2003 Sponsor - Music 47 & Pershore Midsummer Brass

Shipston Band was formed in 1912 as the result of a bet between Mr. Charles Holman and Mr. Frank Parsons. Mr. Holman, a former military band master, bet Mr. Parsons that he could train a band within six weeks fit enough to march through the streets of Shipston. Six weeks to the day the band duly marched, finishing in the square and pausing at each comer to play a waltz- It was reported that by the time the band returned to the square only two players were still playing, namely Charles Holman and the bass drum, but Charles Holman was adjudged to have won his bet and the band has been in existence ever since.

When Charles Holman left to serve as a military bandmaster during the Great War, control passed to Dick Mayo, a playing member of the band since its inception and whose family owned the local timber yard. He remained in control right up until the Second World War, when the band was temporarily closed down.

After the war the Band was reformed by Bert Smith, a member of the pre-war band whose sons John (our secretary) and Andy are playing members of the Band today Under Bert's guidance the Band began contesting and achieved numerous successes. After Bert's death the Band was fortunate to obtain the services of Richard Nash from Rhymney and under his baton the Band attained new heights, including promotion to the Second Section. After his retirement, the Band was conducted by various conductors including David Williams, under whose baton the Band became South Midlands Section Three Champions and Dave Lea who led us to a number of contest successes and saw us return to the Second Section.

Our bandmaster is Dennis Abbotts, who has for many years been a playing member of the Band; and Glenn Coleman is the Band's current Musical Director, who is working hard to improve all aspects of musical content. We also have a flourishing Junior Section organised by Dennis Abbotts, and an intermediate band Stour Concert Brass to ensure that the Band has a steady stream of players to secure our future