Conductor Steve is back in the area
A TALENTED musician, composer and conductor, formerly from Ireshopeburn, is back in the locality
doing what he does best.
Steve Robson who lived in the upper Dale with his wife and family for over 30 years and who is a
former conductor of Stanhope Silver Band is working with his old friends, the Bearpark and Esh
Colliery Band. The band, which is regularly seen around the locality and includes Weardalians in their
number, is preparing for the Northern Regional Brass Band Championships in March. Their regular
conductor is unavailable for the contest, so Steve has been appointed to step in and take on the role
in the run up to the contest.
Bearpark Band put out a statement on social media, saying : ‘After a few days of conversations
and checking out dates, we are delighted to announce that we have appointed Steve Robson as our
conductor for the contest. Steve is a good friend to the band, an amazing musician and fabulous
conductor. This was an opportunity too good to miss. Our last few rehearsals have been very
productive as we work hard towards putting ‘Friendly Takeover’ together. We look forward to
continuing our contesting journey with Steve and thank him for his outstanding commitment he has
shown already.’
The feeling is mutual with Steve commenting, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work
with friends old and new from B&E Band over the coming weeks, and will be thrilled to share some
friendly rivalry, playing ‘Friendly Takeover’ in March, in the Gala Theatre in Durham. “I feel very
happy and privileged to have this opportunity to come and make music back in my beloved County
Durham.”
Steve has conducted Bearpark and Esh Band on several occasions as a guest conductor over the
years, and is delighted to be back to work with them on their Second Section Test Piece. He added, “I
am looking forward to the regular trips to County Durham for the next few weeks and hoping to
meet up with some of our old friends from Weardale too.”
Steve Conducted Stanhope Silver Band for around 20 years, organising events that they took part
in and composing wonderful music. He is very proud to have initiated Stanhope Band’s Festival of
Brass which saw some of the world’s finest soloists coming to play with SSB and many outstanding
guest Ensembles sharing concerts with the band. He was a member of “We’re Brass Quintet”, and
organist at High House Chapel in Ireshopeburn for over a decade. He also conducted Stanhope
Junior Band too for many years, teaching most of it’s members in their local primary schools or in
their own homes. Steve considers himself very lucky to have worked with so many wonderful
musicians in Weardale and all around the North of England. “So many friendships are forged through
music. It’s a little daunting when looking back to work out that well over half a century has passed
since I started lessons at with the fantastic Ken Smith at Woodham Comprehensive School, in
Newton Aycliffe, then joined my first band, Newton Aycliffe Town Band.”
Michelle was in Burnley caring for her Mum when the lockdown came, where she has remained
and is still living with and caring for her Mum. Milly also lives in Burnley, and two years ago Steve
moved from the family home at Ling Riggs in Ireshopeburn to join them. Sophie has also moved to
Burnley, whilst Seb is living in Berlin.
It was a big blow to Weardale when this community minded family moved away. They were
involved in so many aspects of life in the Upper Dale, not least the Weardale Tappers, the
pantomimes. Michelle in the Women’s Institute, the Ireshopeburn Literary Institute, “Kids on
Sunday” at High House, and she was proud to serve in Durham Special Constabulary, eventually
becoming Superintendent.
She travels back to Weardale every 6 weeks or so and stays over so she can meet up with and
have nights out with friends.
Steve worked as a Brass Music Arranger for InterOpera for around 11 years, which led to him
being asked by Durham Brass Festival to transcribe Brass Band Scores for Belshazzar’s Feast in 2017
and Verdi’s Requiem in 2019, both of which were performed in the glorious Cathedral at Durham.
Having retired from his teaching and caring roles, Steve is now following his dream of being a
composer and arranger, and trying to create interesting projects for Bands to be involved in. He is
also Musical Director of Hebden Bridge Junior Band.
Welcome home, Steve.
As a postscript to this, Steve and Michelle would like to say how great it is to see the Weardale
Gazette online. We well remember the days when the paper editions were looked forward to around
the Dale and would like to thank everyone who participated in producing such a fantastic local
newspaper. We wish Anita well in this new venture, which will of course be a success, due to her
infectious enthusiasm and relentless work rate. Good luck Anita.
As a second postscript on behalf of all our family we thank the wonderful people of Weardale for
the beautiful welcome we received when we moved into Ireshopeburn back in 1990, for 30 plus years
of joyous friendships and the great sense of community spirit, which will always live in our hearts.
We extend a warm welcome to any friends who wish to visit our new home to give us a shout, and
we send our love to all of you back in our precious dale.
