Winterley
Methodist Brass Band was formed in 1938 by a handful of young men at
the Church, with the aim of providing an accompaniment to the hymns
being sung by the Sunday School scholars and staff as they toured the
village on several Sunday mornings prior to their annual Sunday School
Anniversary.
These
“Singing Rounds” helped not only to publicise
the
forthcoming anniversary, but also provided an opportunity for Christian
witness in the open air. Christmas time found the
band
touring Winterley and the neighbouring village of Haslington to play
carols.
During
the 1940s and 1950s, a steady number of new players joined the
band. However, compulsory service in H.M. forces
frequently
robbed the band of key players for several years on
end.
During this time, demand for the services of the band steadily
grew. Occasional small concerts were given, but the
main
demand came from an increasing number of Sunday Schools requesting that
the band accompany them on their “Singing Rounds”.
Thanks
to the dedication of its musical director, during recent years,
the band has continued to go from strength to strength, and includes a
very wide age range in its membership.
The band performs
several
concerts a year and rehearses each Thursday
evening. It has
never received sponsorship nor entered a competition and yet can boast
that many players in premier brass bands began their playing career at
Winterley.
Over
the years the repertoire has been expanded, and nowadays includes
everything from the music of Lennon and McCartney to the
classics, as well as opera and hymns.
Rehearsals
for the main band are held on most Thursdays, commencing at 7-30
p.m. Details can be found on the Events
page.
To
encourage youngsters to gain an interest in music - and brass band
music in particular, of course - a trainer band was set up in
2007. Tuition is provided free
of charge to anyone wishing to learn. The classes,
which
are relaxed
and enjoyable, commence at 6-30 p.m .each Thursday and last for about
an hour.
A
special “Band Sunday" service is held on the last Sunday in
November
each year. On two occasions, in 2003 and 2007, the
service
has been
recorded and the resulting CDs have been sold to help band
funds.
These services, which are conducted in Winterley Methodist Church, are
very popular.
The
band looks forward to serving the community for many more years.
The
accompanying
photos are taken from originals
supplied to
us by Seamus O'Dowd; further photographs can be found in the Gallery
and Gallery 2 sections.
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Winterley
Methodist
Church, Crewe Road, Winterley.

Neil
Barnett
and
Hazel Sandlands.
Band
members during a
break on 28/3/13
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