Sweet sound of success
Reporter: LEWIS JONES
Date published: 07 March 2011
On the road to victory . . . Boarshurst Band with conductor David Ashworth (centre) celebrate being the only borough band to get to the national championships
Band on brink of heading back to the big time
SADDLEWORTH’S oldest band is on the road to victory after a dramatic turnaround in fortune.
Greenfield-based Boarshurst Band was once the crowning glory of Saddleworth, but a tough few years saw the group drop to the 4th Section.
Now thanks to sheer determination from musical director David Ashworth and a near-perfect performance at the regional finals, Boarshurst are back in the spotlight. They are the only band from the borough heading to the National Brass Band finals in Cheltenham on September 24.
David said: “We were a big winning band at one stage in the late 1970s and 80s.
“We’ve been through a slump but we’ve made a great turnaround and we’re back climbing that ladder.
“We have a great mix of experienced players from 13 to 68 and everyone is so positive.
“Getting promotion and getting through to the finals were our major goals and we’ve done it. We are just as proud as punch.”
David has played for numerous bands but took on his recent conducting role three years ago, with the band, who were established in 1849.
Their performance of Prelude Song and Dance, a piece by well-known Oldham composer and former Boarshurst conductor John Golland, saw them come runners up at the regional contest in Blackpool and gain a much-sought-after promotion to the third section.
Now they face the mammoth task of raising over £8,000 if they are to achieve their dream of recapturing their former glory.
David added: “We have started a fund-raising committee to get all the members to the new theatre where the final will be held at Cheltenham racecourse.
“It is a massive ask, we’re going to be doing as many concerts as possible, car boot sales, sponsored events — the lot!
“We really need the help from local businesses and local people to make it a success.”
Call David on 07785-257-129 or visit www.boarshurstband.co.uk.
