Description

The guiding principle of Gloucester Brass has always been to play music that is as enjoyable for audiences to listen to as it is for the band to play. We do not take part in brass band contests, but focus entirely on preparing for and giving public performances, which take place in a variety of venues, including churches, shopping centres, garden parties, flower shows, fetes and public parks.

We have a wide repertoire, including music from musicals, film and TV themes, marches and arrangements of classical music.

The band draws its members from within the city boundaries, with a few members travelling from the surrounding district. It is always on the lookout for new members, of any age and all levels of ability, including absolute beginners. Many of its players did not start playing brass instruments until their middle age (or beyond).

In January 2017, the band decided to introduce a Beginners Band specifically designed for people who had never picked up a brass instrument in their lives. This group welcomes both children and adults who want to see if playing in a brass band is for them.

We would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in playing with us, or joining the Training band, or arranging for us to play at an event.

The senior band rehearses on Monday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:15pm and Wednesdays from 8.00pm to 9.30pm at the Park Street Mission Hall in Gloucester GL1 2DA (near the car park at the back of Sainsburys Northgate st. Branch).

The Training band meets on a Wednesday evening from 7:00pm until 8:00pm, also at the Park Street Mission Hall .

The Beginners band also meets at the same place on Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm until 8:00pm.

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.