Mereside Brass: two decades of music, friendship and community spirit

As Making Music celebrates its 90th anniversary, we’re shining a spotlight on member groups whose stories reflect the enduring joy of music-making. Mereside Brass, based in Rudheath, Northwich, is one such band: a friendly, fourth-section ensemble with a proud history, a welcoming ethos and big plans for the future.

From Knutsford to Mereside: a new beginning

Mereside Brass was born in 2002 from the ashes of Knutsford Band. 'When Knutsford folded, Albert Oldfield decided to start something new,' recalls Chris Ravenscroft, the band’s longest-serving member. Albert, a solicitor with strong local connections, secured rehearsal space at Pickmere Methodist Church and invited players from Knutsford and other local bands to join.

'Those early rehearsals were in the church hall,' says Chris. 'We started as a small group playing ten-piece arrangements, but the ambition was always to grow.' The name Mereside was inspired by Pickmere Lake, a local landmark, and gave the band a distinctive identity.

Albert conducted the band in its infancy, but ill health forced him to step back. 'He’s still bright as ever,' says Chris, 'but sadly, he’s no longer mobile.' The baton passed to Mike Fenton, who led the band for many years, and today Mereside Brass thrives under the direction of Kieran Joy, a professional trombonist whose energy and expertise have brought fresh inspiration.

A band for everyone

More than 20 years on, Mereside Brass remains true to its founding ethos: inclusivity and enjoyment. 'Anyone’s welcome,' says Chair Sharon (Shaz). 'There’s no minimum standard. We just want to have fun, make music and enjoy ourselves.'

That spirit of openness has attracted a diverse membership. 'We’ve got around 30 players now,' says June Sedgwick, committee member and tenor horn player. 'A contest band would typically have 25, but we’ve got extras: more horns, more trombones, plenty of cornets. We’re short of a baritone, euphonium and one bass, but we’re growing.'

The age range is broad, though currently skewed older. 'We’d love to bring in younger players,' says June. 'Kieran’s keen to develop that.' The band once ran a thriving training section and hopes to revive that in future.

For newcomers, the welcome is warm. 'Pop down, have a listen,' says Shaz. 'No pressure. Just see if you like us.' John, a recent recruit returning to banding after decades away, agrees: 'Everybody’s made me feel welcome. Playing alongside better players helps me improve, and it’s fun. I go home with a good feeling.'

Rehearsals with heart

Mereside rehearses every Friday evening at The Venue, a community hub in Rudheath. 'It’s a great space,' says Chris. 'We’ve got secure storage for instruments and an extensive music library; much better than the cabinets we had in shared buildings before.'

Rehearsals are structured but sociable. 'We have a brew at half-time,' says Shaz. 'And often a trip to the pub afterwards. We’re not just a band that turns up and plays; we’re friends.'

That sense of community extends beyond the rehearsal room. 'Music brings people together,' says June, 'but it becomes bigger than that.'

Repertoire: from Bowie to brass classics

Mereside’s repertoire is as varied as its membership. 'We play everything,' says June. 'Classical, modern, rock, Christmas music, you name it.' Recent programmes have included traditional brass band favourites alongside surprises like David Bowie’s Life on Mars. 'Audiences love the variety,' says Shaz. 'They come expecting marches and hymns, then hear pop songs in the mix.'

Kieran’s influence is clear. 'He’s inspiring and encouraging,' says June. 'He engages with players, not just as a conductor but as a person. That makes a huge difference.'

Contests: fun over formality

In the brass band world, contesting is a big deal, but Mereside takes a relaxed approach. 'We’re a fourth-section band,' explains Chris, 'which is like football’s fourth division. You can move up or down based on contest results.'

For now, Mereside prefers entertainment contests and festivals to high-pressure competitions. 'We did Ironbridge recently,' says Shaz. 'It’s not competitive, just fun. Blackpool and the regionals are intense. You spend months on one piece, then wait hours to play. If you come last, it’s disheartening. We’d rather do events people enjoy.'

On stage and on screen: memorable moments

Mereside has played in some remarkable settings: from Cheshire landmarks like Arley Hall and Tatton Park. 'When there was an appeal to bands in the Northwest, for players to take part in the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games at Manchester some of us were able to go', recalls Chris. 'We played to 52,000 people and millions on TV. It was incredible.'

Another highlight was performing at Runcorn Station when the Queen and Meghan visited. 'We didn’t see much of them,' laughs June, 'but they definitely heard us.'

Tours: making music and memories

The band has toured extensively in Europe, performing in Germany’s Rhine Valley, Luxembourg City, Belgium, Maastricht and the Isle of Man. 'Tours are like holidays with music,' says June. 'We play, but we also eat together, explore together: it brings the band closer.'

A return to the Isle of Man is planned for 2027. 'Kieran has connections there,' says June. 'We’re excited to make it happen.'

Rooted in community

Closer to home, Mereside plays a vital role in local life. 'We do the Remembrance service at Rudheath every year,' says June. 'We play carols, light-switch-ons, charity events like Light Up a Life at the hospice. We don’t charge for those; it’s about giving back.'

The move to The Venue has boosted visibility. 'When we were at Plumley, people didn’t know we were there,' says Shaz. 'Now, the community knows us.'

Embracing technology: Making Music Platform

Mereside launched their Making Music Platform in late 2024, and while it’s early days, the benefits are clear. 'We’ve been insured through Making Music for years,' says June, 'but the website is new. It’s up and running with current information, and we’re learning as we go.'

The platform combines everything a music group needs: member database, music library, event scheduling, payment management, into one secure, user-friendly system. 'There’s a learning curve,' says June, 'but the support is excellent. The team responds quickly, and there’s even a Facebook group for tips.'

The public-facing website is raising the band’s profile. 'We’ve got photos to upload and more work to do,' says Shaz, 'but it looks professional and will help attract new members.'

As the band grows, the platform will streamline admin and communication. 'It’s reassuring to have a resource designed for groups like ours,' says June. 'It means we can spend less time on paperwork and more time making music.'

Looking ahead

With Christmas concerts, community events and a major tour on the horizon, Mereside Brass is buzzing with activity. The band’s ambitions are simple but powerful: to keep growing, keep welcoming, and keep sharing the joy of live music.

'We want people to leave rehearsal feeling good,' says Shaz. 'That’s what matters: fun, friendship and music. If we can give someone that, we’ve done our job.'

Find out more about Mereside Brass on their website and follow them on Facebook