*
banner

Shock departures at Grimethorpe

Roger Webster and Ian Shires services are 'terminated' at Grimethorpe with immediate effect.

Grimethorpe
 

The departure of Principal Cornet Roger Webster and Assistant Principal Cornet Ian Shires from Grimethorpe Colliery Band has been confirmed.

Sad day

Speaking to 4BR, Band Manager Terry Webster reiterated the official statement issued earlier today, although he did say that he felt it was ‘a sad day for the band’:

Terminate

"The trustees of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band have decided to terminate Roger Webster’s services and also those of Ian Shires. We thank Roger for his services over the last three years and Ian for the past ten years at Grimethorpe."

As it is not apparently a musical decision and they were afforded no explanation whatsoever, they can only speculate as to the reasons for the decisionRoger Webster & Ian Shires statement

Abrupt end

A joint statement Roger Webster and Ian Shires read: "Ian and Roger are disappointed that their time with Grimethorpe Colliery has come to an abrupt end without any warning from any party.

"As it is not apparently a musical decision and they were afforded no explanation whatsoever, they can only speculate as to the reasons for the decision. They have already been given great support from other members of the band, who have offered to tender their resignations in response to the trustees’ actions."

Busy period

The decision ends a busy period of personnel activity at the English National Champions with the announcement recently of the appointment of James Gourlay to team up with Philip McCann and Alan Withington as the bands new conducting team.

A source close to the band told 4BR: "It’s come as a complete surprise. Some people have been grumbling, but everyone holds Roger and Ian in high regard."

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    


dobcross

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Third Section

September 14 • Dobcross Silver strikes royal gold as they claim the Third Section honours.


arbroath

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Fourth Section

September 14 • The Fourth Section National title heads to Scotland with Arbroath & Carnoustie.


unite

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — First Section

September 13 • Unite the Union claims 'Checkmate' over their rivals to claim the First Section National title.


south Yorkshire Police

Result: 2025 National Championships of Great Britain — Second Section

September 13 • South Yorkshire Police claim the first title of the Cheltenham weekend.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Longridge Band

September 13 • Longridge Band invite applications for a SOPRANO CORNET player. We are a friendly, committed band, who enjoy a good balance of concerts and contests throughout the year.


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd