Eb Bass                                                                                                               Vacancy


Eb Bass                                                                                                      Ronnie Bannister

Ronnie started life in Trimdon Station and has lived in Sedgefield for a number of years. Taught to play by Fred and Alan Cuthbert in the Savation Army, Ronnie played in Deafhill Colliery band from 1949 to 1958 before joining Fishburn in 1958 and is the band's longest serving member.  Ronnie was at one time the band's Principal Cornet before moving onto Eb Bass via the Tenor Horn.

Ronnie also played in dance bands in the 1950's.

In February 2000 Ronnie was presented with his Durham County Brass Band League '50 years in banding' award.  During his time with the band, Ronnie has seen some huge changes.  In 1972 whilst in the Fourth Section, the band became Champion Band of Great Britain and Ronnie was 'instrumental' in helping Fishburn climb the sections before achieving Championship Section status in 1980 where we've remained ever since.

Ronnie lists Jim Shepherd as one of his main playing influences and King of Y's as his favourite piece of Band Music, remembering that he heard a brilliant performance of it by Crookhall Colliery in the Area Contest.  In addition to listening to Brass Band music, he also enjoys listening to Country music, listing his favourite country Artiste as John Aston, who is also a friend of Ronnie's.

Ronnie recalls an amusing occurrence when marching with the Band a number of years ago at Bishop Middleham when half the Band split down the middle and went the wrong way at a junction. Half of the band marched down the bank with the other half marching along the top road - You couldn't make it up!

Ronnie is a very active member of our Fantasy Football League, winning the League twice in 2001-2002 and 2002-2003. He has currently teamed up with 'Big' Neil Simpson and their team is 'Winterton Park Rangers'  Click here to see how they're doing.

Ronnie has had a varied employment career from Coal Miner to Cokeworker to Nurse Assistant and has also worked part time at Sedgefield Racecourse.  His main hobby other than banding is playing Golf, watching Football, Horseracing and Cricket, and Linedancing.  His favourite Football teams are Newcastle United and Hartlepool United (What taste!)  Married to Angela, the next generation of Ronnie's family have also played with Fishburn - daughter Sue on Flugel Horn and ex-son-in-law Clive on Euphonium.  Ronnie's twin brother Joe is also a Bandsman, playing Euphonium.


Bb Bass                                                                                                   Keith Hepworth

Keith joined the Band in October 2002.  Keith had already played as a guest player for the Band at concerts and since joining has established an excellent partnership with the other basses, improving the overall standard of the Band.

Keith is a very experienced player and has previously played for Head Wrightson Works Band (Middlesbro Brass/Yarm), British Steel Teesside Band and Peterlee Band.

Keith is married to Audrey and travels from Great Ayton to rehearsals.


Bb Bass                                                                                                      Matty Williams

Matty joined the band in February 2007 (after many years of asking!) to add an excellent quality of sound and strength to our Bass section in preparation for the area contest.

Matty recently played for BHK Horden band prior to them disbanding.




This page was last updated on: 21/11/2009
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