Portrait tribute captures spirit of band club regulars

Wednesday, 20 August 2025 20:54

By Catherine Smyth / David Murphy

A remarkable wall of black and white portraits has been unveiled at Whitworth Vale and Healey Band Club, celebrating the characters who bring the award-winning venue to life.

A collection of 36 striking black and white portraits has been installed at a popular local band club, offering a visual tribute to the people who help keep the venue at the heart of the community.

The portrait wall, created by local photographer Jeff Johnson, was unveiled on World Photography Day, 19 August. Jeff began the project back in April, capturing images of regulars at the club over several months.

Speaking about what inspired the work, Jeff said: “This came about because I have a bad leg so I haven’t been able to get out walking and taking photographs as I normally would. I like taking pictures and thought it might be fun to take portraits of the regulars who come into the club, they’re the ones who keep the place turning over.”

While some subjects were captured in a single frame, others took up to 20 attempts before Jeff was satisfied he had the right shot.

The club has plenty to celebrate. It recently retained its CAMRA title as Best Club in Rossendale for a second year running, and last year was named Best Club in West Lancashire. It was also one of only eight to reach the national CAMRA final.

Club steward Kelly Squires praised the project. “I love the photographs. Jeff has really captured the character of our members,” she said. “I’ve known some of the people on here for a very long time and their personalities really come through in the pictures. It’s a great addition to the club – thank you to Jeff and to everyone who took part.”

The celebration doesn’t end there. The associated brass band will be promoted to the Championship Section in 2026, the highest tier in UK brass banding. It marks the first time in the band's history that they will compete at that level.

They are now preparing to take on some of the biggest names in brass banding, including Black Dyke, Brighouse and Rastrick, and Fairey’s.

Recent success at the famous Whit Friday Band Contests has helped seal their reputation. The band took Best First Section Band in both Denshaw and Uppermill, and placed second at Scouthead and Austerlands

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