Sounding Brass – Nostalgia Central

1 9 8 0 (UK)
6 x 60 minute episodes

This ATV comedy series starred ex-wrestler Brian Glover as the autocratic conductor of Ettaswell Brass Band. A butcher by trade, HG (his given name is Horace Gilbert) is a driving force determined to preserve the old traditions and strongly opposed to change.

The opening episode (2 July 1980) revealed that it had been 50 years since the Ettaswell band had competed in the Whit Marches. HG was hopeful, though, of a day in which the band would prove worthy of its past. Sadly, it was not to be.

Over six episodes, the band struggled to improve their standing, reputation, and financial position while one misfortune followed another.

Former Coronation Street star Stephen Hancock co-starred as public school music master Leonard Dukes.

The theme music was composed by Richard Hill, and the Ilkeston Brass Band featured. Location filming took place in Etwall and Belper in Derbyshire.

HG Bestwick
Brian Glover
Leonard Dukes
Stephen Hancock
Gerry Thompson
Ray Mort
Mr MacKenzie
Alex McCrindle
Arthur Mannion
Philip Jackson
Cynthia Wildgoose
Gwen Taylor
Frank Oldfield
Teddy Turner
Cyril Bacon
Kevin Lloyd
Marjorie Taylor
Lorraine Peters
Roger Forster
David Huscroft
Tim Barker
Mark Curry
Mrs Crowther
Sandra Voe
Dorothy Thompson
Pamela Vezey
Derek Wildgoose
John Flanagan

Episodes

HG and the Whit Marches | HG and the Hundred Years | HG and the Battle of Waterloo | HG and the Takeover Bid | HG and the Indian Job | HG and the Exploding Orange