Gloucestershire Brass Band Association

Sharon Thomas (nee Pensom), Parkend Silver Band

Sharon learnt to play the piano when she was a very young child as she wasn't interested in Brass Bands, but then in 1974 decided that as her 2 sisters were in a band she would join them.  Over the past 50 years she has been a dedicated player, playing Trombone mostly but over past few years moved to Euphonium when we found ourselves with no player.

She has been Secretary of the band for 20 plus years as well as a dedicated committee member before that, helping with all aspects of fundraising and organising.  She is our Band Representative for the GBBA and has represented us on several other committees.

She has played at various Contests over the years local and further afield, as well as the National Contests, playing with Coleford, Drybrook, Forest of Dean Brass & Bream

Sharon met Leslie Thomas when he joined the band along with his sister, this was due to well known musician and conductor Adrian Ruck coming to Parkend as our MD and he brought them both along.  Sharon and Les eventually married in 2003 after being engaged for over 25 years....

It has really been a family affair for Sharon as her late father Fred Pensom,  sisters Jennifer Higgins & Carole Warren, husband Leslie and also her 21 year old son Louis all played in the band with Louis being the current MD, something she is extremely proud of.  Fred was also very well known throughout the band world, being on the Federation for many many years along with GBBA and various other committees, so you could say that banding is certainly in her blood.

We wish to congratulate Sharon on her award and hope she has  many many more years of Banding

Elaine started playing brass at the age of 8 and dedicated over 40 years to Cinderford Band, whilst there she played all brass instruments except Sop,  Flugel and Tuba and also played Kit and tuned percussion. Most of her playing career was on cornet, playing front row and bumper up when Cinderford were in their hey day in the championship section. She also served on the band committee for many years.

In her early years she was a member of the Forest of Dean Youth Band, enjoying many concerts tours abroad.

Elaine is a very determined person and thrives on challenges. She did a 3 mile march in the heat of July when 8 months pregnant. She particularly enjoys the challenges of new instruments and difficult test pieces. In recent years she has also taught herself to play piano, violin and Saxaphone.

Some of her other banding claims to fame include:

• Playing timpani at the Regionals at the Colston Hall on Beatrice & Benedict under the professional guidance of Major Peter Parkes who told her “to hit them as hard as possible” only to see ‘Timps too loud’ on the adjudicators remarks.

• At Christmas in 2010, Elaine moved from Cornet and took up Trombone for the first time ever – her apprenticeship was playing carols in readiness for playing Resurgam at the Area on solo trombone less than 10 weeks later.

In 2012 when Phil & Elaine left Cinderford, Elaine bought Duncan, an ex-racer thoroughbred horse; riding was to be her replacement for playing brass. However a few months later when Phil took up the baton at Bream and needed a Baritone player, Elaine stepped in and played solo baritone for the next 5 years. Duncan became a parallel hobby and she rode him regularly – he’s now 24 and in retirement he’s her big pet alongside her beloved 6 Jack Russells

After Bream, Elaine joined Lydbrook on Solo Baritone and has enjoyed her many challenges on tricky test pieces – preferring this to concerts. In the last couple of years she has been the bands Safeguarding officer, acting with the integrity and confidentiality that the role demands.

Elaine is a keen sportswoman – loves watching all sports but played Hockey for many years and lately has returned to playing social tennis at Ross. She has travelled Europe and USA to watch many prestigious tennis tournaments.

At the age of 13 Elaine met Phil. They have been together for 46 years, married for 39 and have three grown up sons, Rhys, Karl and Marcus. Whilst all three sons are musical, none of them have followed their parents into brass banding.

Elaine worked in Insurance for the first 20 years of her career, and was a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Insurers and the Institute of Risk Management – she was the youngest person ever to be an FCII and had to delay her graduation until she was old enough to receive it.

After Insurance, Elaine moved to teaching and spent 20 years as a Maths teacher, the last 15 of which she was Head of Department at Wyedean, Thornbury and Dene Magna schools.  She retired in December 2021 to concentrate on her holiday lets and start up a Wedding Car hire business and latterly 2 grandchildren Phoebe and Samuel.

This award tonight is in recognition of 50 years of Elaine Turner in brass banding in the Forest of Dean.

Sharon Stratford (nee Teague) -Parkend Silver Band

Sharon joined the band in early 1973, over those years she has been a dedicated player moving around from Horn, Solo Cornet, Repiano and recently Flugel Horn.

She has also been Librarian of the band as well as committee member, she is also the Band Representative on Parkend Hall Committee, along with several other committees over the years.

Sharon married Roger Stratford in 1990, Roger is also a fellow bander being in his 53rd year with Forest of Dean Brass (formerly Yorkley Onward) they have two sons Ben & George who both started with Parkend Silver Band following the family tradition of banding, Ben now playing Solo Baritone for Tredegar Town Band & George playing Eb Bass at Forest of Dean Brass.

Both Sharon's parents the late Stan & Meryl Teague were also stalwarts of Parkend Silver Band along with being Chairman & Treasurer and also Trustees.

Sharon has been a member of Forest of Dean Brass on 2nd Cornet for well over 15 years playing at Contests, Concerts etc, she also holds the position of Treasurer.

Sharon has also held the Treasurer position of Gloucestershire Brass Band Association for several years.

Clive Miles was born 1943 and started playing brass with Bream Silver Prize Band on Cornet.  At age 8 he started with his brother, Keith.  Apparently Keith used to get really upset when he was told he wasn’t playing properly and gave up, but Clive didn’t give a monkeys - “water off a duck’s back” his Mum would say.  During his time with Bream Silver, he also played with John Morgan who was on Sop – John Morgan later became the drummer of The Wurzels !!!!

Clive joined the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars Band brass band in 1957 at aged 14, still on cornet.  In 1964 Clive was a corporal and later became Band Sergeant Major.  He did many fanfares in the 60’s including one to announce the entrance of The Everly Brothers in Gloucester.

The Royal Gloucestershire Hussars Band became a military band in 1961.  Clive changed to playing French horn in the military band.  The brass band continued as City of Gloucester Band (and ultimately Flowers Band).  Clive played with them on 2nd Cornet in the 1980’s when they were called Message Maker for a while, although he was primarily a french horn player at the time.

