Welcome to our new Musical Director, James Cooper
After studying Biology in the Midlands he moved to Nottingham and had a successful few years playing with Ratby and Nottingham City Transport Bands. In the 1990s he met and married Nicki and moved South to work as a Public Health Scientist at Porton Down and to play Soprano Cornet for Bournemouth Concert Brass Band. James also conducted the Woodfalls Youth Band winning awards at several competitions. His practical experience includes performances at the National Finals in the Royal Albert Hall, the Grand Shield and recordings for BBC Radio. With three young children and a demanding job James took the tough decision to step away from music in 2008 to focus on family and career. In 2024 however, a shock medical diagnosis forced a rethink of life and a decision to return to music. Now retired from science, James is focussing on musical versatility, playing Soprano Cornet with the Woodfalls Band and as many diverse groups and genres as he’s able and relishing the challenges that each brings. James now wants to share his experience and love of brass music and the brass band movement by picking up his baton again. He is excited and humbled to take up the appointment as Musical Director of the Ringwood and Burley Brass Band.
A Hampshire based brass band entertaining since 1879.
The Ringwood and Burley Band are a local brass band, offering a friendly, caring family-orientated environment.
Come and Join Us!
The Band are always pleased to welcome new players, supporters and sponsors to join our brass band at anytime.
We practice on Friday evenings between 7.30pm-9.30pm at Greyfriars Community Hall, Ringwood.
Our Training Band rehearses from 6.30pm until 7.15pm, also on a Friday. With many thanks to the sponsor of the Training Band John Rayner.
The band has been part of Ringwood’s life since 1879. In 1978 the band amalgamated with the Burley Band which started life around two years after the Ringwood Band.
Meet our much loved Chair, Vernon Riordan
When the rather excited 12-year-old, Vernon Riordan, played with the Ringwood & Burley Band in the 750th anniversary of the Ringwood Royal Market Charter, little did he know he would be playing with the same band 50 years later at the 800th anniversary!
Vernon, who has lived in Ringwood all his life, started playing the cornet when he was 10 before moving onto horn. He’s played baritone in the Ringwood & Burley Band for 50 years, and is also their chairman. He has worked with 14 conductors during that time. In fact, the current conductor, Tony Waller, also played in the R&B band when he was a teenager.
Vernon recalls being on stage with the band in the market place to celebrate the 750th anniversary. Some of the pieces they played that day were ‘When the Saints’, ‘Hootenanny’ and ‘Salute to Sullivan’. He’s delighted to be playing with the Ringwood & Burley Band again for the 800th anniversary of the Market Charter.
If you played with the band in the past and have photos and memories, please get in touch by emailing Vernon vgriordan@outlook.com or Beverley Williams bawilliams221@yahoo.com
The Ringwood & Burley brass band will be playing at the 800th Anniversary at 2.15 – 3pm on Sunday 12th July, and at various other venues, including the Burley Show and Artisan Markets, throughout the summer. Do come to say “hello”, and if you’d like to support us or join our friendly band, just get in touch!
Latest News
Our latest news will appear here. However, please visit our Events and News pages to see even more coming up!
Summer 2026 with Ringwood and Burley Band
Three highlights of the R&B season were all performed under the scorching sun, but thankfully, we were able to wear our new lightweight polo shirt uniform! For our first event we were invited by Ringwood Rotary Club' to perform at their 'Cream Tea Event’ for their...
12th July – Ringwood Rotary Club
Saturday 12th July 2025A delightful afternoon was spent in traditional style by members of the Ringwood Rotary Club with tea and cakes under a gazebo while accompanied by a relaxed performance from the band. A lovely audience to perform to, the Rotary Club provided...