6th Jan 2026
We’re very pleased to announce our Band Person of the year as George Stratford. Martyn Patterson said that his decision was not at all difficult this year.
George has been brought up in the band with both his Mum and Dad playing with us, so it’s been wonderful to be part of his musical journey. An all round fabulous individual and as it happens a pretty tidy Eb bass player. He can name that tune, well a march, usually in about 2! and has an encyclopaedic memory for test pieces! He makes a mean Brownie and we all think the world of him.
Well done George, we’re proud as punch for you.
Goodbye 2025 - you have been amazing!
2025 has been an epic year for us. Our biggest and greatest achievement in the first half of the year was having a new roof on our home Yorkley Onward Hall. At a cost of approximately £80k it was worth every penny but much fundraising, donations and effort is still required for the new sides.
On a musical note, we have been very busy. The second half of 2025 saw us attend our first ever Ironbridge Brass Festival and Coleford’s first Brass Band Festival. Welland Steam Rally, Forest Steam Rally and contesting at Bugle in Cornwall, Wychavon Festival Contest in Evesham and our local GBBA contest in Gloucester plus so many other performances. We held a fundraising concert for the local Imjin Memorial which saw us perform a world premiere of Tommy Tynan’s March Gloster Hill. Christmas season was a lot of fun from start to finish.
A big big thank you to Martyn Patterson our MD for navigating us through a fun and hectic year and an even bigger thank you to everyone that has supported us through the year, especially at our coffee mornings. We do appreciate what you do.
Coleford Baptist Christmas Tree Festival Sun 30th Nov
We've taken part in a tradition for the second year running by kicking off the run up to Christmas by playing carols at the Christmas Tree Festival, Coleford Baptist Church. We are busy now until Christmas Even where we will slow down and take part in our long standing tradition of Playing at the Christmas Eve Candlelight carol service at Coleford Baptist for the true meaning of Christmas 6pm
Of course, playing all those carols meant that we needed to have a well deserved lunch at the Orepool, Sling. It was fantastic.
Newent Lights Switch On - Sat 29th Nov 25
We visited our fellow Forest Town - Newent - to play before the procession and after the Christmas Lights were switched on . Thank you Newent!
GBBA Contest Sun 23rd Nov 25
Incredibly proud of our wonderful Eb Bass, George Stratford for winning the Glen Powell Trophy for most outstanding contribution at this years GBBA Contest.
We thoroughly enjoyed our performance of Arnhem and the wonderful Eric Ball work, Journey into Freedom.
As the adjudicator said in his comments ‘Some really excellent playing on a very difficult piece but what a piece!!’
Some more learning taken from the comments but it shows that consistency is starting to come together for us.
Congratulations to Lydney Town Band ,Lydbrook Band and A W Parker Drybrook for winning their sections.
Yorkley Remembrance Day Sun 9th Nov 25
Thank you to everyone that supported us today.
It was lovely to see so many people there.
Wychavon Festival of Brass Sat 1st Nov 25
Another fantastic day at the Wychavon Festival of Brass. Not the result we hoped for with 6th place in our section, but yes we were very pleased with our performance and we thank our MD Martyn Patterson for his dedication to our journey! A huge well done to Lydbrook Band who won our section convincingly and especially their Marimba soloist Darcie Beck. Also Lydney Town Band who won their section featuring their amazingly talented percussionist/composer David PC and they also won the best entertainment prize in their section. Also congratulations to Cinderford Band & Academy Band coming 2nd in their section, with their Euphonium soloist Derek Kane winning the solo prize. A really fabulous effort from Pillowell Silver Band who entered both their own section and the section above. A really credible Forest presence at this years festival. Great catching up with friends from near and far. It’s time for our magnificent creatures great and small to go into hibernation now and start work on what comes next
Annual Harvest Festival Sat 27th Sep 25
A fantastic night was had at our local pub, The Bailey Inn, Yorkley.
There was a pleathera of home made produce including vegetables, flowers and fabulous cakes.
The evening was filled with lots of fun and plenty of laughter. There were a few bidding wars and some very happy faces when securing one of the cute bread hedgehogs.
f you were there or you donated any produce, you were all fabulous.
We are blown away by the generosity of everyone and can report that £1201 was raised, to support the band for another busy year ahead
Thank you to Sharon and Roger Stratford for organising, to Roger for Auctioneering and his companion Daz Williams taking over to give Roger a break and to Duncan for running the products to the winning bidders.
