*
banner

Ashworth makes welcome return to conducting rostrum

After six months of recuperation after major surgery, one of the UK's most popular conductors makes a return to the podium.

David Ashworth
  David W Ashworth has returned to the conducting podium after what he called six horrible months

One of the UK banding movement's most popular conductors has made a welcome return to the podium after a series of major operations and a long period of recuperation.

David W Ashworth recently picked up the baton for rehearsal with Stalybridge Old Band to mark a return after what he called 'six horrible months' of banding inactivity.

Major operations

Dave went through four major operations at North Manchester and Salford Royal Hospitals earlier this year, which resulted in him losing seven stone in weight and having to accept a complete turnaround in his lifestyle — although he told 4BR he was more concerned in having to miss his usual great banding day out at the Whit Friday march contest.

"It's been six horrible months — and although I've got another operation to come, the outlook is very good and I'm looking forward to enjoying myself and my brass banding once again.

I must thank everyone for their support and good wishes and it was great to be back in front of Stalybridge — the music making has been the best medicine of all, especially after missing out on Whit Friday."

I must thank everyone for their support and good wishes and it was great to be back in front of Stalybridge — the music making has been the best medicine of allDavid W Ashworth

Looking forward

Dave is also looking forward to renewing his association with the Felison Band in The Netherlands as well as taking to the stage with Stalybridge at the Rochdale contest later this year and then back to Butlins and the Area Championship.

"There is plenty to look forward to,"he added. "The wonderful people at Felsom will give me another boost for sure, but I've also got some adjudicating at the Leicester contest and my work as PR officer with the Association of Brass band Conductors.

It's great to be busy, active and putting something back into brass bands."

Dry humour

Dave's well known dry humour hasn't deserted him either. "My only gripe is that after losing seven stone in weight and more to come off I may have to start re-introducing myself to players at rehearsal all over again!"

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    


National Final

National Final tickets to go on sale

May 10 • Your can book your seat at the Royal Albert Hall well in advance of the day


Perth

Scottish Open entries sought

May 10 • Bands can now get their entries in for the Scottish Open Championship in held in Perth in November.


Winter Gardens

Adjudication change at Spring Festival

May 9 • Morgan Griffiths will join the adjudication line-up for the Spring Festival after David Hirst steps down due to ill health.


Palanga

Report & Result: 2024 European Youth Championship Premier Section

May 5 • There is a memorable home victory for Brass Band Sklepucini in the Premier Section — one that could well signal the coming of age for the nation's banding movement.


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - WARDLE ANDERSON AT THE MOVIES

Friday 10 May • Playhouse2, 2 Newtown St, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8NX


Maidenhead Salvation Army - Stockholm South Band

Friday 10 May • St. Mary's Church, St. Mary's Close, High Street, Maidenhead SL6 1YY


Contest: 102nd Spring Festival

Saturday 11 May • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Kippax Band - West Yorkshire Police Band

Sunday 12 May • Kippax Band Social Club . Mount Pleasant . Kippax . Leeds LS25 7AT


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 24 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Epping Forest Band

May 9 • Required:. Required: We are a friendly 2nd section band who are in need of a tenor horn (position negotiable) and percussion to complete our line up.


Epping Forest Band

May 9 • Required: We are a friendly 2nd section band who are in need of a tenor horn (position negotiable) and percussion to complete our line up.


Amesbury Town Band

May 8 • Amesbury Town Band is a non contesting band. We play for the enjoyment of playing, and performing, brass band music in relaxed and friendly company . Players of any standard are always warmly welcomed. Feel free to drop in even if you just fancy a blow.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd