2012 News

14th May 2012 - 1812 With Fireworks

The band had a great night out on Sunday performing at Woodhouse Grove School. It was the school's 200 year anniversary and they had many musical groups performing during the afternoon and evening. The event was rounded off by Rothwell Temperance playing an outdoor concert, which culminated in a performance of the 1812 overture complete with a 15 minute firework display. The band had an excellent time, and their performance was well received. Conductor David Roberts was most impressed that he somehow managed to time the last note of 1812 to finish at exactly the same time as the last firework.

12th May 2012 - Welcome Tim Hammond

The band would like to welcome Tim Hammond to the band as their new principal cornet. Tim played with us a few years back and has always been a friend of the band. He joins us from Black Dyke, fresh from their win at the Europeans.

25th April 2012 - Howley Delighted At Rothwell Return

Michael Howley is the new solo Euphonium at Rothwell following Andy Marsh's move to Russia to work on a major project with Nissan Cars. Michael was part of the band's meteoric rise in the mid 90's though the third, second and first sections before he moved to the Royal Northern and went on to play solo Euphonium in Faireys as well as the great YBS band of the time and then Brighouse.

Michael said: "I've really missed playing in the big competitions recently, and when Dave called me to see if I'd be interested I snapped his hand off. I obviously know Rothwell well. They are a fantastic band with a great atmosphere and ethos, full of good people. I'm really looking forward to getting going."

24th April 2012 - Marshy Moves To Russia

After seven years as solo euphonium of Rothwell, Andy Marsh has had to relinquish his position as he has been posted to Russia to manage a major project for Nissan. Conductor Dave Roberts paid Andy a glowing tribute on behalf of all the Band. "Andy has been one of the best signings I have ever made for the band. To travel a 180 mile round trip twice a week for over 7 years is just incredible. He is a true dedicated bandsman, a dying breed sadly, and he is Rothwell through and through. From the word go he really bought in to how we run the band and treat people. In return he has been a fantastic solid player, a great support to me, and is massively respected by everyone in the band and by all our supporters. He will always be welcome here and we hope to see him back one day."

21st April 2012 - Band Thrilled By New Area Record

Back in 1999 we broke the record for qualifying to the National Championships of Great Britain on six successive occasions through four different divisions (3rd, 2nd, 1st and Championship). Having qualified the last five years in a row in the Championship Section, this is now another record for the band in Yorkshire. We have qualified 12 times in 19 years under MD Dave Roberts.

5th April 2012 - Band Turns Down Invite To Brass In Concert

The band have received an invitation to this year's Brass In Concert contest, but unfortunately have had to turn it down. We would like to thank the contest organisers for their complimentary words about the quality of the band, and we hope to be invited to the contest in 2013. Our main reason for declining is lack of funds, given our qualification for the National Finals in the Albert Hall.

29th March 2012 - Band Withdraws From English Nationals 2012

The band will not be taking part in the 2012 English Nationals. This has been a purely financial decision, following our qualification for the Albert Hall for the fifth year in a row. We look forward to competing at the English Nationals in 2013.

22nd March 2012 - Band Plays Well At Sage Gateshead

Last Sunday the band enjoyed an excellent concert of massed bands in Gateshead under the baton of festival organiser Ray Farr. The massed bands of Rothwell, Newtongrange and Egglescliffe school played music by Vinter, Graham and Lovatt-Cooper amongst others. The guest soloist was the simply outstanding Richard Marshall.

6th March 2012 - Calling All Supporters - London!

Many thanks to band manager Andy Riley who has already booked the same hotel and bus as last year for London. Please could supporters start to think about whether you want to travel down to London with us this year. The contest is on 20th October.

5th March 2012 - Band Qualify For Fifth Year At Albert Hall

Yesterday, the band took part in the Yorkshire Area contest at St. George's Hall, Bradford, being placed third in a strong field off a number 4 draw. Brighouse were second, with the win going to Black Dyke. As Brighouse had pre-qualified for the nationals, Black Dyke and Rothwell are the two qualifiers from Yorkshire, and we'll be honoured to represent the county in London in October.

12th February 2012 - Rotary Club Concert

On Friday night the band performed a concert for our local Rotary Club at the Blackburn Hall in Rothwell. The capacity audience were treated to highlights from our Brass In Concert programme and other new pieces including Amazing Grace and Hymn for Rothwell arranged by Richard Glascodine.

29th January 2012 - Best Of Brass Concert

Yesterday the band played in Morley Town Hall as part of the Best of Brass season. The programme included several new pieces from the band including Nearer My God To Thee and Star Wars. Nick Walker played his first solo, playing Rhapsody for Trombone, whilst Vicky Holland played You Needed Me arranged by Tom Brevik. The evening was compered by Simon Lindley, and a good time was had by all.

6th January 2012 - Christmas Morning

The band were once again out in force on Christmas Day making twelve stops to play at houses of supporters, relations and patrons. At one point there were 50 people in the street drinking mulled wine awaiting the band in a scene almost from Charles Dickens. They collected over £250 in cheques of donations to the band.

Our final stop was on the set of ITV's "Text Santa" from the live Christmas Eve show hosted by Ant & Dec. On the show Russell Watson sang live as a surprise to local lady Pam Clarkson who gives up her Christmas Day to cook dinner for OAP's who are on their own at Christmas. The band always play a few carols at the event before heading back to their families for the rest of Christmas Day.