*
banner

Bring back Norman...

There is a bit of a historical precedent of brass bands finding it hard to get money from a Tory government it seems, despite having an unlikely alley of our cause in 1973...

Steva
  Brass bands had an unlikely alley in the form of Tory MP Norman St John Stevas...

If people think that it is only the current Conservative Government that doesn't have a high regard to the plight of the brass band movement then this little episode taken from Hansard in July 1973 (the official report of debates from the House of Commons) may be enlightening.

More money

It was reported in The Times newspaper that the Conservative MP for Ilford North, the Hon Thomas Lascelles Isa Shandon Viliant Iremonger, asked the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Education and Science, Rt Hon Mr Norman St John-Stevas (Conservative) how he could "get some money for the Redbridge Youth Band?"

The request Hansard noted, was met with laughter in the chamber, as the Minister replied; "Not from me — nor from the Arts Council..."

Pressed further by Mr David Clark (Colne Valley, Labour) the Minster was asked if, "...he could draw to the attention of the Arts Council the importance of the brass band movement to the cultural life of this country and request them to give money either the regional councils to individual brass bands or to the National Youth Brass Band?"

The Minster replied that was "sanguine"that a request to the Arts Council Music Panel for funding for the National Youth Band "...will eventually have a happy outcome", but that other funding for brass bands should come from local councils.

Sycophant

His announcement received one sycophantic show of support from Mr Cooke (Bristol West, Conservative) who gushed: "This is a classic example of where popular art has received greater emphasis under this Government."

The Minister (accompanied by yet more laughter according to Hansard) replied: "I think we need both popular and elite art".

Sympathetic alley?

Despite the crass laughter that came from the Tory benches, Norman St John Stevas (1929-2012) was regarded as a sympathetic champion for the Arts — and brass bands — when he was appointed Minster of State in late 1973.

He had been to a performance of Gilbert Vinter's 'The Trumpets' earlier in the year as part of the 'Fanfare for Europe' concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

On his Ministerial appointment the Labour MP, William Price, who had championed Arts Council resources for the National Youth Band of Great Britain, said; "It goes against the grain to compliment a Tory member, but brass bands have a very valuable ally in Mr Norman St John Stevas".

The Minister (accompanied by yet more laughter according to Hansard) replied: "I think we need both popular and elite art"4BR

Prize giver

He later served a second term as Minster for the Arts from 1979 to 1981, presenting the prizes at the National Finals in 1979 before becoming ennobled as The Lord St John of Fawsley in 1987.

He famously nicknamed Mrs Thatcher 'TINA' — as in 'There is no alternative' — and said she no interest in the arts.

At a time when freelance musicians are being told that they need to be 'viable' or retain to become cyber workers perhaps we could do with another Norman St John Stevas on the Tory benches?

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).


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd