Press Release - The Salvation Army buys British Bandsman

[WorldofBrass.com]

The Salvation Army, with the approval of the senior leadership of the UK Territory with the Republic of Ireland, has acquired British Bandsman magazine through Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Ltd. British Bandsman has been published for 117 years and serves the national and world-wide brass band movement in the UK. The announcement comes in the year that the Christian organisation celebrates 125 years of Salvation Army music.

Managing Director of Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Ltd, Trevor Caffull, set out the motivation behind the decision. "The Salvation Army is constantly looking for new ways of reaching a wider community and music is one of our methods for achieving that on world-wide scale."

Salvation Army music has been part of the fabric of British society since its inception in the 1870s, notably for playing Christmas music on the streets and through the memories of The Salvation Army's own pop group, The Joy Strings, who entered the charts in the 1960s. Hundreds of children learn to sing and play instruments at The Salvation Army every week, and it has nurtured numerous professional musicians.

On the sale of British Bandsman, Nicola Bland and Philip Morris, who have jointly owned the magazine for the past four years, said: “We have viewed ourselves as the custodians of British Bandsman which, over the years, has been edited and managed by such luminaries of the brass band movement as John Henry Iles, Herbert Whiteley, Eric Ball and latterly, Peter Wilson.
“Therefore, our decision to pass it on has not been taken lightly. In reaching it, we were acutely conscious of the need to hand it over to a stable and yet dynamic company with evangelism for the pursuit of brass band performance and music, thereby safeguarding the strong brand that is British Bandsman. We believe that Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Ltd fits all of those criteria."

Nicola Bland continued, "We would like to thank the readers and the marvellous support network of friends and contributors. British Bandsman has represented the greater part of my daily life for over 15 years, in which time it has modernised to reflect the times, whilst keeping a strong ethic of integrity. I'm looking forward to continuing my personal contact with readers and contributors in the coming months as production of the magazine transfers to Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Ltd."

Trevor Caffull concluded, "We have ambitious plans not just for the development of the magazine, but also for the further development of the British Bandsman brand in other guises. It's important, whilst respecting and affirming a quality of tradition, that we look forward and develop a vision that enables us not just to keep pace, but also to continue to lead in the area of brass band journalism."

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

Interviews and press enquiries: Sarah Miller, Salvation Army Press Office, Tel: 020 7367 4702 Fax: 020 7367 4728 Mobile: 07801 198439 or Cathy Le Feuvre. Tel: 020 7367 4516 Mobile: 07717 448232

 The Salvation Army is an international Christian church working in 109 countries worldwide. As a registered charity, The Salvation Army demonstrates its Christian principles through social welfare provision and is one of the largest, most diverse providers of social welfare in the world. The Salvation Army has over 1.5 million members and 88,000 employees. Programmes include homeless centres, drug rehabilitation centres, schools, hospitals, medical centres, as well as nearly 16,000 churches worldwide.
Website: www.salvationarmy.org.uk

[James Yelland]

First Doyen, now the BB. Am I the only person who is troubled by the ever-increasing influence in brass banding, primarily a secular activity, of an organisation which exists to promote a religious cause?

[DublinBass]

As long as they don't tell me to avoid a pint after a rehearsal or concert, I don't care. :guiness

In fact, knowing how constant the SA is, I think it helps reassure the strength of the BB movement to know there will always be at least one solid BB magazine and at least one solid publisher.

(I'd also rather see them spend Mrs. McDonalds money this way than any other :wink: )

[DublinBass]

P.S. Maybe I like the SA a bit because they are the ones really responsible for the BB movement being where it is today in America (where in the UK it may have been the mining industry)

[Roger Thorne]

hmmmm, certainly makes for interesting reading - the press announcement that is. Sounds like another little piece of Brass Banding heritage has just disappeared.

Interesting to see it on tMP first though as opposed to reading it in the British Bandsman.

:wink:

[PeterBale]

That's certainly an interesting development, particularly coming at a time when the BB has received much criticism both here and elsewhere. Hopefully it will have its editorial independence and will not just become another marketing tool, but will have a staff team ready to ask the difficult questions, and not afraid of offending anybody.

I certainly wish them well, although I'm sure there will be opposition to the move both within the SA and from the banding world in general.

[DublinBass]

hmmmm, certainly makes for interesting reading - the press announcement that is. Sounds like another little piece of Brass Banding heritage has just disappeared.

Based on the press release it seems that the tradition WILL NOT die out.


Trevor Caffull concluded, "We have ambitious plans not just for the development of the magazine, but also for the further development of the British Bandsman brand in other guises. It's important, whilst respecting and affirming a quality of tradition, that we look forward and develop a vision that enables us not just to keep pace, but also to continue to lead in the area of brass band journalism."


Also, wasn't it it you RT who was a bit critical of the current periodical being a bit behind. (SEE http://www.themouthpiece.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=8166&highlight=british+bandsman)

Hopefully, when they speak of further development, they will address that issue.

[Roger Thorne]

Also, wasn't it it you RT who was a bit critical of the current periodical being a bit behind.
It certainly was me, but I'll give them a fair trial to see if the magazine improves, although somehow I can't quite see the main focus being on secular bands, which is the little bit of 'heritage' I was referring to.

I certainly wish Trevor and his team all the best in this venture and I will look forward to seeing the Salvation journalists at all our Sunday Contests.

:wink:

[WorldofBrass.com]

Interesting to see it on tMP first though as opposed to reading it in the British Bandsman.

Subscribers to the BB start to receive their copies from today so it was right to make this posting this morning.

[BigHorn]

and I will look forward to seeing the Salvation journalists at all our Sunday Contests.

HeHe :lol:
Good point though !

[WorldofBrass.com]

.....and I will look forward to seeing the Salvation journalists at all our Sunday Contests.
You don't have to be a Salvationist to work for The Salvation Army or for SP&S.
There are quite a few non-Salvationists working at Territorial Headquarters, they must be the ones I see taking fag breaks!

[nickjones]

Great news , might see some unbiased reporting now...maybe look after the needs of all bands instead of just a few elite sections of bands..

[Maestro]

I will look forward to seeing the Salvation journalists at all our Sunday Contests.

:wink:

You mean the BB actually had reporters at all the other Sunday contests? :shock: :shock:

[PeterBale]

You mean the BB actually had reporters at all the other Sunday contests? :shock: :shock:

Maybe they use the same one who did the write-up of the closing concert at the Europeans, taking details from the programme instead of what was actually played :oops: :oops: :oops:

[James Yelland]

.. somehow I can't quite see the main focus being on secular bands

Well, quite. I draw the readers' attention to this quotation from the press release above:

"Trevor Caffull, set out the motivation behind the decision. "The Salvation Army is constantly looking for new ways of reaching a wider community.."

The SA is a global organisation, and like all global organisations it has a product or service to 'sell'. And what it has to 'sell' is its preferred religion. And religion, unlike the products and services of so many other global organisations, can be a distinctly contentious issue.

This is 21st century, multicultural Britain - like it or not. Despite the wealth of diverse religions in this country, most of them are distinctly under-represented in the average brass band, as far as I can see. One might think, with the the decline in the number of brass bands and kids learning brass instruments, we might want to encourage kids from other cultures to become involved, and I am wondering how a closer tie with an overtly Christian organisation is going to address that issue.

[barry toan]

There are quite a few non-Salvationists working at Territorial Headquarters, they must be the ones I see taking fag breaks!


Or members of certain corps!!!!!...... Ahem!!! Hee hee! :D

[Highams]

I for one think this is great news and that it will save the BB from just fading away!

Something had to be done as the BB has reached an all time low, with the threat of the Internet band sites looming over its very existence.