Special thanks to Landlady Louise and her Team for allowing us to use the pub for this event.
Exceptionally huge thanks to our friends of Yorkley. YOU ARE AMAZING!!
Thank you one and all!
Imjin Concert, Sat 20th Sep 25
Thank you all for a very fine evening. Our effort to raise funds for the Imjin Memorial was really appreciated.
Our programme included two specific pieces, a march composed by Tommy Tynan, Gloster Hill and Hymn to the Cross composed by Liz Lane, which we were honoured to perform with her in the church.
Forest of Dean District Council has granted full permission for its memorial to be installed in Cyril Hart Arboretum, Coleford. The memorial will commemorate all armed forces personnel who fought during the Korean War 1950 – 1953 and will feature the names of veterans associated with the Forest of Dean who fought in the pivotal Battle of Imjin River between April 22 – 25, 1951.
The project group are planning to hold a public unveiling of the memorial to coincide with the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Imjin River in April 2026.
Vintage Show, Speech House Sun 13th Sep 25
We had a good first time at this event. Sat on stage playing to everyone and being amplified around the trees. Fortunately, we did not get wet, but it was a little chilly. Good to see that a lot of people ventured out.
Ross Bandstand - Sun 10 Aug 25
Another fabulous afternoon at Ross-on-Wye bandstand.
A beautiful day, and a fantastic audience! We loved it and hope to see you next year!!
Photo from the Forest and Wye Valley Review
Vol 47 No 29 week ending Aug 15th 2025
Cricket, Yorkley Sun 3 Aug 25
What a beautiful view we had over the Severn whilst watching the charity cricket match unfold in Yorkley.
A beautiful afternoon in amongst our local community.
Chepstow Garden City - Sat 2 Aug 25
We met the most super community on Saturday at Garden City in Chepstow.
Welland Steam Rally - Sat/Sun 26/27 Jul 25
A tiring but successful and very enjoyable weekend was had by all. The weather was perfect with lots of people enjoying our selection of music.
Thank you to our guests that helped out and to the organisers for an excellent event.
Scar Bandstand - Sun 20th Jul 25
A good crowd were not put off by a band of rain and enjoyed the sunny weather for the rest of the afternoon.
The three bands played a varied programme of all genres.
A few of our players helped our friends during the afternoon and it culminated in a massed band section.
We enjoyed ourselves and hope to play at the bandstand in the near future.
Ironbridge - Sat 12th Jul 25
Wow, what an experience we had this weekend at the Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival. Our first visit to this amazing festival and venue. We loved every minute! and we’re still feeling excited to have been part of this event. Thank you to the whole Festival Team for a truly brilliantly run weekend. Thank you all. 😁🎶🎺
Yorkley - Sun 6th Jul 25
We were invited to play at the local cricket ground up the road from us in Yorkley. The cut 'n fry did not disappoint.
A hot and sunny afternoon under the bank, playing tunes that people were able to tap their feet along to and enjoy.
Luckily there was a bar with tea and coffee so that we were able to wet our whistle.
Here are some photos of the event kindly taken by Alan Castle and permission to post them.
Malvern - Sun 29th Jun 25
We had an excellent day returning to the fantastic band stand in the idyllic Priory Park, in the grounds of the Malvern Theatre.
We were asked to play a program to reflect armed forces day which was the day before.
Our conductor for the day, Alan Bourne, introduced our programme which included miller magic, Boogie Boogie Bugle Boy, some nostalgic marches and a few solos.
The park was well supported and many enjoyed the shade as it was rather hot and sunny.
Afterwards band members enjoyed an ice-cream to cool off.
Malvern - Sun 29th Jun 25
We had an ecellent day returning to the fantastic band stand in the idylic Priory Park, in the grounds of the Malvern Theatre.
We were asked to play a program to reflect armed forces day which was the day before.
Our conductor for the day, Alan Bourne, introduced our programme which included miller magic, Boogie Boogie Bugle Boy, some nostalgic marches and a few solos.
The park was well supported and many enjoyed the shade as it was rather hot and sunny.
Afterwards band members enjoyed an ice-cream to cool off.
Malvern - Sun 29th Jun 25
We had an ecellent day returning to the fantastic band stand in the idylic Priory Park, in the grounds of the Malvern Theatre.
