Archive 2022

Browsholme Hall, 1st December 2022

The band played at the historic Browsholme Hall, in the Tithe Barn. The occasion was the formal switching on of the Christmas Lights and was a charitable event, raising funds for the North West Air Ambulance. A selection of Christmas music was performed by the band, including carols for audience participation.

Photographs curtesy of Browsholme Hall

Music, Majesty and Memories, 16th October 2022

The band gave a concert to commemorate the reign of the late Queen, Elizabeth II. This was held at Newton in Bowland Village Hall on Sunday 16th October 2022.

A selection of music either known to be liked by the Queen, or closely linked to her reign of 70 years was played. The pieces were interspersed by anecdotes from the Queen’s life, delivered by band conductor John Cowking B.E.M..

The concert was very well attended and a retiring collection was held in aid of the North West Air Ambulance, which raised £200.

Hodder Valley Show, 10th September 2022

On Saturday, 10th September 2022, the band played for the Hodder Valley Show, at Dunsop Bridge. Sadly this followed the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II two days before. The show went ahead as a mark of honour to the memory of the late monarch. The show ground belongs to the Duchy of Lancaster, and the late Queen was the Duke of Lancaster.

The band entertained the show committee during their lunch and following the Loyal Toast ‘God Save the King’ was played. After a lunch break for the band, they then performed for the public on the show ground.

Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, 5th June 2022

On Sunday 5th June 2022 the band gave a concert on Clitheroe Castle Bandstand to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. A selection of music from the last 70 years was played together with some of the reported Queen’s favourites.

The Town Cryer, Roland Hailwood, opened proceedings with a ‘cry’ from the Castle Keep, followed by the band playing Gordon Jacob’s “Fanfare and National Anthem”.

The Clitheroe Pop Choir performed two pieces during the first half. The band concluded the formal part of the concert with a rendition of “Queen in Concert”, followed by an encore of a Vera Lynn medley.

Double Celebration, 26th May 2022

The band gave a concert at the Hark to Bounty, Slaidburn. This was the first of four concerts in this year’s series and the beginning of the 25th Anniversary season, postponed from 2020, by Covid.

It also marked 50 years since conductor, John Cowking, took up the baton to lead the band. In 1972, when John was only 15 years old, he was appointed conductor and his first public engagement was Slaidburn’s May Queen Festival.

The program of music was chosen by John and included the theme from Dad’s Army, which was the first piece he ever conducted in public. To mark the 25th ‘Brass at the Bounty’ Anniversary the band premiered a new march, ‘Hark to Brass!’, composed by John.

A presentation of a monogrammed music case was made to John from the band and a celebration cake was enjoyed by all.

Sad News, March 2022

The band is sad to announce the death, on 7th March, of band member Malcolm Bateson.

Malcolm joined the band in the early 1990's on Bb Bass where he remained for the rest of his time with Slaidburn and was, at the same time, a member of Nelson Band. He was a loyal bandsman with a dry sense of humour, not afraid to ‘heckle’ the conductor at concerts!

Sadly, his wife Barbara had developed a serious illness and for a few years Malcolm had to retire from the band to look after her, but always tried to help out at engagements when he could. Barbara died just over 12 months ago and when the band was able to resume rehearsals and engagements, after the covid lockdowns, Malcolm returned to ‘full-time’ banding.

It was a great shock to the band when his death was announced as he had been at rehearsal on Thursday evening, had his usual pint in the club afterwards, and died suddenly over the following weekend.

He will be sadly missed by the band, not only as a player but also as a good friend to us all.