*
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    


Presto CDs

Presto Music Collection: Six more to add to your playlist

January 1 • New and old CDs from David Childs and John Wilson to Black Dyke and Williams Fairey.


Richard Marshall

Marshall makes Riverside connection with baton

January 1 • Richard Marshall becomes part of the conducting team spearheading NASUWT Riverside in 2026.


RWCMD

New Year financial boost for RWCM&D

January 1 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama gains nearly two million pounds in funding to help provide its core delivery of performance based music and drama.


Presidential role for Dame Errollyn Wallen CBE

January 1 • The critically acclaimed composer has become the new President of The Royal Society of Musicians.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tintwistle Band

January 1 • We have a vacancy for an Eb bass player to complete our bass section.. We are looking forward to competing in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We rehearse Monday&Thursday 8-10pm in our own bandroom under the baton of our MD Jim Henson.


Croy Silver Band

January 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd