*
banner

Death of Bill Holding

The death of Bradwell Silver stalwart Bill Holding, the first winner of the NABBC Competition, has been announced.

Bradwell
 

Bradwell Silver from Milton Keynes has to end the year as it started, by reporting the death of a much valued friend and collegue.

Bill Holding suffered a heart attack and passed away after a short period in hospital.

Well known

Bill's father was a member of the Pemberton Temperance Band and Bill went onto play with many well known bands such as Wingates, Leyland Motors, Crookhall Colliery and Craghead Colliery.

Conductors competition

In 1962 he won the First National Association of Brass Band Conductors competition adjudicated by Sir Adrian Boult, Eric Ball and Frank Wright.

As a mining engineer Bill spent many years in South Africa, continuing with his musical career forming 2 school bands and playing with a territorial army band as deputy bandmaster. He also played in many show productions and with stars such as Eddie Calvert and with with Wolverton Town and Towcester Studio bands.

After 64 years banding he decided to slow down and joined Bradwell as deputy principal and bandmaster!

In 1962 he won the First National Association of Brass Band Conductors competition adjudicated by Sir Adrian Boult, Eric Ball and Frank Wright4BR

True bandsman

Robin Allen, Secretary of Bradwell told 4BR: "Bill was a true bandsman and a gentleman, he was always ready to offer quiet advice, and always ready to offer humorous tales of 'goings on' in South Africa. Bill was playing until 2 days before his attack and the whole of the Milton Keynes banding fraternity was profoundly shocked to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral

Bill's funeral will take place in Hanslope Methodist Church on Friday 18th December at 11.30am.

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    


Fodens

Foden's to preview Euro challenge

April 26 • England's representatives in Stavanger will be giving their supporters a preview of their musical challenge.


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


NYBBGB

National Youth Band sells out in Halifax

April 25 • The National Youth Band of Great Britain will be joined by the British Army Brass Band for a sell out concert in Halifax this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

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


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd