NSCB Committee
The committee is made up of volunteers from the band and its supporters who are elected to run, develop and maintain the Newark and Sherwood Concert Band organisation in line with the band's constitution.
Alison Brown
Chair
Hi! I’m Alison and I am the Chairman of the band. I joined in 2011 and play clarinet (or try to at least . . . . .).
I’m a microbiologist by trade but I’m currently taking a career break to home educate my younger son.
I’m married to my husband Jay, and we have 2 boys – Finley, my eldest, who plays drums in the band, and Ashton, who can often be seen running around in between rehearsals and at concerts . . . .
​
In my spare time I’m a beekeeper and also keep chickens and love spending time in the garden.
Richard Williams
Secretary
I have played first bassoon in NSCB since 2014, having not played for 30 years after I gave it up at the age of 17. I’m now the band’s Secretary, having previously been Chairman.
​
I’ve recently retired after very nearly 40 years in the world of banking, spending the last 15 years as a property director with a major bank. I plan to play even more music now and have already played in a pit orchestra for a local theatre production which I thoroughly enjoyed.
​
I really would encourage anyone who played an instrument and gave it up to give it another go - one the best decisions I have ever made!
Richard Birch
Treasurer
I’ve been involved with the band in a non-playing capacity since 2013 when my elder daughter, Amy, became a member playing the clarinet. I originally started out as tea boy and then when some of the band committee members knew I was an accountant, took over as treasurer in 2014 when the band needed help.
​
It has been an honour as a family, with my wife Linda, to continue supporting the band in the subsequent decade and playing a small part in helping it develop and grow in numbers (including my younger daughter, Rachel, also joining as a clarinet player).
One of the areas I am proud of is helping the band to achieve charity status, which has helped to cement the organisation as a supporter of music within the wider community.
Kelly Lashbrook
Concert Secretary
I started learning the clarinet at the age of 8, and enjoyed playing with various ensembles as a teenager in Devon.
After studying music at university, I worked as both an instrumental and secondary music teacher, teaching clarinet, saxophone and flute.
Returning to instrumental teaching after having children, I resumed ensemble playing and joined NSCB in 2021. I particularly enjoy supporting younger players in the Development Band and ensuring players of all ages and abilities get the most out of their time playing.
I am now the Musical Director of the Development Band and look forward to welcoming new players to the group.
Sarah MacNish
Safeguarding Officer
Hi, I’m Sarah and I have been playing in NSCB since 2015. I play Solo Clarinet and I’m in charge of safeguarding in the band.
I have been surrounded by music my whole life. I started playing the cymbals aged 4 (the only thing I was big enough to carry and play!) in The Red and Greys Youth Marching Band, I also played in various other bands growing up. This led to me studying Music at University alongside Teaching and to my job as a Primary School Music Teacher and instrumental teacher today. I have now been teaching for 26 years.
​
I am passionate about children coming together to make music and seeing the progress that they can make when playing and singing as a group or individually.
​​
I am married to Stephen and have two lovely children, Hamish and Mirren. In my spare time I love to go on holiday, read, enjoy crafting, doing a spot of gardening and finding time to catch up with my friends!
Victoria Williams
Membership Secretary
Hi! I’m Victoria and I’m responsible for overseeing membership across our bands.
​
I began playing with NSCB at the age of 10 and am proud to be Principal Flautist. As well as the flute, I also enjoy being part of the percussion section in the Development Band, where I can be found trying to play the glockenspiel or hitting timps!
Aside from music, I’m studying Genetics at the University of Nottingham. I also love to crochet, read, and spend time with my friends and family - including my dog, Lilly.
_heic.png)
Cathryn O'Shea
Website, Publicity & Media
I'm Cathryn, I play flute, piccolo and percussion, and I'm in charge of the band's social media and website.
I'm married to the Musical Director, Colum who has been my best friend since we were teenagers. In 2023 we welcomed our son, Caelan into the world. In 2024 we were joined by Connor.
​​
On the rare weekends we're not making music, we love chilling with our dog, Jetson, seeing family, or just sitting in a beer garden with friends.
Carol Brady
Development Band Rep
Hi, I'm Carol and I play flute in the Development Band.
Although I played when I was younger, and took up flute again as an adult, I became too busy with work and family, so didn't play for about 20 years. After I retired, I noticed an advert for a Development Band play day, and after coming along and really enjoying playing in the band, I joined.
​
Development Band offers a great opportunity for adults who haven't played in a while, to take up music again, in a friendly, supportive atmosphere, as well as encouraging younger people to get experience of playing in a band.
Gin Towers
Development Band Rep
Hello, I am Gin. I play flute with Newark & Sherwood Development Band. I joined in 2022 having realised how much I missed playing throughout the pandemic.
I began learning flute as an adult in 2012 when my young son and daughter were learning and playing with bands. I actively support members in the flute section.
​​
When I'm not playing or supporting the band, I am crafting and enjoying time with my spaniels, Willow and Daisy.