During his time with the Royal Gloucestershire Hussars Band, Clive played for the Queen in Great Windsor Park in 1994.

Clive joined The Gloucester Constabulary Band under Ron Williams in the 1990’s and still plays with them today as Solo Horn.

Over the years, Clive’s music making has taken him around the globe with tours to various countries including Cyprus, Holland and Germany.

Clive joined Tewkesbury Town Band in 2005, also on Solo Horn.  Clive has been such a valuable member of the Band over the years with his talented playing skills, his support of every rehearsal, concert and event he possibly could make, and even peeling vegetables at the training band’s band camp! It is a privilege to have him in the band and we congratulate him on over 70 years of brass music making.

Dee Pearman, joined Bletchington Band (Oxon) as a teenager, primarily because my dad was in it …

Roger and Dee relocated to Gloucester in 1976 and Dad joined Gloucester Excelsior Band, but in the early 80s started playing with Yorkley, which was when he made the move from cornet to Bb Bass – don’t think Dee has ever forgiven him.

All the family joined Gloucester Excelsior Training Band and daughters Rebecca and Emily started learning.  In 1992, this became Gloucester Brass and Roger became MD.  He passed the baton onto Mark once his Parkinson’s started to cause him mobility and strength issues, but continued playing until 2022.  He still plays in the garage at home, although possibly the neighbours would rather he didn’t.  Dee still plays Baritone with the band, but their service has been to keeping the band going as much as through their playing contributions.

Roger Pearman joined Bletchington Band (Oxon) in 1961 when the band was re-started by his grandfather Bert Saunders.

Roger and Dee relocated to Gloucester in 1976 and Dad joined Gloucester Excelsior Band, but in the early 80s started playing with Yorkley, which was when he made the move from cornet to Bb Bass – don’t think Dee has ever forgiven him.

All the family joined Gloucester Excelsior Training Band and daughters Rebecca and Emily started learning.  In 1992, this became Gloucester Brass and Roger became MD.  He passed the baton onto Mark once his Parkinson’s started to cause him mobility and strength issues, but continued playing until 2022.  He still plays in the garage at home, although possibly the neighbours would rather he didn’t.  Dee still plays Baritone with the band, but their service has been to keeping the band going as much as through their playing contributions.

Trevor started his banding career 50 years ago in the Winchester area.  He was a member of  the Winchester Youth Band and Hampshire Youth Band, where he was taught to play the cornet by Roger Andrews and John Knight.

Trevor trained as a Police Officer and when qualified, transferred to Dursley and played with the Stinchcombe Band, before moving to Lydbrook in 1992.

Except for a short break, he has been a member of Lydbrook Band for 30 years and Chairman for the past 18 years.

Although retired as a Police Officer, Trevor still plays with the National Police Orchestra at various events around the UK.

It gives me great pleasure this evening at Lydbrook Band’s Centenary Book Launch, to present my good friend Trevor with his Gloucestershire Brass Band Association Certificate and Badge in recognition of his 50 years’ service to the brass band movement.

Roger started playing when he was nine years old with Yorkley Junior band at the Onward Hall. He was tutored by the late Tony Mudway. He started on cornet and has ended up on Bb Bass, having played baritone and Eb Bass. Roger also played in the school band at Whitecross.

Roger progressed to the Yorkley Concert Band which was conducted by Clive Lewis, playing at local fetes and carnivals! He was known to have marched the wrong way once!

Following this he moved to Yorkley Onward Band under the baton of Brian Howard, Barry Pope and Dave Thomas to name a few.

He married Sharon in 1990 who is a fellow bander and they have two sons, Benjamin and George. The banding tradition lives on with George as principal Eb Bass with Forest of Dean Brass and Ben, who has progressed to playing principal Baritone of Tredegar Town Band. Roger is immensely proud of his two boys.

He has remained faithful to the Onward Hall for 53 years through thick and thin and now continues to enjoy his playing with Forest of Dean Brass. He is one of Forest of Dean Brass trustees and is an integral part of the local banding community with very few people not knowing Roger (Itchy)

Paul started playing cornet at Yorkley Primary School aged 9 being taught by Frank Cockroft. He also joined Yorkley Junior band, soon moving onto Flugelhorn for a short spell. He then went up to Yorkley Onward Band.

Although a very proficient cornet player, at approximately 15 years old he started dabbling on drums and would go to the Onward Hall when no one else was around to play the kit. He soon started finding his feet on percussion, teaching himself different rhythms through trial and error until it all started to come together. Being already able to read music helped enormously. He was spotted by Stanshaw Sunlife Band in Bristol at aged 20 and did a spell there playing at various contests, concerts and TV performances with his now lifetime friend Bernard Morgan under the baton of Brian Howard. He returned to Yorkley after about 18 months and when he was mid 20s, when Bernard contacted him to play on a European tour with Cam Brass Consort. It’s here he met Bekki his now wife, who he eventually persuaded to join Yorkley Onward Band on cornet. He started collecting percussion instruments in his early days and this passion continues, with a large garage that is full up of everything percussion. It’s fair to say that percussion is his passion as he continues to play for Forest of Dean Brass, Camping and Caravanning Club Brass Band along with local orchestras. He is also a Trustee of the band.

Mark started playing  cornet in Lydney Town Band aged 8 when there was request through his school (Lydney County Junior) if there was anyone that wanted to go to the band to learn to play

Mark continued to play and went up to senior school and took lessons with Bill Grant. His dad bought him his first cornet in 1970.

Mark continued with his playing in the Lydney Grammar school and by the time he left this had become Whitecross School.

Even though Mark took a break from playing in bands he continued to play at home until he returned to banding in Forest of Dean Brass under MD Jackie Gwynne. Mark has been fundamental in supporting his nephew Francis Ruck into banding after Francis’ father Adrian passed away when he was nine. Francis is now in his thirties and they both play together in Forest of Dean Brass. He has played front row cornet, however he prefers to sit back row.

Mark is fundamental to the forest banding community as a local jeweller, he is often called upon to engrave cups and shields when local bands win any competitions.

Antony was given his Grandfather’s tenor horn and joined Bream Band playing at his first West of England area contest in 1971. He was taught by Brian Cooling in his early years.

He joined the RAF in 1979 and, following postings played with a number of local and RAF bands including; Cawston, City of Canterbury, RAF Locking and the forerunner to Flowers Band.

