Forest of Dean Brass

Home    News     Players    Vacancies 

Engagements    Gallery    Useful Links

News and Reports

On Tuesday 11th January 2012 Band Percussionist and Librarian Paul Berrow was 50 (fifty)years old.  To mark the event Marie wrote the following 'Ode to Paul':

Are you too old to be our librarian
Now that you’re quinquagenarian?
Although you are not proletarian
We know that you are antiquarian!

We’re aware you’re a whiz on percussion
This fact is not prone to discussion
You look confident, fetching and handsome
When you play the Quadrangularis Reversum

Your tubular bells are enthralling
Your glockenspiel’s never appalling
Your xylophone glows and your cymbals expose
A climax that’s rising and falling

Your bass drum and snare drum and timpanionia
Are surely the guts of the band
We acknowledge your skilfulness
Adroitness and nimbleness 
We think you’re the best in the land!

 However we have one objection - we think that it’s really unfair
You don’t need your lips or your lungs to perform
You only need muscles and dexterous arms
When we are gasping for air!

So please don’t worry you’re ancient
When entering this new decade
It will need some mental adjustment
Take heart Paul - and don’t be afraid!

Sunday 20th November 2011 - GBBA Annual Contest

The band took first place in Section B of the contest, playing Castell Coch and Saga of Haakon the Good.  The two pieces were judged separately and Forest of Dean Brass was placed first in both.  Principal cornet Craig Wintle was awarded 'Best Instrumentalist'.  The band would like to thank Jack Smith who returned to coach and conduct the band for this contest.  See the whole performance on YouTube

In front of a full house, after all bands had played, our own Mervyn Porter was presented with a special award to mark 50 years in banding.   He was given a standing ovation! 

Sunday 19th June 2011 - Lydney Festival Harbourside

Sunday 22nd May 2011 - Weston-super-Mare Own Choice Contest

The band was placed second in their Section, playing Resurgam.  Six bands took part.

Sunday 13th March 2011 - West of England Championships, Riviera Centre, Torquay

We achieved third place in the second section.  Following the contest it was confirmed that Forest of Dean Brass will be  promoted to the First Section in 2012.

Sunday 6th February 2011 - G.B.B.A. Entertainment Contest, Forest Theatre

The Gloucestershire Brass Band Association Entertainment Contest  - nine bands from all sections took part.  Forest of Dean Brass received two awards:  the Bond Worth Challenge Trophy for Third Place Overall; and the Crusaders Challenge Trophy for Second Section Bands - Second Highest Placed. 

Monday 3rd January 2011 - 12.00 pm - HOOF (Hands Off Our Forest) Rally 

Click to view Footage of the Rally

October 2010

Martyn Ford became the band's Music Director. See www.martynford.co.uk

21st August 2010

Yorkley Festival - Proms in the Park - but it wasn't in the park.  Once again this event was held in the Village Hall due to poor weather.  This was a wonderful evening and another triumph for the band.  The hall was packed, the music was dynamic and entertaining.  

4th June 2010

Dean Forest Railway - Norchard and Parkend

16th May 2010

The band  took part in the Weston-super-Mare 42nd Annual Brass Band Contest.   Seven bands competed in the Second Section category.  We achieved third position, being awarded the Astill Trophy and a cheque for £75.  

14th March 2010

Forest of Dean Brass  took part in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.  The test piece was Kingdom of Dragons by Philip Harper.  We were proud to be awarded 4th position under Music Director Jack Smith.