York RI Golden Rail Band is a non-contesting brass band based in central York
We are a versatile brass band and play a wide range of engagements, from outdoor concerts in the grounds of stately homes and beautiful parks and gardens to marching for Remembrance Day and memorial concerts. We play on bandstands from Pocklington to Goole and have played prestigious venues including York Minster, Joseph Rowntree Theatre and the National Centre for Early Music (NCEM). We love playing community concerts, whether it's a village Christmas carol concert or to boost your local fete or fayre.
For the latest news about the Golden Rail Band, please go to our News area.
There are some band photos in the gallery below, but for the most up-to date pictures & videos, please visit our Facebook page and our YouTube channel.
Terry Suthers remembered
We are sad to share news of the death of Golden Rail Band
player Terry Suthers, who passed away at home after a long illness on 24 March
2024.
Terry, who joined Golden Rail in 2012, was coaxed back to
the cornet and brass bands (an early passion) following an encounter with brass
players at a ‘Late Learners’ jazz workshop at the National Centre for Early
Music in 2011.
He soon became a stalwart on the back row, contributing
enthusiastically to the life and music of the band. Together with Golden Rail
Band players Bruce Jackson and Kate Lock and composer David Lancaster he formed
Brassed On York, an organisation promoting brass band events. They staged the
Proms in the Gardens on the York Mystery Plays stage in the Museum Gardens as
part of the York 800 celebrations in 2012 with York Railway Institute Band and
Shepherd Group Brass Band. The team subsequently co-ordinated brass band
concerts across the region for the Tour de Brass as part of the Yorkshire
Festival in 2014, including a Yorkshire Prom with the world-famous Black Dyke
Band.
In later years, Terry switched instrument to the euphonium,
which he enjoyed playing as part of a quartet with fellow musicians Bruce
Jackson, Chris Stockton and John Stuart, something that continued to give him
pleasure, company, and solace during his illness.
Terry was well connected, much respected, and well loved,
professionally and personally. A conservator and archaeologist by training, he
had been Director of the Yorkshire Museum, Assistant Director and Head of
Public Services at the national Science Museum, and the CEO and director of
Harewood House Charitable Trust in Leeds. He became Deputy Lieutenant for West
Yorkshire in 2005 and was awarded an MBE for his services to museums and
heritage in 2011.
“Terry Suthers was the epitome of the word ‘gentleman’,”
said Nicholas Eastwood, Musical Director of Golden Rail Band. “He always knew
what to say, and in such a positive, caring way, full of verve and enthusiasm.
The selfless time and effort he put into everything he did leaves a legacy that
we can be truly grateful to have been a part of.
“He will be dearly missed by us all at Golden Rail Band.”
The band are honoured to be asked by his wife Delma to play
for Terry’s funeral, which will be in the Quire of York Minster on Thursday 25
April at 2pm.
Golden Rail Band turns 40
Golden Rail Band is marking its 40th anniversary this year with a programme of special concerts and events.
First up, on 24 February, is a recording for Leeds-based Chapel FM's brass band show, From the Bandroom - which, of course, will take place in the York RI bandroom at Queen Street in York.
The band will play a concert programme devised by MD Nicholas Eastwood and former players have been invited to join in.
"It's a great opportunity for a bit of a reunion, especially before the old bandroom gets demolished later this year," said Nick. "We've had lots of interest already so we'll have to put a cap on numbers at some point as the bandroom really isn't that big.
"I'm really looking forward to conducting it - we should make a powerful sound with that many players!"
Further details about Golden Rail Band's 40th anniversary concert season will be announced shortly.
York RI Golden Rail Band, and York RI Development Band are constituent parts of York RI - a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registration number 1165513