In 2005 he returned to the Forest and rejoined Bream, after a break due to work commitments, Antony signed on to play with Forest of Dean Brass.  Antony is extremely versatile and has played on many instruments over the years to fill gaps where required.

After being given her Grandfather’s cornet, Amanda joined Bream Band and played at her first contest in 1971. Amanda early tuition was from Brian Cooling. She moved to play with the forerunner to the Flowers Band in 1980.

Amanda returned to the Forest in 1986 to play with the Yorkley Onward Band, now Forest of Dean Brass.

Amanda is very humble in terms of what she has brought to the band, however her contribution to the band and use of her professional skills has been vital in gaining charitable status and  securing grant funding. She is an accomplished musician and regularly sits in the bumper up or repiano seats.

Marcus started playing at the age of 12 with The St Stythians Silver Band.  He joined his father's footsteps in a band that his dad was a founder member of and progressed to take the Principal Cornet seat.  This band typically played over 50 concerts a year during his 21 years with them.

In 1983 he was invited to play for The Camborne Town Band for a Concert in the Royal Albert Hall with 1000 Cornish Male Voices.  The following year he was asked to help again for a week-long tour in Paris and formally joined the band in 1984 to play at The National Finals at the RAH.  During his 34 years at Camborne he toured Paris again, Holland and Brittany twice as well as playing numerous concerts and contests in the UK.  In all he competed in 10 National Finals with the band.  He was also a keen committee member and trustee carrying out most of the committee roles such as Contest Secretary, Engagement Secretary, Treasurer and Chair of Trustees.

Whilst playing for Camborne Town Band he also represented them as a committee member of the Cornwall Brass Band Association and Cornwall Youth Brass Band.

In 2015 Marcus moved up to South Gloucestershire to be nearer to his family and is now enjoying banding as a player and committee member for the Wotton Silver Band.

Jenny Lovell and Julie Ashby are sisters who have served Wotton and District Silver Band for over 50 years since the early 1970’s, both as musicians and active committee members. Banding has many ups and downs and both have experienced plenty over this time.  Behind the scenes, both have made significant contributions to the band that many will not be aware of as both are modest and shy away from the limelight.

Jenny served as the Bands’ solo horn player for many years and performed solos at many contests and concerts and contributed greatly to the rise of the Band from 4th Section to 1st Section.   In her time with the band, Jenny took on various roles including secretary and chairperson, ensuring that the band was able to continue performing and developing younger players and those starting out on their musical journey.

Julie started on horn section and eventually settled on baritone for the band. Upon becoming solo baritone Julie also performed solos and contributed hugely to the success of the band in the contesting arena. A passion for the band like her sister, Julie also volunteered to join the committee, again taking on several roles including public relations officer. Being a local girl Julie has tirelessly promoted the band in and around Wotton Under Edge, and is responsible for the close links with the surrounding community that have been forged.

Jenny and Julie continue to make a significant contribution and Wotton band is privileged to have such dedicated and loyal members. In appreciation of outstanding service to Wotton and the brass band movement, Jenny and Julie were made GBBA life members at the bands recent Christmas concert.

On December 12th 1947 a very young lad on his 5th birthday joined Lydbrook Band. He became an accomplished cornet player and when he was just 14 years, 11 months and 30 days old, the day before his 15th birthday he joined the Gloucestershire regiment.

After 12 years he left the army and in 1979 came back to Forest banding when he joined Lydney Band for a short spell before moving to Coleford Town Band in the early 1980s.

Rojer started his conducting in 1987 becoming Coleford’s MD until their amalgamation with Yorkley Onward Band in 1994. He continued as MD of the amalgamated band Forest of Dean Brass until 2000, when he temporarily hung up his baton. He’d recently retired as post master of Mitcheldean post office and he and Gill moved over to Spain for a short period of time. He regularly returned during this period to play at various contests for the band.

Rojer’s achievements as an MD came to a pinnacle in 1999 when he lead the band to gain promotion at the area contest playing Kenilworth, to the Championship section from the second section only a few years before. It’s fair to say he did very much enjoy beating Lydbrook that day and it was a celebration that those that were there will never forget!

Rojer continues to play Repiano cornet with the band and is also the bands president.

So as he will be celebrating his 80th birthday and his 75th anniversary of playing, we would all like to say thankyou to him for his huge contribution over those 75 years to banding in Gloucestershire, his playing and conducting along with his continued competitive spirit.

The one and only Rojer Phelps.

Sunday morning singalongs to Junior Choice and recorder lessons at primary school sparked an early interest in music for David and his twin sister Liz. 

One of the teachers at their Herefordshire primary school, John Brain, was a gifted trumpeter and influenced by his prowess, the twins began brass instrument lessons with Drybrook Band at the age of 7 (1970). 

The choice of instrument was dictated by what Stuart Harris, the Drybrook Coalman, bandsman and designated junior band brass teacher had available, thus David was handed a tenor horn and Liz, a trombone. Lessons were weekly and with regular practice at home, the twins could soon play competently. 

They joined a small brass band at school and played in school concerts and assemblies. Aged 12, David and Liz were invited to join Drybrook senior band, sitting amongst some wonderful players and characters. Practice was twice a week - a Tuesday night and a Sunday morning under the baton of Ted Annetts. 

Band performances ranged from Remembrance Day Services and concerts at local venues to participation in brass competitions. 

The twins also joined their senior school Orchestra as well as the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Wind Band alongside fond memories of tours with the Forest of Dean Youth Band. But the joy of the brass band, the camaraderie of the players and the sheer gloriousness of the brass music meant that playing with Drybrook Band remained a priority.

After many years with the band David moved to Flowers where he played Bass until 1987, when he moved jobs to Hereford and got married to his wife whom met at Drybrook Band.

After a few years away from banding David was called upon to play with Cinderford at a contest which relit the fire to go back to banding full time. 

Going back to his roots and re-joining Drybrook where the band had found themselves struggling for numbers, he started working tirelessly to gain players and a conductor, later securing a sponsorship from A.W Parker Coal Merchants and building the band up with help to where it is today in the first section.

He devoted many hours to teaching youngsters knowing they would be the future generation of banding. Most significantly his daughters, Kathryn who he first taught tenor horn before she moved on to become an accomplished percussionist and Emily who he taught for many years on cornet where she now sits as the principal cornet for the British Army Brass Band Tidworth.

