apparently a musical decision and they were afforded no explanation whatsoever, they can only speculate as to the reasons for the decisionRoger Webster & Ian Shires statement

Abrupt end

A joint statement Roger Webster and Ian Shires read: "Ian and Roger are disappointed that their time with Grimethorpe Colliery has come to an abrupt end without any warning from any party.

"As it is not apparently a musical decision and they were afforded no explanation whatsoever, they can only speculate as to the reasons for the decision. They have already been given great support from other members of the band, who have offered to tender their resignations in response to the trustees’ actions."

Busy period

The decision ends a busy period of personnel activity at the English National Champions with the announcement recently of the appointment of James Gourlay to team up with Philip McCann and Alan Withington as the bands new conducting team.

A source close to the band told 4BR: "It’s come as a complete surprise. Some people have been grumbling, but everyone holds Roger and Ian in high regard."

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    


Simon Gresswell

Gresswell takes baton at Dronfield

June 9 • Simon Gresswell has been appointed the new MD at Dronfield Band.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

June 9 • Join presenter Martin Upfold for more great brass band music over the airwaves


Black Dyke

Black Dyke feature in Bradford cultural celebration

June 8 • The Queensbury Band has been featured in a BBC 'Travel Show' programme that celebrates the rejuvenation of Bradford as the 2025 UK City of Culture.


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • 2nd Trombone - come and join our amazing trombone section in Rushden Town Band. A varied engagement schedule as well as a tour every other year.


Rushden Town Band

June 8 • B flat bass position for this fun-loving, 1st Section East Midlands band. Varied engagement schedule including a tour every other year.


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd