Description

The band was formed in 1998 when woodwind were invited into the Blackwell Brass Band to encourage further growth. Since these humble beginnings it has gone on to reach its current strength of around 55 players.

There are a wide range of players in the band of varying experience and calibre. The repertoire includes marches, jazz, calypso, blues, pop, rock, film scores and more.

The band has participated in an increasing number of events in recent years as demand has grown for their services. Each year the band performs at local parks, garden centres, and boating as well as beer festivals. They also take part in 'Wizzafest', a music festival whose proceeds go to Macmillan Cancer Support, the band's chosen charity for the past few years. The band have raised to date over £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, as well as helping other charities such as Royal British Legion on a regular basis.

Training band
Blackwell Concert Band have a training band for children and adult beginners, roughly grades 0-3. This is led by Craig Sproston, our 1st trombone, professional teacher and conductor. The band have been together for a couple of years and play with the senior band at various bandstand and other events.

Rehearsals take place weekly from 6.30-7.15pm, and once a month with the senior band 7-7.50pm. We are looking for more members so please do contact us if this sounds of interest.

Description

Stratford Park is a 56 acre park located just outside the centre of Stroud, with a great range of facilities to suit all kinds of recreation.

As well as the Bandstand, the park includes a leisure centre (including an outdoor pool and tennis courts), museum, play area, skate park, lawn bowling green, children's nursery, miniature railway, arboretum/woodland, lake, and free parking.

Stratford Park has a large and varied children's play area for children between 4-11 years. Set on the large grass area at the rear of the centre, the area has climbing frames, slides, swings, runways, activity frames and springers. The play area is complimented with seating for adults and children, which makes the area ideal for family picnics. The area is managed in accordance with the European play safety guidelines and is maintained by the on-site ground staff.

The park has one of the finest collection of mature trees in the area and rivals the nearby Westonbirt Arboretum.

In April 1935 the Stratford Park estate, including the grounds and mansion house was purchased by the then Stroud Urban District Council (one of the predecessors of Stroud District Council).

The bowling green and tennis courts were developed first, followed by the outdoor pool (lido) in 1937. The first head groundsman took up residence in the mansion house (now the Museum in the Park which opened in 2001).

In 1975 the Leisure Centre building was opened within the grounds of the park to provide a whole new range of leisure provisions for the people of Stroud.

Stratford Park,

Stroud,

Gloucestershire,

England,

GL5 4AJ.