ASTLEY Youth Band celebrated its 25th Anniversary this month with a superb concert and reunion party at Leigh Sports Village.

The band was formed in 1994 by Helen and Stephen Minshall, who have worked tirelessly for 25 years to give children the valuable experience of learning to play a brass instrument, and the chance to play in a band.

Hundreds of children have participated in the band over the last 25 years, and an impressive number have gone on to have careers in music.

Leigh Journal:

The band first photo in 1994

The band has been on 15 tours to a wide variety of destinations including France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man, Isle of Arran, and most recently Jersey.

The reunion event brought together players, parents and friends from throughout the 25 year history of the band, and was attended by the Mayor of Wigan, Steve Dawber, Councillors Christine Roberts, Paula Wakefield and Barry Taylor, and Astley Rotary President Michael Hack.

Leigh Journal:

The band’s first tour to the Isle of Man in 1997

The band is an independent organisation, and a registered charity, and relies on fund raising for its existence.

The Youth Band rehearses on Thursday evenings at Bedford High School in Leigh, from 6.45pm to 8.45pm under the direction of Toby Hobson.

Leigh Journal:

A family of musicians, left to right Simon Minshall (bass trombone), Kate Riley (baritone), Helen Minshall (MD), Stephen Minshall (baritone), Samantha Raisbeck (tuba), Neil Raisbeck (tenor horn)

The Training Band for beginners rehearses from 6.30pm to 7.30pm under the direction of Samantha Raisbeck.

In 2015 the organisation expanded dramatically, and an adult band, Astley Unlimited Band was formed which comes under the umbrella of the organisation.

Leigh Journal:

The band’s most recent tour to Jersey in August 2019

This band rehearses during the daytime on a Monday at St Stephen's Church, Astley, from 11.30am to 1pm, catering for around 30 players of all ages and abilities; retirees, shift workers, ranging in age from 20 - 85.

New members are always welcome, and further details can be found on the band website www.astleyyouthband.org.uk.

Helen Minshall has written a book "Astley Youth Band - The First 25 Years" with the full history of the band, and many photographs. Details of how to order a copy are on the website.