Author Archives: Andy Pullin

A busy time for the band again this Christmas

The band has been extra busy in November and December, with Christmas concerts at Croston Methodist Church, Emmanuel Church Preston, Euxton Methodist Church, Hoole Village Hall and finally at our village parish chruch of St Mary’s, as well as playing carols at the White Lion in Wrightington (video here), the carol service at Bretherton Congregational Church, Carols on The Green in Eccleston, and the Light Up A Life evening at St Catherine’s Hospice, where we especially remembered two of our members who sadly passed away this year, Roy Muldoon and Richard Knock.

A big thankyou goes to all those players who’ve helped us out this year, in a busy period like Christmas every band is helping each other out, so thanks to Lou, Robert, Tina, Martin, Ken, Andy, Mark, Emily, Paul, Ben, Jennifer and Keith for helping us!

Here’s some photo highlights from Christmas 2025!

Sad news from the band this week.

 

It was with immense sadness that Eccleston Band members learnt last Friday afternoon of the passing of their band president, founder member and great friend Richard Knock. Ever present since the reformation of the band in 1970, serving on the committee, playing on almost every seat in the cornet section and a couple of others besides. He was always supporting and encouraging the younger players with a smile and a kind word or two, setting an example of how to be a bandsman. We played for him once again on Friday 6th thanks to St Catherine’s Hospice, including the hymn “Eternal Father Strong To Save”, a nod to his time in the Merchant Navy, which we played again in his memory at rehearsal. He always said music was one of the things that kept him going, not just band, but also as an accomplished clarinetist with his jazz band doing regular gigs in the Liverpool area and beyond. We will all miss him terribly.
Our thoughts are with his wife June, daughters Sue and Rachel and all their families. Rest in peace Richard – Heaven’s band has gained an exemplary member.

Eccleston Band at the National Finals

Eccleston Band rehearsing at the National Finals

On Saturday 14th September Eccleston Band played in the National Finals for the 6th time in their history. Although our performance did not get us a place on the podium, we had a great weekend away with many laughs and can say once again: “We were there!”

Massive thanks go to everyone on the band’s committee for their work in organising all the logistics for the weekend, to Holmeswood Coaches and their fantastic driver Vic for transport across the weekend, to our MD John Wood for all his hard work in preparing the piece over the last few weeks, and a special thanks to all our sponsors without whom the entire weekend would not have been possible!   https://ecclestonbrass.co.uk/a-big

A big, big thankyou!!

Big Thank You!

There are now less than 2 weeks to go until the National Finals on the 14th of September!

The band is practicing hard & raring to go!

The coach & hotel are booked,and thanks to you we’ve managed to raise all the money needed for the trip.
Our grateful thanks go to all our generous supporters;
Anwyl Homes  – https://blog.anwylhomes.co.uk/blog/donation-to-eccleston-brass-band-hits-the-right-note
Mr & Mrs R Muldoon
J & A Rigbye & Sons
Mrs D Bannister

Much Hoole Village Hall
Mr & Mrs R Knock
Eccleston Parish Council
Mr & Mrs R Turley
Councillor Alan Whittaker, Lancs County Council local member grant.
Charity Concert organised & hosted by Mr & Mrs Muldoon
Everyone wwho donated via our Just Giving page.
All who donated at Eccleston Methodist Church concert earlier in the year.
So the countdown is on! Wish us luck as we try to bring the prize home & do Eccleston proud!