New Conductor Gives Band New Energy!

The band are very excited to welcome our new conductor, Bob Woffinden.

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Bob began his musical journey at the age of 11, playing the tenor horn with the Brampton Ellis School Brass Band under the direction of Bob Ludlam. A few years later, he ventured into the wider brass band world, joining the Barrow Colliery Brass Band in Barnsley.

His talent and dedication soon saw him become Solo Horn with the top-section Dodworth Colliery Band, where he spent five formative years. It was here that he met his wife, Wendy—also a tenor horn player—marking the start of both a musical and personal partnership.

Over the years, Bob has performed with several top-level brass bands, including Carlton Main Frickley, Rowntree Band of York, and the prestigious Yorkshire Imperial Metals Band ("The Imps"). While with The Imps, Bob took part in some of the most renowned contests in the brass band world, such as the British Open, The Masters, The Grand Shield, and the Yorkshire Area Championships.

Beyond full brass bands, Bob has also enjoyed playing in brass quintets. Notably, as a member of Fanfare Brass of York, he performed at the Ballerup Music Festival in Denmark on multiple occasions.

Today, Bob shares his wealth of experience through conducting and music education. He teaches music in primary schools across Worksop and Chesterfield. His mission is to inspire young people to discover the joy of making music and to ensure that the tradition of brass banding continues to thrive.

As conductor of Worksop Miners Welfare Band, Bob is passionate about rebuilding the ensemble and reintroducing a training band. He firmly believes that brass banding is for everyone—regardless of age—and that learning to play an instrument is a rewarding journey open to all.