We were asked to play a program to reflect armed forces day which was the day before.
Our conductor for the day, Alan Bourne, introduced our programme which included miller magic, Boogie Boogie Bugle Boy, some nostalgic marches and a few solos.
The park was well supported and many enjoyed the shade as it was rather hot and sunny.
Afterwards band members enjoyed an ice-cream to cool off.
Malvern - Sun 29th Jun 25
We had an ecellent day returning to the fantastic band stand in the idylic Priory Park, in the grounds of the Malvern Theatre.
We were asked to play a program to reflect armed forces day which was the day before.
Our conductor for the day, Alan Bourne, introduced our programme which included miller magic, Boogie Boogie Bugle Boy, some nostalgic marches and a few solos.
The park was well supported and many enjoyed the shade as it was rather hot and sunny.
Afterwards band members enjoyed an ice-cream to cool off.
Bugle Contest - Sat 21st Jun 25
We had another wonderful day in Cornwall. It was the longest day of the year and Bugle delivered all four seasons, however by the afternoon it was glorious 🌞We came second in the march and third with the test piece. Congratulations to St Austell Town Brass Band on their winning performances. 🏆 One other thing apart from hospitality, pasties and cream teas that the Cornish do very well is their trophies. They are truly magnificent! Thank you West of England Bandsmen's Festival for a fabulous contest. We truly had a great time. We shall be back!! 😁🎶
Coleford Festival of Brass
Sat 14th Jun 25
What a very special day we had! A huge shout out to Coleford Town Council and GBBA for organising the first ever Coleford Festival of Brass. We had great fun entertaining with our two sets of music, one at the Baptist Church and the other on the Clock Tower Stage. Our thanks go to Duncan, Tracey and Kevin for helping us and I think between us in FODB we supported an additional 13 times excluding the mass band. Teamwork in the Forest at its absolute best!! Hopefully we get to do this again sometime. 🎶 🎺 🥁
Book, Coffee & Cake Sale
Sat 7th Jun
It was wonderful to see familiar and new faces pop into The Onward Hall for a cuppa and a cake today (Sean Parsons). We’re desperately trying to raise funds to bring our beautiful big tin hut up to date without destroying its original features, so every little penny helps.
We currently need approx £50k to finish the outside.
You can now purchase a sheet of tin for £50 and have your name or one of a loved one permanently recorded in the The Onward Hall records for posterity. Just message us and we can give you the details on how to do this or see the donate page for the form and gift aid form.
Community Event
Garden Party at Two Rivers, Parkside, Coleford
Sat 31st May 25
The band had a great afternoon playing to the community and residents of Parkside, Coleford. A mixed programme of music to sing and dance to. The weather was kind and the rain stayed away.
We hope to entertain you again in the not too distant future.
Colaboration Concert Sun 27th Apr
Our thanks go to our friends Churchdown Male Voice Choir for providing a wonderful programme of songs.
Concert goers enjoyed a wonderful sunny day in the superb setting of Parkend Church with an excellent raffle.
We hope to repeat this in the Churchdown area in the future.
Tying the Knot 14/03/25
We are delighted at the happy news that our solo baritone Marion Dobbs and Tony Nash have tied the knot. It’s taken them a little while to get around to it! (33 years or so). We will celebrate very soon! 🎉🥂❤️
As Marion said "Thank you everyone 💓 we've had a wonderful day, and for anyone who thought I couldn't keep a secret, you were wrong 😉 😅🤣"
Many Congratulations to you both
Preview & Area Contest Mar 25
We had a great evening previewing our performance in preparation for our Regional Contest in Torquay. A positive experience getting truly constructive and inspiring feedback (medicine) from Michael Fowles.
Thank you everyone for your good luck messages. We came off stage happy and contented that we had given a very worthy rendition of Introduction, Elegy and Caprice. Soloists Jim Mason, Alison Jane Millin and Julia Powell were superb . As always our MD Martyn Patterson, lead us brilliantly in the lead up to and on stage. Sadly only 14th place for us this year. Disappointed with that result but this is banding, so we’ll learn from the adjudication. Onwards and upwards!!
Welsh Open Contest Sat 15 Feb 25
We had a fantastic day out yesterday at the Welsh Open Brass Band Entertainment Championship.
