This page is dedicated to our Life Members, all of whom have made outstanding contributions to the band in one way or another.
TOM SHEARMAN
Tom, a music teacher, was the band’s very first Musical director way back in 1963 and took the band for 4 years. His dedication and enthusiasm in getting the band started and progressing to the point of winning 2 out of the 4 contests entered during that time was most worthy of Life Membership of the fledgling band.
E S BROWN (STAN)
Stan was Musical Director for a few years in the 1970’s and came to us with a wealth of experience, having started his conducting career in the 1920’s! He had previously conducted Cory Band and the much missed Stanshawe (Bristol) Band, amongst many others. He was very respected in the banding world and made a big impression on us during his time at the helm. Giving him Life Membership was an easy decision.
CHARLIE HILL
Charlie was a much loved and much missed founder member of the band but didn’t actually play a brass instrument! He would join us on stage at concerts and on the march playing a bass drum, but it was his support in the background that was second to none. He was simply ‘always there’ and worked tirelessly for the band doing things like DIY projects in the bandroom and organising fund-raising events. He was extremely proud to become the band’s President, and nobody deserved it more than him.
FRED TREGO
Fred was a founder member of the band and played Euphonium throughout his couple of decades with us until his untimely death. He was, like Charlie Hill, ‘always there’. Two of his children also played with us, and his lovely wife, Nora, was prolific on our Ladies Committee at the time – it was a real family affair! Fred was so dedicated to the band that after he lost two fingers on his right hand in an industrial accident, he learn to play using his left hand. Fred – a real trooper and thoroughly nice guy.
OWEN SMITH
Although not a player himself, when his son Paul joined the band in the early 1970’s, Owen became a staunch supporter of the band, helping us out behind the scenes. For the past four decades (three of those after Paul left the band), Owen has continued his support of the band by collecting for us every single year (other than 2020 during the pandemic) during our carolling sessions and at summer park concerts. Without his dedication our bank balance would be much poorer, and the band recognised his amazing support by bestowing Life Membership in 2011.
DAVE FARMER
Dave is currently the band’s longest serving member, having given continuous service for over 50 years! Dave joined the band on cornet but has also played Baritone and Eb bass. His main love though is drumming and he has been the band’s principal percussionist since the 1980’s, leading his team to many contest awards for Best Percussion Section. Dave was Chairman of the band for many years and in addition served as a Committee member. He is also the band’s resident comedian, regularly having everyone in fits of laughter with his quick wit and story telling! His dedication and loyalty over such a long time totally merits his Life Membership, which was presented in 2013.
JOHN BRYANT
John, an ex-RAF Musician, has been connected with Weston Brass since the 1980’s, first helping us out on cornet whilst his wife Pam was a member, taking over as Musical Director from 1989 to 1993 and again in 2008. During his time in front of the band he steered us to many contest successes including winning the Third Section Area in 1989 and a great 4th place at the National Finals that year. He has been a playing member inbetween his two conducting periods and continues to sit quietly (sometimes!) on the back row as one of the stalwarts, rarely missing a rehearsal or performance. However, playing is not John’s only talent as over the years he has developed a natural flair for arranging and has (so far) arranged over 450 pieces for the band! Without fail, they have all have been terrific and there won’t be a concert performance without a JB arrangement or two included! Look up the word ‘Bandsman’ in the dictionary and it will probably say ‘John Bryant’. A well deserved Life Membership was given to him in 2015.