Coalburn Brass Band Family Celebrates 2025 Success
The Coalburn Brass Band Family recently gathered at the Coalburn Miners’ Welfare for its annual awards presentation. From the youngest members of the beginners group to the players of the Silver Band, the event highlighted the talent and spirit driving the organisation forward.
The afternoon commenced by celebrating the Beginners Group and Percussion Academy, both of which are vital to the band’s future. These groups have been working tirelessly under the guidance of tutors Gill Howarth and Robbie Bremner. During the ceremony, Graham Pate was awarded as the Most Improved Player in the Percussion Academy.
Proudly receiving certificates and medals for the Beginners Group were Carra Beadle, Amelie Beedell, Eloise Beedell, Catelyn Dougan, Mason Kerr, and Rachel Reid. Noah Iansen, Leo Iansen, Nathan Inglis, and Grace Nugent will receive their awards later this week.
The Percussion Academy was represented by Megan Cowan, Graham Pate, Lincoln Martin-Barerra, Gregor Naismith, and Hollie Reid. William Glassford and Clare Symonds are set to be presented with their certificates and medals at the next rehearsal.
Individual Honours
The awards ceremony recognised several standout musicians and dedicated members for their contributions over the past year:
Sections of the Year
The coveted "Section of the Year" titles were awarded to:
Band President, Alan Court concluded the afternoon with a vote of thanks to all who attended, and offered particular thanks to Coalburn Miners Welfare for hosting and to Debbie for the fabulous food.
We are very grateful to Alan Stewart for the photos and to Stuart from Stroba Design for designing and manufacturing the awards.
Looking Ahead
The organisation is now preparing for a busy 2026. This begins with an Open Day featuring Helen Minshall at the Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill Community Wing on Sunday, 8 February. Following this, the entire Coalburn Brass Band Family will perform in concert on Sunday, 1 March, at the Bellshill Salvation Army. This will allow the Intermediate and Silver Bands to perform their test pieces prior to the Scottish Championships in Perth on 8 March.
The afternoon commenced by celebrating the Beginners Group and Percussion Academy, both of which are vital to the band’s future. These groups have been working tirelessly under the guidance of tutors Gill Howarth and Robbie Bremner. During the ceremony, Graham Pate was awarded as the Most Improved Player in the Percussion Academy.
Proudly receiving certificates and medals for the Beginners Group were Carra Beadle, Amelie Beedell, Eloise Beedell, Catelyn Dougan, Mason Kerr, and Rachel Reid. Noah Iansen, Leo Iansen, Nathan Inglis, and Grace Nugent will receive their awards later this week.
The Percussion Academy was represented by Megan Cowan, Graham Pate, Lincoln Martin-Barerra, Gregor Naismith, and Hollie Reid. William Glassford and Clare Symonds are set to be presented with their certificates and medals at the next rehearsal.
Individual Honours
The awards ceremony recognised several standout musicians and dedicated members for their contributions over the past year:
- Bronze Band & Percussion Academy: Alex Sheridan received the Children’s Choice Award, while Hollie Reid and Gabriel Hadley were both named Band Person of the Year. The George Blackwood Memorial Trophy was awarded to Owen Higgins for his significant musical development as chosen by conductor Jim Park.
- Intermediate Band: Fiona Foley deservedly earned both the Players’ Player of the Year and the Conductor’s Awards with Ivor Foley being recognised as the Most Improved Player. The Player of the Year title was awarded to Kerry Angeletti by conductor Gareth Bowman.
- Silver Band: Richard Bromley achieved a double win, receiving both the Conductor’s Award and Players’ Player of the Year. Daniel Beadle was presented with the President’s Quaich for Band Person of the Year, and Ian Jamieson was named Player of the Year for his consistent excellence and solo performances.
Sections of the Year
The coveted "Section of the Year" titles were awarded to:
- Bronze Band: The Trombone Section (Gregor Naismith, Lewis Rose, and Owen Higgins). Conductor Jim Park praised the trio for their incredible progress as the youngest section in the band.
- Intermediate Band: Described as the "heartbeat" of the band by conductor Gareth Bowman, the Percussion Section (Megan Cowan, William Glassford, Hollie Reid, Raymond McGaghey, Gregor Naismith, and Clare Symonds) took home the prize.
- Silver Band: The Euphonium and Baritone Section (Katie Abernethy, Ross Abernethy, Helena Dunsmore, and Ian Jamieson).
Band President, Alan Court concluded the afternoon with a vote of thanks to all who attended, and offered particular thanks to Coalburn Miners Welfare for hosting and to Debbie for the fabulous food.
We are very grateful to Alan Stewart for the photos and to Stuart from Stroba Design for designing and manufacturing the awards.
Looking Ahead
The organisation is now preparing for a busy 2026. This begins with an Open Day featuring Helen Minshall at the Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill Community Wing on Sunday, 8 February. Following this, the entire Coalburn Brass Band Family will perform in concert on Sunday, 1 March, at the Bellshill Salvation Army. This will allow the Intermediate and Silver Bands to perform their test pieces prior to the Scottish Championships in Perth on 8 March.