David helped for many years with the GBBA and now spends his time as Chairman of Dryrbook Band.

The award was due to be presented last December at the Bands Christmas Concert and Awards evening but unfortunately the concert was cancelled due to covid.

David’s family are very proud of his achievements and commitment to the Banding community.

Stephen ‘Barney’ Ruddell began playing at the age of 8 in Marshfield Band and this year is his 60th year in the band.

He is seen here with the Band's Chairman,  Tim Ashton.

Bev Williams began playing in his teens and has actually been in Marshfield Band for over 35 years and in local bands for over 50.

Bev is sen here next to his daughter.

Jane Bruton received a posthumous certificate from the Gloucestershire Brass Band

Association to commemorate more than 50 years of outstanding service that her late

husband gave to local bands.

Alan Bruton came from a musical family, with a long association with Nailsworth Silver band

that his father Bill would become president of. Alan joined his home town band as a boy

and grew into a talented Euphonium player. Service with the band was broken for a period

where Alan accepted an invitation to play at a higher musical level with the Message Maker

band that would become Flowers band.

Alan spent the final 15 years of his life playing solo euphonium for Wotton and District Silver

band. During this period, Alan was very prominent in the band’s success in achieving

promotion to the first section for the first time ever. Despite his pride in being part of the

Wotton band family, Alan never forgot his roots and remained a huge supporter and fan of

Nailsworth band.

Pete Stanulewicz made the presentation at a recent memorial concert given by Nailsworth

and Wotton bands to celebrate Alan’s life. Pete was Alan’s friend and Euphonium partner

for most of his time at Wotton band.

JENNIFER HIGGGINS  (nee Pensom)

Jennifer joined Parkend Silver Band when it was reformed  in 1972 at the age of 13 on Euphonium., under the wings of 2 village gents Tony Higgins and Keith  Bowery.

She remained a committed and dedicated member of  the  band even when having her 2 children who both carried on with  her passion for brass banding from young ages too.

Her son Gavin took to it and made it his  profession as a composer and has recently gained his Docoarate in Music and her daughter  Gemma played until her Uni took her away from it but even now when pjcking up a trombone or  Euph she has still got it.

Jennifer played principal Euph for some years  and then moved to Horn to whitch she is still playing today.

Jennifer  was an a active committee member taking the weekly subs  and login it all down, she has been ecretary and Libraian  helping with fundraising and organising events and generally  getting involved with anythjng. It became a family concern with her 2 children  father, sisters,  nephew, brother in laws and Father in law all being involved with Parkend over the years.

Over her banding years she  has helped many bands in the forest with engagements and also a few with Contests.

She has volunteered with GBBA Cxontest in the last few years too.

About 10 years ago she started playing  for Berryhill Silver Band and is now an active  and committed member to them as   secretary and General organiser.

Carole Anne Warren (nee Pensom)

Carole was only 4 ½ when she joined Parkend Silver Band in late 1972 on Cornet just months after it had been reformed by two gentlemen from the village Mr Tony Higgins and Mr Keith Bowery.

Carole has been a dedicated member of the Band ever since and as the years went by, she became Principal Cornet whilst still quite young. When she left home and moved to Hereford, she would travel back twice weekly for rehearsals and again on weekends for engagements. Later she moved to Wakefield, Yorkshire due to work, but even this didn’t deter her and she remained a committed band member. Her parents Frances and the late Fred Pensom would travel up early on a Friday morning to pick her up for rehearsal in the evening. She would then stay down for the engagements that weekend and this could happen for two or three weekends in a row, with Carole going home on a Sunday evening ready for work the next day.  You would say that is dedication with a passion from both parties.

Over the years she has taken on rolls such as Social Events Organiser, Assistant Secretary and Librarian always making sure that every member has their music, which can be a tireless job on times. Carole also helps out teaching new players as well as a lot of work behind the scenes that most people don’t see.

Carole has Contested with Cinderford, Forest of Dean Brass, Bream and helped many bands in the Forest and further but Parkend Silver Band always comes first. She has been a committee member of the GBBA and had a period as Trophy Officer, as well as stewarding at the contests.

Carole has played the Last Post and Reveille at Bourton on the Water Remembrance Day Service for over 20 years as well as in Parkend, Westbury on Severn and Minsterworth. She has also played for the Dunkirk veterans’ event in Cheltenham a number of times.

Frances has been a stalwart supporter of Parkend Silver Band for the past 50 years.

When the Band was reformed in 1972 and two of her daughters joined, Frances swiftly became an active supporter of the band, alongside her late Husband Fred, and helped with anything that was needed. She was always seen at all fundraising events such as Jumble Sales, Harvest Festivals, Garden Fetes and even Sponsored Walks, which a few of them dressed up for with wigs, fishnet tights, leotards and much more, to add to the fun.

Frances helped to organise two weekend trips to Cornwall, one in 1977 and the other 25 years later both where a huge success. She is famous for her cheese, onion and potato pies which were always a must for the bands social event buffets. As the band consisted mostly youngsters many years ago, Frances would always make sure they were okay and looked after them if parents weren’t able come with them. She went on to became a Committee Member a few years later and still is active today, regularly attending rehearsals and at one point, the break time tea lady.

Frances was a committee member of Gloucestershire Brass Band Association for many years where she organised the registrations, again with her late husband, for the GBBA Contests held at Forest of Dean College, Five Acres, which they both enjoyed immensely. Seeing children growing into adults and then their children taking to brass banding made her proud. Some players that had started with Parkend achieved a standard that allowed them to play for higher section bands and some taking it even further with their careers.

From the GBBA they were asked to carry out registration at the WEBBA contest, firstly at Bristol which they did for many years. The event moved to various places over the years and latterly to Torquay, where she was always happy to volunteer. Over the years Frances has supported other bands in the forest going to their engagements and even volunteering with selling tickets for a few years for the Cinderford Bands Concerts.

Francis has always supported her daughters, her husband, who became a player and her three grandchildren who have all played at some point. One grandson has made music his career and obtained his Doctorate, whilst another is now conducting Parkend Silver Band and plays for Cinderford Town Band and their Academy Band, along with helping Berry Hill and others when needed.

