*
banner

No Scotland in Europe in 2013

Co-operative Funeralcare decline invitation to Oslo as Scotland faces European opt out for the first time since 1996.

eeba tROPHY
 

2012 Scottish champion, Co-operative Funeralcare Band, has informed the Scottish Brass Band Association that they will not take up their invitation to represent the country at the European Brass Band Championships in Oslo in May.

1996

As a result, it could be the first time that Scotland has not sent a representative to the contest since 1996, and will be seen as a disappointment for SBBA as they themselves prepare to host the event in Perth in 2014.

The notification followed lengthy discussions between the band’s executive committee and its trustees, which led them to make what they termed, ‘this difficult but necessary conclusion.’

Hard decision

Band Manager Martin Stack commented: "This has been a very hard decision to make, and many aspects have had to be considered. In addition to the financial element, the band has an extremely busy performance schedule in 2013.

It was felt that attending the European Championships for a second year in a row having successfully competed at Rotterdam in 2012, amidst all its other commitments, was going to put the band and its members under extreme pressure which could be detrimental to the organisation."

Regret

George Burt, President of SBBA commented: "It was with regret to learn of the decision from the Co-operative Funeralcare Band, but they have not taken the decision lightly and have put the interests of their members and the band as an organisation at the forefront of their considerations."

He added: "SBBA will now consider alternative nomination options, but it is felt unlikely that a replacement band will be able to secure the funding and organisation time to attend at this late stage."

SBBA will now consider alternative nomination options, but it is felt unlikely that a replacement band will be able to secure the funding and organisation time to attend at this late stageGeorge Burt

Non winners

In the past three years Scotland has been represented by bands that have not won the Scottish Championship in the previous qualifying year, with Bon Accord in 2010, Kingdom Brass in 2011 and Scottish Co-op in 2012.

With 2012 Scottish Championship runner-up Whitburn committed to the Grand Shield along with Kirkintilloch, and with third placed Kingdom Brass also at Blackpool, it seems increasingly unlikely that Scotland will be able to field a representative in Oslo in less than 3 months time.

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    


Bandsafe

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

July 5 • New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.


Hands

Blissful appointment at Carlton Brass

July 5 • Matt Ludford-King has been appointed as the new MD at Carlton Brass as they look towards their Cheltenham National Finals appearance.


Smith and Grezzy

Smith & Grezzy: Big Chat podcast

July 5 • The latest episode is entitled 'Entertainment Post Bag and Talking with Dinosaurs'...


roal

Royal seal of approval for Scottish banding

July 5 • Scottish banding has been playing its part in welcoming the royals on their latest visit to the nation.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd