After much hard work by members of the band past and present we're delighted to be back in the Besses bandroom on Moss Lane. There's still plenty of jobs to keep us busy including recataloging the extensive library, but it's great to be back. A special thanks to our Chairman Barrie Chappell, Gordon Hardman, Andy Tasker, Tony Condron and solo horn player Nick Guzman for the many many hours they've put in!
We have been very busy over the last few weeks rebuilding and enhancing our ranks after the Covid onslaut and are pleased to announce some new members
Welcome to Lotte Evans on Repiano Cornet, Hope Tasker on 3rd Cornet, Stuart Hardcastle on Trombone, and Graham Kearsley on Solo Trombone and welcome back to Alice Marriotte-Lodge on 1st. Baritone.
We are looking to fill the last empty seat in the band.
All players are welcome, but we have permanent positions available for the following:
Percussion - Kit
Percussion - Timpani & Tuned
Please contact Band Manager Gordan Hardman on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.
Rehearsals are every Tuesday and Thursday 8-10pm
Saturday 27th November, from 3:00 pm
Besses Church Concert
Saturday 5th December, from 7:30 pm
Glossop Band Club Concert
Saturday 11th December, from 8:00 pm
Bury Parish Church Concert
Wednesday 15th December, from 7pm
Sedgeley Park Rugby Club
Annual Christmas Concert
If you would like any further information or to book the band for your event please contact Gordon Hardman on 07973 711520
Company Sergeant Major Joseph Birkett DCM
240883 2/5th East Lancashire Regiment
Lived at 49 Marlborough Street, Burnley
The Burnley Express of 16 August 1919 reported:
BURNLEY BANDSMAN'S D.C.M. PRESENTED.
The Distinguished Conduct Medal was presented on Saturday last, at Fulwood Barracks, Preston, to ex- Company Sergeant-Major J. Birkett, 1/5th East Lancashire Regiment (Burnley Territorials). Ex-C.S.M., Birkett, who is now demobilized, and resides at 49, Marlborough Street, Burnley, enlisted on October 9th, 1914, in the 2/5th East Lancs. He first got the information of his honour through the columns of the "Burnley Express," on June 4th, 1919, when we published the honours and awards list from the London Gazette, dated June 3rd, 1919. The Depot Colonel at Preston presented him with the medal as stated, the following regiments being represented on the parade, about one company in strength; East Lancashire Regiment, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, one battery R.F.A., and a small detachment of A.S.C.
Besses may have been a string Band in the late 1700’s
Besses are recorded as Cleggs Reed Band in 1818 during reign of George 3rd
First recorded Contest wins
1821 – George 4th Coronation playing God Save the King
1837 – Queen Victoria Coronation playing Hail Smiling Morn
1853 – Became a Brass band
The band has a rich and illustrious history, having been the British Open Champions on seven different occasions.
The band also completed two World Tours in the early 20th Century, incredible by today’s standards, extraordinary at the time!
In 2018 Besses will celebrate 200 years of existence, with many events and concerts planned in the years leading up to this historic milestone
The band rehearses on Tues & Thurs nights in our historic bandroom in Whitefield, near Manchester, from 8-10pm.
Please visit our website, www.besses.co.uk <http://www.facebook.com/l/AAQGj7BJ5/www.besses.co.uk> , for further information on the band, current vacancies, or to read our wonderful history section.
Besses Recordings
2. 78’s
Solferino3.Digital
b. Hymns and Things Roy Newsome 1982
c. Concertos for Brass Roy Newsome 1982
d. Heritage of the March V3 Roy Newsome 1983
e. Showcase for Brass Roy Newsome 1983
f. British Bandsman Roy Newsome 1987 (Brilliante and Moto Perpetuo with Robert and Nicholas Childs on Euphoniums)
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