Leslie Arthur Thomas

Les is a dedicated member of Parkend Silver Band. He started in 1971 at the age of 6 with Coleford Town Band on cornet, under the wings of the late Mr Keith Porter.

In 1974 Les joined Parkend Silver Band on baritone and worked his way up to principal Euphonium. He stayed on the position until the conductor at the time (Jackie Gwynne) asked him to have a go at the Bb Bass, due to the band not having any Bb basses at that time, and he is still playing at this position to this day.

Over the years Les has been Librarian and helped with the maintenance of the instruments, keeping them to a pretty high standard. Even if an instrument has been put away in the store room and not used for a few years or more, when they are given out to a new player, they are always in full working order, ready to be used but he will always give them a once over just to double check they are working.

Les has always been happy to convey band equipment to band concerts, getting them set up before-hand in the band room, all ready to go. For over 30 years he been committed committee member and always ready to help where needed. Although Parkend Silver Band is his first band, he has helped numerous bands in the Forest and beyond, completing quite a spell with FODB (Forest of Dean Brass). He now plays at Cinderford, doing contest and engagements.

Les is chairman of Parkend Silver Band, a role he takes very seriously and is proud to have been selected for this position. He has also been a voluntary steward at GBBA Contests.

Mandy Keedwell has played played for 50 years.having started with Sharpness Silver band at the age of 9.  She has been playing with CSB for over 20 starting on cornet and then onto her present position of Flugel.

Gary plays for Frampton band but has played with CSB on quite a number of occasions as his main band are non contesting, so he very kindly deps for us.

Gary started playing at the age of 11 and has played for 50 years.

Kerry Ford B.Mus., IPD

Principal Cornet - Lydney Town Band

Kerry started playing a cornet when she was 9 years old by joining the Yorkley Junior Band and was taught by Mr. Cockcroft and Mr. Clive Lewis.  After a short time on cornet, she moved to Tenor Horn which very quickly became her favourite instrument.  After just 3 years she moved to Yorkley Onward band which was, at the time, in the 1st Section.  Within 2 years her abilities were recognised and was asked to become the band’s Solo Horn.

Early brass playing included many solo and quartet competitions and, of course, a busy concert and contest schedule with Yorkley Onward Band, where she made lifelong friends.  During this time, she went on tour with the Forest of Dean Young Peoples Band, enjoying visits to France, Belgium and of course the Harz Mountains in Germany.

In 1981 Kerry went to Cardiff University to study Music and had to move to French Horn.  During her time at university, she gained her grade 8 on French Horn, with distinction.  Whilst playing French Horn she was offered a scholarship at The Royal College of Music in London.  She also played on tour with the Cam Brass Consort and took part in several concerts with the Forest of Dean Orchestra.  However, Kerry chose to move back to the brass band scene and moved back to her beloved tenor horn.

After a short spell with Yorkley she moved to Lydbrook Silver Band where she remained for several years.  During this time, she achieved an ambition by performing at the Royal Albert Hall, a pinnacle of achievement.  With her husband Kevin she moved to Lydney Town Band in 1992 helping the band reach Championship status in 1998 and 2003.  Her time at Lydney Band has been challenging and rewarding, moving between sections, and attending the National Finals in 2016. With a move to Flugel and then Cornet, Kerry promoted the idea that we all need to continue learning and improving and has been ticking off the ABRSM grades, achieving distinctions every time.

Launching a career in music teaching, Kerry has been a keen advocate of promoting playing brass through fun and performance, reaching out to the community.  In 2005 she helped to launch a brass players development programme in Lydney Band, establishing a programme and team to make it happen.  Working tirelessly to promote interest in the movement, she was rewarded in 2019 when she attended Buckingham Palace with her husband Kevin in recognition of their work in youth development.

Kerry says “I was lucky to be inspired by my music teachers when I was young, and I try to light that fire in my students.  I believe that everyone has the right to be able to express themselves through music”.

During the 2020/2021 pandemic, Kerry has faced the challenges of teaching music online and enabling her students to still develop and perform, using various online platforms.  Adopting ‘the band plays on’ idiom, Kerry has ensured the continuation of brass playing in Lydney and the success of the team into the future.

As current acting Secretary, Development and Welfare Officer Kerry has her head firmly set on continuing with brass for as long as she can.  She is proud of her achievements, with a flourishing Starter Group, Training Band, and an aspiring Town Band ready to face the future.

After a rewarding and fulfilling 50 years’ service to brass bands in the Forest of Dean and Gloucestershire, Kerry was very proud to receive the GBBA 50-year accolade.  There are of course many more years of music making within brass bands and encouraging more people to enjoy the power of music.

Andrew started playing with the town band in Weston-super-Mare, where his father Ron was principal cornet. Weston used to have a summer season of concerts at the Rozel Music Gardens, with six different programmes of music in a month, so his sight-reading was quickly honed.

Following experiences at a few other bands, his dream to play with a Championship Section band at the Nationals in the Royal Albert Hall was realised with the first of two periods with the Sun Life Band. At other times time, Andrew has played principal cornet at Melingriffith, City of Bristol, Thornbury, Bendix Kingswood, Lydney and again at Weston.

As well as many local and national successes, Andrew was lucky enough to represent England at the European Championships in 1985 in Copenhagen and as overall winners at the 1993 World Music Contest in Kerkrade.

For the past 14 years Andrew has played with Filton Concert Band (and is now the longest-serving member!). Joining as Principal Cornet in the second section it was a joy to eventually play in the Championship section at the Albert Hall once again in 2017 with the band.

Over the years Andrew has also been Chairman, Librarian, assistant treasurer and logistics manager with the various bands he has played with and was proud to form and conduct the Bendix Kingswood Youth Band for a number of years.

And it’s not all brass bands; Andrew is pleased to help out wherever he can and has performed publicly with 61 bands, orchestras and other assorted groups and, as a self-confessed ‘band tart’, has sat in at rehearsals with nearly 40 others on his travels.

Andrew was delighted to be presented with his award by Kevin Robbins, principal cornet at Sun Life Band when he first joined.

Ralph was born in Bridgwater in 1952 and started to play the cornet aged six, joining Burnham and Highridge Town Band two years later, of which his father, two uncles and an aunt were members. He competed in his first West of England Area in 1962, winning the Third Section.

