One of the world’s most famous brass bands is in real danger of closing its rehearsal doors for a final time unless it can attract an influx of committed players to carry on making music.

World tour

Besses o’ th’ Barn — former National and British Open champions, and the band that under the likes of Alexander Owen toured the world not once but twice at the turn of the 20th century, is now having trouble attracting players closer to home to make the much shorter trip to rehearsals.

With its 200th anniversary looking in 2018, the band has undertaken a well publicised recruitment campaign as they look to try and secure its future.

Busy

Band Secretary, Debbie Tattersall told 4BR that despite having a busy concert schedule, which includes a number of events during the Christmas period, the problem continues to be the inability to attract players willing to invest long term time and commitment to the band.

“Despite a relatively successful competing year — the Area contest apart — we have found ourselves down to a core of just a dozen players. Help comes and goes, but we are determined not to let this fantastic band fade away and die.”

Good response

Besses recently had a good response to their plea at the recent Rochdale contest, and their plight has already seen famous banding personalities offer their help such as Edward Gregson and Gordon Higginbottom.

However, it is the ability to attract committed players — ones that want to help the band move out of the Third Section and back towards a level of contesting and concert sustainability that are desperately required.

Hard workers needed

“We have had some fantastic help from players from other bands, but we need permanent players of our own,” Debbie added. “We don’t need stars, just hard workers — players who will be proud to wear the Besses uniform.

We do have a couple of new players coming in for the New Year, but the need to appoint a new MD is a priority.”

Long road back

A band that once was perhaps the most famous in the entire world – and only as far back as 1982 won the British Open, is now looking to be able to contest closer to home.

“We know we have just about hit the bottom of our proud contesting history,” Debbie said. “But we are determined to go the Area contest in Blackpool and start on the long road back.”

We don't need stars, just hard workers — players who will be proud to wear the Besses uniform Band Secretary, Debbie Tattersall

Positions to fill

There are positions vacant to be filled around the stands, but anyone with the time and commitment to want to help return this evocative banding name back on the road to recovery is welcome.

Contact

Besses have an open rehearsals every Tuesday so please get in touch with Debbie Tattersall on:
email: secretary@besses.co.uk
Tel: 07961508470

For more information visit www.besses.co.uk