*
banner

Aldbourne to miss stalwart

The sound of Christmas won't be the same at Aldbourne Band this year — for the first time in over 80 years...

Barrett
 

The Aldbourne Band will certainly be missing one particular player this year, following the recent death of the much loved Cyril Barrett.

Over 60 years

A spokesperson told 4BR: "This will be the first time for over 60 years that Cyril won't hear the band playing carols.

The Christmas morning tradition started in the 1950s, when the band would go round the village playing carols from 4 o'clock in the morning so that the bell ringers, most of who belonged to the band, could start ringing the church bells at six. This tradition still continues, and Cyril thought it was amazing."

80 years

Cyril died last month just days before his 91st birthday having been a member of the band for over 80 years.

They added: "During the Second World War Cyril became a 'Bevan Boy' before spending three years in the army in Germany. In 1948 when he was demobbed he returned to the reformed Aldbourne Band, initially on cornet, but later on Eb bass.

Cyril played under many famous conductors up until he finished playing in 1986 and becoming a highly respected treasurer, secretary, chairman, vice president and librarian. His jangling of keys and money at the back of the rehearsal room will be greatly missed."

Cyril was a true gentleman and a fantastic character with one of the warmest and most welcoming smiles you could wish for. They don't make them like Cyril anymore and we feel privileged to have known himAldbourne Band

True gentleman

They continued: "Cyril was a true gentleman and a fantastic character with one of the warmest and most welcoming smiles you could wish for. They don't make them like Cyril anymore and we feel privileged to have known him."

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    


Palanga

Result: 2024 European Youth Championship Premier Section

May 5 • There is a home victory for Brass Band Sklepucini in the Premier Section


Palanga

Result: 2024 European Youth Championship Development Section

May 5 • Smoras Skolemusikk retains its Development Section title in Palanga


BrassLT

Result: 2024 European Championships — Challenge Section

May 5 • The new generation of Lithuanian banding makes its mark in Palanga as Brass LT wins the Challenge Section.


Result: 2024 European Championships — Championship Section

May 4 • Brass Band Treize Etoiles retains the European title in Palanga


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - WARDLE ANDERSON AT THE MOVIES

Friday 10 May • Playhouse2, 2 Newtown St, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8NX


Maidenhead Salvation Army - Stockholm South Band

Friday 10 May • St. Mary's Church, St. Mary's Close, High Street, Maidenhead SL6 1YY


Contest: 102nd Spring Festival

Saturday 11 May • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU


Kippax Band - West Yorkshire Police Band

Sunday 12 May • Kippax Band Social Club . Mount Pleasant . Kippax . Leeds LS25 7AT


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 24 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Mid Sussex Brass Band

May 7 • Fantastic opportunity: Musical Director for a very friendly, non-contesting, Section 4 equivalent Brass Band. Other duties to improve players of all abilities. Musical knowledge and enthusiasm required. Brass band experience beneficial but not essential


Bournemouth Concert Brass

May 7 • Bournemouth Concert Brass are looking for the following positions to complete our band:. Principal cornet/flugel;. Solo Cornet;. Horn;. Baritone.


Harlow Brass Band

May 7 • Come and join our friendly and welcoming band. We have vacancies for TROMBONES, BACK ROW CORNETS AND PERCUSSION.


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2024 4barsrest.com Ltd