While at school, Ralph played solo cornet with both Somerset Schools Brass and Wind Bands. He enlisted into the Army in 1967, joining the Junior Leaders’ Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps (JLR RAC) as a musician, becoming solo cornet for two years. Then followed a year the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall (RMSM) where he became a Kneller Hall Trumpeter, before joining the Band of the Blues and Royals and becoming a State Trumpeter.

While in the Army, Ralph also played with Watney’s Brewery Band. He let the Army in 1974 to join Stanshawe Band, where he remained until its demise in 1997—becoming its longest serving playing member. Then followed a number of years in Territorial Army bands (Royal Gloucestershire Hussars and The Rifles).

Ralph played with Aldbourne Band for two years and was a member of Flowers Band for four years. He joined Filton Concert Brass in 2014, with whom he still plays today. Between 1962–2022, Ralph has played in 42 Area contests; six with Burnham and Highridge, two with JLR RAC, 21 with Stanshawe/Sun Life, two with Aldbourne, four with Flowers and seven with Filton. He has also competed in 22 National Finals and 24 British Opens.

Phil started playing at the age of 10.  He spoke to Robert Morgan from Lydbrook Band and said he’d like to learn to play the cornet.  Knowing that Phil lived in Cinderford, Robert suggested contacting Cinderford Band, and that was the start of a long and illustrious career with Cinderford, under the tutelage of Mr Cecil Chappell, a true gentleman of banding.  Phil dedicated over 40 years to Cinderford Band, primarily on the cornet but also at a young age, on the soprano cornet, where he was known for his beautiful sound and amazing playing range in particular.  Phil played third down on the front row for the first year at Cinderford but at the tender age of 12 he was probably one of the youngest players ever to take a principal position when he took the soprano seat, earning himself the title of “best soloist of the day”.  He represented Cinderford Band at the Colston Hall in the Championship Section for three years on Soprano.

Moving on, and at the remarkable age of 16, he took up the position of principal cornet for Cinderford, a position he held until he left in 2012, competing for 30 of those years in the championship section.

Phil was the secretary of Cinderford Band for many years, serving on the committee from the age of 18, running the administrative side of the band for 10 years, organising concerts, contests and tours abroad, before taking the treasurer role for another 15 years.  He was also the principal cornet player for the Forest of Dean Youth Band, enjoying many concert tours abroad…….. we won’t say too much about that. What happens in Germany, stays in Germany!

In 2012, Phil took up his conducting post with Bream Band, taking them to their first competitive event in November at the Gloucestershire Brass Band Association contest.  His final competition with Bream was at the area contest in Torquay, in March 2018 and he left the band in a really strong position, having worked tirelessly for the five years he conducted them.

Phil joined Lydbrook Band in 2012 and is now their Principal Cornet, a position he rightly deserves.  His wife Elaine also plays in the band where she holds the Solo Baritone seat.

The award is in recognition of 50 years of banding, which was actually in 2020, but Covid prevented us from marking the event.  We now celebrate 51 years of Phil Turner’s brass banding career in the Forest of Dean.

Andrew began playing at the age of 6 within the Salvation Army under the guidance of his father.   Initially joining Lydbrook Band at the age of 9, a subsequent move to Drybrook Band followed & Andrew was appointed principal Baritone at the age of 10.

A family move to London saw Andrew appointed Principal Euphonium with Newham Band aged 15 a position he held for over 20 years.

Following a brief return to his Salvation Army roots with Enfield Citadel Band under the baton of James Williams MBE, Andrew relocated with his family back to the West Country.

Andrew was asked to dep for Flowers Band at the 2004 Brass in Concert event where he was awarded the Best Euphonium prize and subsequently the Band offered him the Principal Euphonium seat.

In 2013 a move to Essex for work saw Andrew leave Flowers and join GUS as their Principal Euphonium before returning to the West Country and rejoining Flowers as Principal Baritone in 2017.

Peter Boyles began his banding with the Boys Brigade band in Appledore, later known as the Appledore Band, conducted by his father. He joined Bendix Kingswood Band in Bristol on baritone and later the new Thornbury Band on baritone before then moving onto tenor horn. Peter enjoyed 30 years with the band. Peter then joined City of Bristol Band in 2005 at a time when it was close to folding. Peter, among others, worked to revive the band, and it went on to win the area title and claim the runner-up spot at the Second Section National Final in 2016. Peter played flugel in his later years and helped out other bands in need. He was conductor of Clevedon Brass, Marshfield Band, and Bristol Vets Band, meaning he was at rehearsal almost every night of the week. Peter Boyle passed aged 68 and is fondly remembered by his friends and banding connections

Frank Fidler was well loved by the brass band community in and around the Forest of Dean. Frank worked for a long time as an instrument repairer, fixing instruments from many generations of brass players. Having passed away in the year 2020, GBBA awarded Frank with the GBBA Service Award in his memory and to thank him for his services to the brass band movement, particularly in the Gloucestershire community.

Watch a performance of Loyal and True by Pheonix Brass Band dedicated to David here.

David Watson was born in Dovercourt a suburb of Harwich in Essex to a musical family. His grandfather played the cello and euphonium for a small Royal Marines band, while his mother was a songster with the Harwich Salvation Army. David Watson’s full-time involvement in Brass Bands began 75 years ago at the age of seven when he played cornet in the Harwich Salvation Army Band. At fifteen, he had to stop playing following an operation and moved to percussion instruments and then the drums. David later resumed playing the cornet with the Grange Brass Band where he learnt about conducting and band management. The Grange Brass Band became the Harwich Concert Band of which he became band secretary for 15 years. David moved to Kennet Vale Band on cornet but soon became the conductor of the youth band, and later became Musical Director of a re-formed Hungerford Town Band, working hard to ensure its survival. David started a learners' course and raised enough money to buy instruments and a library of music. But then, David decided to do it all over again and started a completely new brass band, with no music, no instruments, and no money! In 1993 he helped form Phoenix Brass, at the same time becoming its first Musical Director. Thank you David for a life in music, teaching, and service!

Barbara grew up in Monmouth and started her playing career at the age of fourteen.  She was originally taught by her dad Ted, who was an accomplished musician and euphonium player.  She had piano lessons at school so had a head start by being able to read music.

