*
banner

On the blank stones of the landing...

Photographer Lorne Campbell and Sam Harrison of Elland Silver Band mark the anniversary of the death of the great American poet Sylvia Plath

Elland Silver
  Sam Harrison play amid the ruins of St Thomas the Apostle Church in honour of Sylvia Plath

Thursday 11th February marks the anniversary of the death of the renowned American poet, novelist and writer Sylvia Plath.

Her works such as 'The Colossus and Other Poems' and 'The Bell Jar' resonated greatly with readers, her prose described as "exhilarating to read".

She was married to fellow poet Ted Hughes, but suffered with depression most of her adult life. She committed suicide in February 1963 and is buried in the small churchyard of St Thomas the Apostle in Heptonstall, West Yorkshire (above).

Anniversary

Photographer Lorne Campbell was asked to record the anniversary and asked Sam Harrison of Elland Silver Band to come to the ruined church to play her instrument.

And image from the series produced by Lorne was printed in the Yorkshire Post on the date of the anniversary.

Counting the red stars and those of plum-color.
The sun rises under the pillar of your tongue.
My hours are married to shadow.
No longer do I listen for the scrape of a keel
On the blank stones of the landing.

'The Colossus'

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    


Bandamonium

Free live broadcast of Bandamonium

May 15 • You can now enjoy the brilliant music making at the Bandamonium Devon festival thanks to a new partnership link with Next Step Films — and its all free.


Friary

Stewart steps down after 20 years of trom service at Friary

May 15 • The vastly experienced Ian Stewart has decided to call time on his playing with Friary Brass.


Dutch Open

Dutch Open welcomes competitors

May 15 • The Dutch Open will feature 16 bands with their own-choice programmes in Groningen next month.


CalderPips

Hush Hush! CalderPips launches flugel mute

May 15 • The mute manufacturer has added to its multi-coloured range with a new flugel horn addition.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Chinnor Silver

May 11 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join us as we head into an exciting period for the band.Good and varied diary ahead.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (so none of that tedious setting up and down)


Hathern Band

May 10 • Due to University placement we require a Bb Bass player- we are a First Section band based at our own band room in the village of Hathern LE12 5LJ Leicestershire (between M1 Jcts 23 & 24) and close to Lougborough and Nottingham Universities


Newstead Brass

May 10 • Newstead Brass are on the lookout for a talented 2nd BARITONE player to join our ambitious and hardworking Nottinghamshire-based Championship Section band.. A rare chance to become part of an ambitious brass band striving for even greater success together.


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd