4BR has been informed that due to financial considerations, Stockport Brass, formerly known as the BT Band, has decided to close its doors.

Final performance

The final performance of the band will take place at a concert on Sunday 18th January at the Formby Hall, Atherton at 7.30.pm.

Steve Tyalor, a member of the band for over 22 years told 4BR: "As a member of Stockport Brass, it is with great sadness I have to report the collective decision of the current members of Stockport Brass to wind up the band. It has been taken a a purley financial decision, as we have plenty of players. The finanical realities however mean that it is impossible to carry on."

It has been taken a a purley financial decision, as we have plenty of players. The finanical realities however mean that it is impossible to carry onSteve Taylor, Stockport Brass

Sponsorship

Formely known as the BT Band, it benefitted from a period of 20 years of sponsorship from British Telecom, although that long term association ended two years ago. Since that time efforts have been made to try and secure the long term future of the band, unfortunately without success — and the result of which is the decision to wind up proceedings.

The band was formed in 1967 as the Stockport Telephone Band and through various name changes, POEU, NCU, it became the BT Band in 1987.

National winners

In 1992 it became the first ever winners of the newly formed First Section of the National Championships. The band was promoted to the Championship Section in the North West of England and appeared at the British Open in 1998 (coming 9th), 1999 (16th) and 2000 (23rd).

As with most bands there were periods of ups and downs and in January 2001 the band was down to about 10 players.

Challenge

With MD Michael Fowles taking up the challenge, within a few weeks they came 5th at the North West Area. This was the start of a partnership between MD and band that saw the band become a consistent performer at major contests — espeically at the Regionals.

42 years

Steve added: "There would be too many people to thank individually in print for the past 42 years. However, there are two people I would like to single out to thank publicly on behalf of the band.

Thanks

"Eric Crosthwaite — an ever present backroom "boy" from the bands formation until as recently as 2007. And particular thanks to Michael Fowles for all the hard work he has put into the band over the last 8 years. His work ethic both from a music viewpoint and the organisational help he has provided has been invaluable."

Steve concuded: "The band would also like to say thanks to everybody who has ever been involved with the band, whether as a player, conducter, or member of the backroom staff. What it has been and achieved is down to each and every one of those people."