After a busy weekend that saw Wellington (Telford) Brass Band perform at Peter Aplin’s Full Circle retirement concert on Saturday, followed by the Ironbridge Mini Festival on Sunday, we caught up with our Chairwoman, Liz Anson-Smith, to reflect on her time leading the band.Behind every successful brass band is a team of dedicated people working tirelessly behind the scenes, and at Wellington (Telford) Brass Band, much of that credit goes to Chairwoman Liz Anson-Smith.
Having been involved with the band’s administration since helping Kelly with the accounts back in 2013, Liz officially took over as Chairwoman around 2014. Since then, the band has continued to grow both musically and socially, building a reputation as one of the friendliest and most progressive community brass bands in the Midlands.
When asked why the band has gone from strength to strength during her leadership, Liz modestly said:
“I’d like to think that the band trusts me to lead them in an organised and supportive way. I’m really not good at blowing my own trumpet!”
One of Liz’s proudest achievements was steering the band through the incredibly difficult COVID period without losing players. In fact, the band actually gained members during that time, something many organisations would have thought impossible.
Community spirit is clearly at the heart of everything Wellington (Telford) Brass Band does. Liz believes the band’s famous “family atmosphere” is one of its greatest strengths.
“We are not just a band, we are family,” she explained, referencing a phrase often used within the organisation. “Where else would people in their 20s happily share the same space as those in their 60s and 70s?”
The band’s recent promotion to the Second Section was another huge milestone.
“It proved that the hard work and determination had paid off,” Liz said.
While there was no grand masterplan when she first became Chairwoman, Liz focused early on creating structure, organisation, and stronger links with the local council, helping raise the band’s public profile within the community.
Of course, running a brass band is not without its challenges.
“Communication can be difficult,” Liz admitted. “Whether it’s player availability, organising events, making sure venues understand what we need in terms of space, chairs or cover, there’s always plenty of admin!”
She also credits the support of the band’s Musical Director and committee for helping balance tradition with keeping the band fresh and exciting.
“Having a supportive MD who listens to suggestions and is happy to explore new ideas is really important.”
Asked what makes Wellington (Telford) Brass Band different from others, Liz pointed to the welcoming culture that exists throughout the organisation.
“We always try to welcome and thank guests, deps and supporters. As a band, we throw ourselves into whatever is going on.”
There have been many memorable moments over the years, including Whit Friday contests, concerts and trips away, although one particular memory still makes the band laugh:
“The band has dined out on my very impromptu interview with Paul Shuttlesworth where I seemed to use the word ‘absolutely’ about a dozen times!”
More emotional moments have also stayed with her, especially performing at Jim Wall’s funeral, which Liz described as one of the proudest and most moving occasions during her time as Chairwoman.
As for coach trip chaos? There was no hesitation in naming Darrin Smith!
“That honour goes to Darrin Smith from Jackfield for his constant chanting of ‘Liz, Liz, Liz’ on the coach to and from Whit Friday 2025! He only stopped for the last 20 minutes because he’d fallen asleep!”
Looking ahead, the future remains exciting for Wellington (Telford) Brass Band, with a workshop planned alongside the legendary Black Dyke Band in 2027, and early work underway on a proposed trip to Châtenay-Malabry in 2028.
Liz’s hopes for the next five years are simple:
“Let’s keep working hard, enjoy playing music, and entertaining people wherever we go.”
She is also passionate about encouraging younger players into brass banding.
“Without youngsters, there won’t be a band.”
And what would she say to someone considering joining?
“Hello, my name’s Liz, this is David our MD. What instrument do you play? Have a seat next to…”
Finally, when asked what Wellington (Telford) Brass Band means to her personally, Liz’s answer perfectly summed up the dedication she gives to the organisation every single day.
“It’s become part of my life. I don’t think a day goes by without answering emails, making phone calls, resolving issues, filling out forms or sending invoices, all alongside working full time.”
To finish, we asked Liz to describe Wellington (Telford) Brass Band in just three words:
“Fun, friendly, fantastic.”
I will be interviewing our MD, David Nicholson next on his 6 months with WTTB.