She started on the tenor horn and her first band was Berry Hill where she stayed for a while before joining Lydbrook Band with her dad.  At that time Lydbrook had very few players but gradually numbers increased and a few others travelled up from Monmouth to swell the numbers.

Most of her time has been spent playing tenor horn but she has had short spells on percussion and cornet and a very brief spell on flugel horn.

Barb is an outstanding member of the band and 37 years ago married Rob, the band secretary.

Her jobs these days include:-

Selling concert tickets

Librarian

Helping with the Training Band

Uniform monitor

Bandroom cleaner

Rob’s secretary

General Dogs Body!

Barb’s always ready to help other bands and regularly helps out Monmouth Band or anyone else who asks.

Lyndon started playing with Lydbrook Band in 1949 and it was fitting that he was back with Lydbrook to celebrate this landmark achievement. The presentation was made to Lyndon by his son Stuart who joined with the band in concert for this very special occasion.

Dave's award was presented to him by Ian Porthouse, Musical Director of word class Tredegar Town Band, at a Brass and Percussion Workshop hosted by Lydney Town and Training Band. The event encourages all ages and abilities from all bands based in Gloucestershire and beyond to come together to experience a day of music making with expert tuition - something that Dave truly believes in. Dave has played many instruments around the band during his banding career, and in recent years advocates and supports youth learning in the Lydney Training Band.

Nigel began his playing with Coleford Band, following his brothers Richard and Nicholas, later joined by their Father. Nigel played his first contest at the age of 10. Over his playing career he played tenor horn, euphonium, Eb bass, and his favourite chair, 2nd Baritone. Nigel was a member of and Treasurer to the Forest of Dean Young People's Band. Nigel joined Lydbrook Band in the late 1960s until 1990, during which he rose through the sections and held roles as Chairman and Treasurer. In 1997, Nigel took up the baton at Tewkesbury Town Band, building the band up across 22 years from 15 players to a thriving band. In 2015, Nigel's commitment to the Band was recognised by the Town Council with a prestigious Community Service Award.

In addition to his involvement with local bands, Nigel has been treasurer to the British Federation of Brass Bands and Brass Bands England, on the panel (and TV!)  for the All Parliamentary Group for Brass Bands, and auditor to the European Brass Band Association. Nigel retired as full time conductor of Tewkesbury Town Band in January 2020.

Kevin started playing at the age of 8 in 1963 on cornet with Potterswood (Kingswood) Band under Herbert Sevier. With encouragement from Jim Scott he was promoted to Solo Horn in 1969 with great success at solo and quartet contests. In 1974 he was invited to join Stanshawe (Bristol) Band on 1st Horn. He joined Lydbrook Band in 1990 before moving to Lydney Town Band in 1993.  After 12 years playing Solo Horn he took up the baton, running a successful Training Band with his wife Kerry. He continues to conduct and occasionally plays when helping out local bands.

Presented at FoD College Annual Contest 2011

Mike began his tuition aged 9 on Eb Bass, taught by Stuart Harris of Drybrook Band.  He remembers if he played the C scale correctly he was given 3d.

From Bass he moved to 2nd Horn and then 2nd Trombone, a position he held in all future bands.

He has many memories of German tours with Forest of Dean Youth Band under such as Cecil Chappell, Robert Morgan and Geoffrey Brand.

Emigrating to Australia Mike joined City of Perth, winning the Australian Nation Championships.

On his return to Britain, he joined Championship Bands Cinderford, Soundwell Swanbrook and finally Yorkley Onward becoming Chairman.

Invited on Flowers Band 1989 tour of Austria along with Brett Baker and Steve Jones he signed on trombone. Still with the band Mike is now Chairman having been Band Manager for many years.

Mike has been a longstanding member of GBBA and WEBBA committees and was a member of the former BFBB committee where an outstanding memory was working with the European Youth Band in Birmingham.

Robin started playing over 65 years ago.  At the age of 9, he started on Tenor Horn with the Parkend Silver Band, where he lived at the time.

In his early playing career, he also played with the Blakeney Silver Band, now long since defunct.  The only information readily available about Blakeney Band was that they competed at a Contest in Fairford in July 1956.  The Band played ' The Dawn of Spring' but did not feature in the prizes.

Following on from his time at these Bands, Robin moved to Pillowell Band, where he remained for a few years.  After this period he then joined Lydney Town Band and has played there ever since.  He has seen the Bands fortunes rise and fall and has been an ever present, loyal, reliable and hardworking member.

For many years, Robin was the Band Secretary and was involved and instrumental in the major decisions to ensure the Bands continued presence in the Brass Band scene within the Forest of Dean including a successful sponsorship deal with the local manufacturing firm, Lydmet.

He is rightly proud of his efforts with the Band, particularly whilst Secretary, he started the Annual Poppy Appeal Concert in Lydney Town ably assisted by Dorothy Marshall from the Lydney British Legion branch based in the High Street - an annual event that still continues to raise much needed funds for the worthwhile cause.

His main banding highlight came in the mid eighties, when Lydney Town Band played in the impressive setting of the world famous Royal Albert Hall in London.  It remains the dream of most bandsmen to play on such a stage; an honour indeed.  Another impressive hall that remains in Robins memory is when Lydney Band played at the National Finals in the Symphony Hall in Birmingham.

The Bands fortunes took a dip in the early 'noughties' but Robin remained loyal.  With the creation of Lydney Training Band in 2005, Robin willingly supported the youngsters at the various local events to provide a Bass part to the ensemble.  The Training Band is now going from strength to strength benefiting from Robins continued, reliable support.  In 2013, it became evident that there was a need to create a Lydney Starter Band.  Needless to say, Robin also supported this group of learners at the local elderly peoples residential homes.

His 'parting gift' to the Band was his involvement in the Bands performance at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain held in Cheltenham in September 2016.  The Band achieved a magnificent 7th place, competing against the top 4th Section Bands in the UK.  A fine achievement in a Brass Banding career that spanned over 65 years.  We will always be in his debt for his selfless work for the Lydney Town Band organisation.  We all wish him a happy retirement from Banding.

Robert Morgan started his banding career on the cornet with Lydbrook Band in 1957 at the age of 10.  His family traditions go back to the late 1800’s when his grandfather and many uncles were members of the Trafalgar Colliery Band.

As a young teenager Robert became Junior Solo Champion of Great Britain before becoming Cornet Champion of Great Britain at the age of 17 and at the same time was a member of the Lydbrook Band Quartet that won many prizes throughout the region.

He has now completed 64 years of unbroken service with the band either as a conductor or player and has been band secretary for 40 years.

Over the years, enjoyable times have been had with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, The Forest of Dean Young People’s Band and Cinderford Band and then a couple of memorable years with Sun Life Stanshawe Band.  Robert is also conductor of Lydbrook Training Band and is always happy to pass on his knowledge to young brass players.

Banding administration has always been of interest and since 1966 Robert has been a member of the GBBA, before going on to become chairman of the British Federation of Brass Bands and Brass Bands England.  He was also a founder member of the European Brass Band Association and represented English Bands on this organisation for 20 years.

In 2008 Robert was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours for Services to Brass Band Music.

Robert has 3 children and is happily married to Barbara who has also been a member of Lydbrook Band for over 50 years.

Ken commenced his Brass Band playing career at 9yrs old. Like many people, he started on cornet, playing with Pillowell Band and played with them until he was 13yrs old. At that point Ken moved to Lydney Town Band and has been with us ever since.

It was through Lydney Band that Ken met Elaine (his wife), who also used to play.  Elaine played on 2nd horn and Ken was on the end of the front row and when they started courting, Elaine would hold Ken’s hand in band practice which got them in trouble with the conductor on many occasions.  They were only sweet 18!!

Ken’s early banding, under the batons of Trevor and Graham Watkins, saw the band progress through the sections.  Other conductors he has had the pleasure of playing under are Ernie Brown, Bill Sterry, Eric Jones, Ian Dickinson, Lyndon Baglin, Adrian Hill, Kevin White, Andrew White and Jim Cooke and not least – Kevin Ford.  During the 1980’s the band would go to contests on the bus with the whole family in tow because Ken’s children Trudy and Andrew both played cornet.

There are many highlights to Ken’s playing career, such as playing in the 2nd section National Finals in Hammersmith, London in 1984.  Ken enjoyed the success of the 1990’s when the band were progressing to the Championship section, finally reaching that status in 1995.  In particular Elaine said he enjoyed the 2 tours to France in 1995 and 1998, where the wine flowed freely.  A good time was had by all.

Ken’s banding experience and unlimited patience has been a real prize for Lydney Band as he now devotes hours of his time to training junior members – the starters being taught “note crunching” as Ken would put it.  He has been dedicated to Lydney Band for 48 years.  In the early Lydney Training Band days Ken, and his brother Roger, took the juniors all around the country to solo and quartet competitions. 30 years on they are doing it again, and here we are with a very successful Training Band, with a great deal of hard work done in the back rooms of the Swan Road band room.

Ken Powell has been a stalwart of the Cornet bench for the senior band.  Always there, always trying his best, always with that desire to belong to the band.  Dedicated to banding, Ken and Roger were recognised by Melville Watts OBE for their contribution to the community and were put up for the Pride of Gloucestershire Community Award in 2009 and although they didn’t win to us Ken will always be a ‘Winner’ for Lydney Town Band and Lydney Training Band.

Ken doesn’t expect praise, he sits in the background, keeping a low profile and helps to maintain the backbone of our organisation.  Members of Lydney Town Band are proud and privileged to know Ken and would like to say a big thank you for over 50 years’ service to banding, and especially to Lydney Town Band.

Roger started playing at 11yrs old. He started on cornet with Pillowell band and played with them until he was 16yrs old. At 16yrs old Roger moved to Lydney band and for most of that time played cornet with the occasional flourish on Flugel horn.

In those days the band uniform included a peak cap and there is a theory that this is how he lost his hair!!

During his time in Lydney Band Roger saw the band rise up through the sections to Championship on two occasions and was led by many famous conductors.  Roger played under local conductors Ernie Brown, Graham Watkins, Bill Sterry, Eric Jones, Ian Dickinson, Lyndon Baglin, Adrian Hill, Kevin White, Andrew White, and Jim Cooke and also under professionals brought in for competitions such as Bryan Hurdley, Denzil Stephens and Steve Sykes.

In 1984 the band came 2nd at the Area Championships and qualified to play in the finals.  It had always been Roger’s ambition to play at the Royal Albert Hall and although the band qualified, that was the year that the finals moved to Hammersmith.

Roger’s wealth of banding experience has paid many dividends for Lydney Band over the years and over 30years ago Roger started training junior members when his own son Darrel Powell was 8yrs old.  Roger’s musical knowledge, patience with children and attention to detail brought many talented musicians onwards and upwards.

He taught Darrel Powell, Chris Howley, David Howley, Steve Gatfield, Lucy Gatfield, Wayne Jones, Amanda Hewitt, Jessica Forster, Becky Tyrrell, Lisa Reeves and Sarah Crowe.  Roger took the juniors all around the country to solo and quartet competitions in Hereford, Swindon and Mere.  Supported by Bill Ayres, Roger developed the Training band and when Bill stood down, he was supported by his brother Ken, who stepped in to assist and they have been working with youngsters in the band ever since.  They have untold patience and perseverance for which the rest of us are very grateful.

Without a doubt Roger has dedicated himself to Lydney Band but also gives his talents and time voluntarily to develop the young players of the Training Band.  Earlier on this year Roger and his brother Ken were recognised by Melville Watts OBE for their contribution to the community and put up for the Pride of Gloucestershire Community Award.

Roger doesn’t expect praise, he sits in the background and tries to keep a low profile, but the hard work gets done and the results are there for us all to see.  We in Lydney Town Band and Lydney Training Band are proud and privileged to know Roger and would like to say a big thank you for all his 50yrs service to banding.

Thank You Roger.

Fred began banding with Parkend Silver in 1972.

From 1973 to 2015 he was an Eb Bass player with them and continued to be very active, working tirelessly for the band, helping with the learners and finding the strength to sort things if he could until his passing in 2017.

As a representative of Parkend Fred served on the GBBA Committee as a general member, then an executive member attending meetings in Birmingham as the GBBA BFBB rep with the late Ken Nelmes.  For many years he also helped on registration with his wife Frances in both Bristol and Torquay for the West of England Area, as well as at the GBBA Contest held at Five Acres and sometimes at the Stroud Subscription Rooms, loving every minute of it.