Reasons to have Faith (in the Common Working Man)

Some recent threads on politics had me reminiscing about a life I left behind many years ago.

Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band are not the most famous in the region, but they're based in South Elmsall, the pit village where my father spent his early years. His uncles were all miners.

7 miles away is Grimethorpe, the home of Grimethorpe Colliery Band stars of the film "Brassed Off", Had to follow this lot on-stage once. That was a bit nerve-wracking.

13 miles North of Grimethorpe is Rothwell, the home of the Yorkshire Imps whose Lead Cornet was my first trumpet teacher. A schoolmate, Ian Bousfield, joined them as a 13-year-old (!) before he f####d off to lead the trombone section of the Vienna Symphony.

The West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service Band are based 7 miles West of Rothwell in Birkenshaw. I include them if only for letting me play 1st cornet there for 7 or 8 years.

Now back to the bigger hitters.

Five miles from Birkenshaw is Brighouse, where my children were schooled and the home of Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band

Another five miles from Brighouse is Queensbury, the home of the legendary Black Dyke Band

See how close all these places are? Every 5 miles or so Bingo! another world class community band, and even though most of the founding coal mines and textile mills are long gone, they all remain primarily community based, recruiting new members from among the local schools.

The right wing really loathe this stuff and they get precious little coverage in the London-based national media. Why? Way too northern, way too working class, way too united in common purpose, and way, way too good at what they do for their liking.

Best in the world!