*
banner

All change at Newstead

There has been a reshuffle of the pack at the Newstead organisation.

Newstead
 

It's all change at the Newstead Welfare Band organisation, which they hope will refocus its position to ensure that music will be made in the Nottinghamshire coalfields for years to come.

Success

Eight years ago the organisation launched a youth band to promote a local youth interest in brass bands and ever since this 'second' band has grown in numbers.

Following success in the contesting field and promotion to the Third Section it changed its name to Newstead Abbey Brass to reflect the growing number of adult players supporting the group's development.

This represents a great opportunity for the new band to develop in its own right and as such it will be free to adopt a new name and identity going forwardNewstead spokesperson

Youth focus

As with most youth based organisations the situation has arisen where
university, work commitments and other distractions started to affect
membership numbers.

Following a number of discussions it was felt that Newstead's 'second' band should focus on its youth roots to continue to build for the future and provide opportunities for the thriving training group.

Agreement reached

This view was not universally shared by all and, in the light of this,
a number of the members of Newstead Abbey Brass have since reached an
agreement with a the trustees of a local band that disbanded 18 months ago, who have kindly been able to supply the much needed equipment to enable an independent band to be formed in its own right.

Great opportunity

A spokesperson told 4BR: "This represents a great opportunity for the new band to develop in its own right and as such it will be free to adopt a new name and identity going forward.

"This also allows Newstead Brass, as a successful championship section
band, and Newstead Youth Training Group, to continue unaffected by these changes."

4BR understands the formation of the new band from the former Newstead Abbey Brass has been carried out amicably and both bands have agreed that any dealings going forward will be handled in a spirit of cooperation.

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    


Special Award

2025 4BR Special Award: Richard Marshall

December 25 • One of the finest cornet players of this or any other brass band generation is the recipient of the 4BR Special Award.


Band of the Year

2025 4BR Band of the Year

December 25 • One band once again stamped its class and authority on the banding world this year — with the promise of even more to come in 2026.


Conductor

2025 4BR Conductor of the Year

December 25 • One conductor stood out on the podium from their counterparts this year.


Player

2025 4BR Player of the Year

December 25 • So much individual talent shone in the banding world in 2025 — but one player was the shining star of them all.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

December 22 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd