*
banner

Barra hangs up boots

Dave Barraclough, the last Brassed Off stalwart has finally hung up his Grimey boots.

Grimethorpe
 

Grimethorpe Colliery Band’s 63rd and final concert of the year at Emmanuel Methodist Church, Barnsley saw the retirement of cornet player David Barraclough after 33 years of unbroken service with the band.

Tributes

The tributes were led by Grimethorpe conductor Sandy Smith who told 4BR: "Barra’s astonishing achievement of service with a single top level band in this day and age knows few, if any equals.

To have graced the stage for so long with a band which has always being one of the busiest in the country is truly remarkable."

He added: "He has been the standard bearer for what being a true bandsman is all about. He was always first at the bandroom and last to leave, but let’s not forget that first and foremost you don’t play for Grimethorpe for 33 years without being a terrific player."

He was always first at the bandroom and last to leave, but let’s not forget that first and foremost you don’t play for Grimethorpe for 33 years without being a terrific playerSandy Smith

Barnsley passion

And after a prolonged standing ovation from both band and audience, the last remaining member of the band who played in the movie 'Brassed Off' was presented with parting gifts, including a season ticket for his other passion Barnsley Football Club.

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    


French National Championship

Results: 2025 French National Championships

February 17 • Haut-de-France claims a fifth consecutive French National title in Metz, with section wins for Brass Band De Gones, Brass Band Musicalis Algrange, Brass Band Lorient Bretagne Sud and Brass Band Brassaventure.


Marsden Silver

Report & Results: 2025 NEMBBA Contest

February 17 • Pre-regional boosts for Marsden, Lindley, Barnsley Brass, Rode Hall Silver and Matlock as Long Eaton's youngsters also enjoy their spotlight moment.


uNIbrass

Results: 2025 UniBrass Championships

February 16 • The students of University of Birmingham and Universities of Sheffield & Sheffield Hallam claim the UniBrass Trophy and Shield honours in Cardiff


Ebbw Valley

Report & Result: 2025 Welsh Open Entertainment Championship

February 16 • Ebbw Valley are crowned hat-trick of winners in Newport.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal College of Music Sackbut Ensemble

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Welsh Guards

Friday 21 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Midlands Championships Preview Evening

Sunday 23 February • Summit Centre . Kirkby in Ashfield . Nottinghamshire NG17 7LL


Contest: North West Regional Championships

Sunday 23 February • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 28 February • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Mid Rhondda Band

February 14 • Mid Rhondda Band are looking for the following players : Front Row Cornet, Solo Trombone, Eb Bass, Kit and Tuned Percussionists. The band will be competing in the 3rd Section at the Welsh Area. Contest & concert engagements in the diary for 2025


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

February 13 • Reading Band (current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables) needs a TENOR HORN for the regional contest in Stevenage on 15th March! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings with our MD Stephen Bucknell.


Hathersage Band

February 13 • SECOND BARITONE. 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 fill our only vacancy?


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd