The forerunner of Bristol Veterans Brass was inspired when its founder Idris Trott was visiting his elderly mother in a Nursing Home. He believed that it would be good to provide daytime entertainment for those Senior Citizens of Bristol attending Retirement Clubs or in Homes for the Elderly. So, in November 1993, Idris (Cornet) met with three other bandsmen at Crofts End Mission one Wednesday morning : Jack Brown (Euphonium); Dennis Johnson (Tenor Trombone and Cornet), and Henry Ralph (Eb Bass). It was later confirmed that these four members be known as the "Founder Members". Within a few months, the number of players had doubled in size and rapidly grew into a full band of 'retired' bandsmen and women to fulfill engagements during normal working hours on weekdays. In 2000 the band became independent of the Crofts End Mission and was re-named "Bristol Veterans’ Brass". and have gone from strength to strength. We will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary next year in 2018. Jim Scott Jim was a very well known figure in the brass band world in Bristol, the South West and further afield. Throughout his life Jim worked tirelessly teaching youngster to play brass instruments and adults to further improve their brass and musical knowledge. Jim was both a fine player and conductor, playing and conducting in a number of bands during his lifetime including Filton Concert Brass and their Community Band and the Bristol VETs. Not only did Jim devote much of his time and energy to the brass band world, he also committed much of his personal wealth in supporting it. Much of the continued success of Bristol Veteran's Brass Band is attributable Jim's persistence and dedication over many years as our Musical Director until he sadly passed away in March 2014. Jim will remain in our memories and is greatly missed by many. Click on images to enlarge |