*
banner

New Year honour for Boxted stalwart

91 year old John Polley of Boxted Methodist Silver Band has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours List

Boxted
  John Polley has been a stalwart member of the band for well over 80 years

The banding world is offering its congratulations to John Polley of Boxted Methodist Silver Band from Colchester who has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year Honours List for his services to the band.

Wonderful news

Speaking to 4BR, the MD, Victoria Steinlitz said: "This has been wonderful news and made even more special as John celebrated hi 91st birthday on Christmas Day.

John has been associated with the band for well over 80 years — first playing the cymbals and then just about every instrument until he took to the bass. He has been such a valued and loved member of the band and only played his last concert with us in the village hall last February."

Well deserved

Victoria added: "This is such a well-deserved honour for John and his wife Margaret who has also been such a wonderful support to him and to the band.

The family connection with Boxted Methodist Silver Band remains strong with his nephew in the ranks, and we know he is delighted to see us investing in the musical future by linking up with the local school to get the next generation of young players following in his footsteps."

This is such a well-deserved honour for John and his wife Margaret who has also been such a wonderful support to him and to the bandBoxted Methodist Silver Band

Oldest Methodist band

The non-contesting band celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2023 and is believed to be the last Methodist named band in the UK.

John will be officially presented with his honour sometime in the New Year.

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    


4BR podcast

4BR British Open preview

September 2 • Join us on air on Wednesday evening to give us your views and opinions ahead of the 171st British Open Championships at Symphony Hall.


British Open

New additions to prize list at British Open

September 2 • The new champion will bag a record cash prize whilst a new cornet award adds to the individual accolades on offer at Symphony Hall this weekend.


Alexander Richter

Richter award for pioneering brass band advocacy

September 2 • Alexander Richter has been presented with the prestigious Eitelfriedrich-Thom Award.


Ashley DIXON

Ashley's life affirming donation

September 2 • The Foden's baritone player Ashley Dixon has donated her life giving stem cells to help a father of two children.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Rushden Town Band

September 2 • 2nd Trombone position has become vacant as current holder off to University. Rehearsals Mondays and Wednesday at Rushden Hall. RTB is a friendly 1st Section band who have recently come back from their second tour abroad and also released their first CD.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 2 • Are you moving to the West Midlands this autumn or possibly fancy a change of bandroom scenery? The band are looking to recruit an Eb bass and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Cross Keys Silver Band

September 2 • We're looking for a 2nd Trombone player to join a strong section in a 2nd Section band based in South Wales. We have a number of community engagements and contests lined up for the rest of the year and into 2026. Rehearsals are from 19:30 on Tuesdays.


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd