*
banner

The oldest average tuba team in the UK?

Could these likely lads have the oldest average age (not playing ability) of any tuba team in the First Section in the UK.

Markham and District
  The four players have an average age of 68!

Markham & District Band from South Wales took to the stage at the National Eisteddfod of Wales with a tuba section that had an average age of 68 years and counting.

Experience

Without giving their exact ages away they did reveal the date that they first started playing, with Chris Powell with Markham in 1963, Dai Parker (Celynen Collieries in 1965) Hugh Coombs (Oakdale Silver in 1970) and Andy Russell (Irwell Forge 1969).

Teenagers

A spokesperson for the band said. "Amazingly they still all act as if they were teenagers. They are a great team — and what a fantastic amount of experience they have notched up.

We would be surprised to learn if there is a tuba section in the UK with a higher average age!"

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    


Kirkintilloch

Report & Result: 2026 West of Scotland Entertainment Contest

August 30 • Kirkintilloch continues their fine form with a return to the top at Troon.


nybbgb

Broadcast repeats of NYBBGB Summer Concerts

August 29 • You will be able to enjoy the performances of both the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Childrens Band and the senior National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain on YouTube next month.


Welsh Open

Welsh Open set for live-stream broadcast

August 29 • The 2027 Welsh Open Championship will be broadcast around the globe.


Perth Concert Hall

Entries open for Scottish Youth Championships

August 29 • Bands and ensembles can now get their entries in for the Scottish Youth Championships in Perth.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

August 29 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

August 29 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

August 29 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone . .


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd