My interest in Brass Banding started around the age 12/13. My Father had
changed his vocation and became a Methodist Minister moving the family from
Hull to a little village in the West Riding of Yorkshire, Gomersal. Two
of the older members of the Church Youth Club, Eddy Speight and Terry Jackson,
took me to a Brass Band practice; I had never seen a Brass Band before never
mind listened to one! After “practice” I learned about one of
the great traditions that the Brass Band movement is famous for, we went
to the Pub it was there that my love of Banding took hold of me! Band practice
followed by a pint of mild and “pie and pea supper” what more
could a lad ask for? I have never looked back! I don’t have the space
to tell you about our formation pip smoking Bass section! “Rough Shag”
was our favourite blend.
The Methodist Ministry is itinerate, so at the age of 17 my family moved
to Padgate, Warrington. A Church steward from Padgate discovered I had played
in a Brass Band back in Yorkshire and arranged to introduce me to the local
Warrington Youth Band. I enjoyed my first “practice” and in
keeping with tradition went to the pub for a pint!
It was during my time with Warrington youth Band that I met the love of
my life and long suffering soul mate Jane. Together we have shared a lot
of Banding and recently formed a small ‘Brass Group’ with our
daughters Megan (Horn) and Eve (cornet) this has grown into an accomplished
unit named. Along with my family members, some of our close friends complete
the line up.
I have had the pleasure to work with some of the great personalities in
our wonderful movement and have experienced too many highlights to mention
them all on this profile. Along the way I’ve had some great conversations
over a numerous pints!
I would like to highlight a few memorable moments: -
Gomersal Mills Band leading Uppermill Methodist Church in their Witness
Walk, playing “Hail Smiling Morn”, the morning of the famous
Whit Friday March Contest Day, stopping to play Hymns along the way. This
was followed by a traditional Church lunch. Then off to the park to play
an afternoon concert. (Nipping over to the Pub from time to time keeping
up tradition). My mixed emotions the night John Hudson invited me to attend
an audition for a position on EEb with Fodens. (even they go for a pint).
Playing the Cecil Bolton/Eric Banks arrangement of ‘Dear Lord and
Father of Mankind ‘, on a contest stage with David King conducting.
Now that gives you goose bumps, you needed a pint after that!
I feel so privileged to have experienced playing at the very top level of
banding. I could not possibly mention all of the great times and fun, I
wouldn’t know where to start to mention everyone or list all of the
achievements and Joy that Brass Banding has given me. But if you buy me
a pint I may start to remember.
God Bless Steve
Please click here for
Steves full list of band
