David Holdsworth

On Saturday 29th June 2024, West Yorkshire Brass returned to its former home, St. Andrew’s, Oakenshaw, for a concert performance rated by audience members as ‘second to none’. Though not particularly well attended by the public, it was made very clear that the concert was very much appreciated. It was noted by those band members who recall the days of playing and rehearsing at this venue, that the church now has a new heating system along with a new vicar. We do hope the church has a bright future.

As a result of the departure of Mary Binns from the band (1st. Horn seat), we also lose our Librarian, Michael, her husband. However, we wish them both well for the future.

Canal Gardens, Roundhay, Leeds. 2.30pm. Sunday 9th June 2024

• Bands are now ‘banished’ to the rose garden – No suitable area for bands to play in.
• Rose Garden? Flower beds stripped out. Not a plant or flower in sight.
• ‘Collect your own’ dirty, wet and delapidated chairs.
• Area of path cordoned off for public safety reasons, due to falling masonry.
• Rats seen scurrying around.
• No vehicular access for equipment to be delivered.
• Totally insufficient parking for an attraction the size of Tropical World and Canal Gardens.
• Woefully inadequate toilet facilities.

No wonder the performance was ‘lack lustre’, despite the event being very well attended by the public. If I have my way, West Yorkshire Brass will not perform at this venue again …. Rant Over!!

Sadly I have to report the retirement of yet another stalwart member of West Yorkshire Brass.
Ted Griffiths has decided to retire from playing with the band after 16 years of loyal service.

Ted began his career in 1949, playing cornet with local bands such as Birstall Old Prize Band, Ravensthorpe Subscription Band and Mirfield Silver Band, where he changed onto Soprano Cornet, and moved to play with Meltham and Meltham Mills Band.

In 1971 he took up conducting, beginning a period of some 19 years with the Yorkshire Bus Company Band, during which time they won many local, regional and national contests.

On leaving the Bus Company Band, Ted, a Yorkshire man, took up the baton with Dobcross Youth Band in Lancashire! Conducting them for 15 years with many contest successes.

For over 20 years Ted has been the librarian for Hammonds Sauceworks Band/Yorkshire Building Society Band and Hammonds Saltaire Band. And is an official of the Brass Band Conductors Association.

The highlight of his career was winning the 3rd Section final in 1981 with Yorkshire Bus Company from the number one draw. He also recalls gaining 2nd prize in the 3rd Section National Final with Dobcross Youth Band. However, as representative of the Yorkshire Building Society Band he proudly went on stage to collect the European Brass Band Trophy 8 years out of 9.

Over the past 16 years with WY Brass, Ted has played Soprano Cornet, 2nd. Cornet, 3rd. Cornet, been Librarian and Deputy Musical Director.

Ted – You will be sorely missed!!! The Very Best Wishes of all members and supporters of West Yorkshire Brass go with you.