No prizes for us but we really enjoyed our programme ‘Magnificent Creatures, Great and Small’
Our brilliant MD Martyn Patterson came up with this fabulous idea and we loved playing it. As for our soloist Alison Jane Millin, wow, wow, wow, just incredible playing!
A place higher than last year, competing against some super talent much higher ranking than ourselves.
A great day of meeting banding friends and listening to great entertainment.
Lots more learned for next time!
A Recap of 2024
Our 30th year comes to an end, we can reflect on many achievements from starting The Onward Hall renovations to successes on the contest stage etc, however the most important reflection is our people. Those that play, those that lead, those who support and for those who have helped financially to keep us going.
Here’s to the next 30 years!
Particular mentions go to Martyn Patterson, our wonderful MD who does so much musically for us. Our fantastic Band Manager who happens to be a rather super Euphonium player Alison Jane Millin who keeps us in line and our fabulous committee and trustees that continually move the band forward. We are also very pleased to announce our bands person of the year Julia Powell
who has gone above and beyond in both her musical achievements and her commitment to the band and making us all laugh a lot!! A well deserved award.
Happy 2025. Onwards and Upwards
Tue 24th Dec
- Christmas Eve
A exquisite setting to start off Christmas with lots of carols and readings.
A full house.
Thank you Coleford Baptist.
Afterwards we gathered at the home of our Chairperson for a Christmas Eve social.
Sat 21st & Sun 22nd Dec
More successful carol playing at Tesco in Chepstow. Thank you to the customers and staff for your kind comments and generous donations.
Sat 21st & Sun 22nd Dec
More successful carol playing at Tesco in Chepstow. Thank you to the customers and staff for your kind comments and generous donations.
Friday 20th Dec
A small group went along to Wetherspoons in Chepstow to entertain the customers.
We had a great time, Thank you all.
Thursday 19th Dec 7.30pm
Thank you to everyone that attended our Christmas Concert last night in Viney Hill Church, where we were joined by Yorkley School Choir, who were brilliant.
Sadly we had to cut the concert short but we would very much like to thank everyone that attended and hope you enjoyed the concert as much as we did.
We’ll look to do something in the summer locally for the local villages.
Saw many of the band take it in turns for a few hours each day playing to the shoppers at Morrisons, Abbeydale.
Thank you to everyone who donated so generously.
Fri 13th &
Sat 14th Dec 24
Wed 11th Dec
Carols in the Courtyard, Aylburton
For many years prior to lockdown a Carol Service was organised on the Preaching Cross, in conjunction with the Methodist Chapel and St.Mary's. Villagers assembled by the candle lit cross to sing Christmas carols. This lapsed during COVID-19.
This year FoD Brass were delighted to accompany the carols..
Sat 7th Dec
Unfortunately this was cancelled due to Bad Weather.
Yorkley Christmas Tree Light Switch On. Start 5pm to 6pm
An annual event for us to play Festive music for all in time
for the switch on of the local village Christmas Tree at Yorkley Community Centre.
Christmas Tree Switch on is at 5.30pm
Enjoy Carols, Mince Pies and Mulled Wine.
|We might have not been able to make it but the tree did get lit on Sat 14th Dec.
Coleford Baptist Church Christmas Tree Festival
We have added a tree to the Festival to represent the amalgamation of Coleford Town Band and Yorkley Onward Band.
Our tree has been decorated with instruments of every section, musical notes, some baubles containing tiny versions of music of our March "Forest of Dean March", a classic piece "Resurgam" and a christmas number "Christmas Joy",
We included words to express the reasons behind why being in a brass band is good for you.
There is a QR code available for you to donate to our good cause.
We accompanied the congregational singing launch service
on Sun 1st Dec. Afterwards a few of us went to
the Miners Arms, Sling for a very nice lunch.
Carols Across The Valley
Fri 6th Dec
It was a gloomy night at the Pludds but the wind and rain did not stop the hardy people of the vale. A small group played carols for the villagers to sing.
Afterwards we were rewarded with a warm cup of tea and mince pie followed by some more carols for singing back at the hall.
GBBA Contest
Sun 24th Nov 2024
Well what a day at the Gloucestershire Brass Band Association on Sunday. With all the flood issues most of us took a very long journey to Gloucester Chosen Hill School, via the new Severn Bridge and up the M5. No prizes for us this year but a massive congratulations to Lydbrook Band for winning 1st section and being overall winners. Also to Lydney Town Band for winning 3rd section.