I look forward to great things and surely this must rescue the magazines failing subscription lists?

www.euph9.freeserve.co.uk

[Bones]

I will look forward to seeing the Salvation journalists at all our Sunday Contests.

:wink:

You mean the BB actually had reporters at all the other Sunday contests? :shock: :shock:

I know for a fact Tabby Clegg was at the Brighouse one.

To be fair to the BB. They've got few staff and they cover what they can in a week. BBW have a month to put their content together. Unfortunately technology has taken over and we all get the gossip a lot quicker, via sites like the tMP and 4BR.

From a business perspective, I like the idea of BB being under the control of SP&S. I agree with the sentiments of a few. It looks to me, ( cynical outsider, who loves the secular side of banding :guiness )like a bit of domination, but let's wait and see, before we all burn them as witches (quote Monty Python)

Cheers

Rich

[Brian Bowen]

I saw no mention of who the (new?) editor will be, or where the editorial offices are to be located. It would be odd (inappropriate) for the BB to come under the control of the SA's literary dept. Maybe the BB is seen as an attractive proposition since the demise of the SA's "Musician" weekly some years ago.

[timjones]

I found out on Tuesday, as it was in the Salvationist (our in house newspaper)!
So all the staff at HQ would have known before BB readers anyway.
Was the announcement embargoed until today?

And with regard to the new slant the magazine may take, does it matter that much?
Cadburys sponser Coronation St
HSBC sponser ITV Drama
NPower sponser Test Cricket

These don't influence the shows, and I suspect neither will this

[Pondasher]

Totally agree with your comments Brian. It does seem an attractive proposition for the S.A. to secure a replacement for "The Musician".

Whatever is announced via press statements, I only hope that it was truly acquired for commercial reasons, rather than for gaining an extra platform to use for religious broadcasting purposes.

Let us see if the editorial staff remember that the title is "British Bandsman" and NOT "Salvationist Bandsman", and the content should reflect this.

If editorial content swings in a religious direction, then my copy will go immediately in the bin!

I just hope they are not having discussions with "Brass Band World" and "Brass Herald".

Keith Quinn

[Brian Bowen]

Front-page headline for the BB under new management (speculation):

BRITISH BANDSMAN GETS SAVED

[Bariman]

Whatever is announced via press statements, I only hope that it was truly acquired for commercial reasons, rather than for gaining an extra platform to use for religious broadcasting purposes.

The WorldofBrass.com and SP&S are and have been sponsoring a number of non-Army events in last few years; can't recall them using them as a vehicle for religious propoganda.

Give them a chance, at least there's a chance the BB will improve :!:

[DublinBass]

Give them a chance, at least there's a chance the BB will improve :!:

agreed :!: :!:

[johnflugel]

Whatever is announced via press statements, I only hope that it was truly acquired for commercial reasons, rather than for gaining an extra platform to use for religious broadcasting purposes.


Come on Keith let's be serious, what do you think they would actually publish if that was their intention?

"Controversy over the 'New' Masters, Changes at Faireys and by the way...Jesus Saves!"

Well done to SP&S for their continued support of the banding movement

[nickjones]

Jesus Saves............and Satan scores on the rebound...

[PeterBale]

Jesus Saves............and Satan scores on the rebound...
I prefer the other one: "Jesus saves - Moses invests" :wink:

[drummerboy]

It certainly was me, but I'll give them a fair trial to see if the magazine improves, although somehow I can't quite see the main focus being on secular bands, which is the little bit of 'heritage' I was referring to.

To be fair to SA bands (and speaking as ex-SA, I do know a little about this!) most SA bands keep the same members, and they only leave a band if they 'retire' from playing or move corps. With all respect to players in the SA their player movements are not the big news that someone moving from Dyke to Grimey would be.
I, for one, hardly think that Bandsman will suddenly be primarily about SA music. I think that most of the news about the ISB (the SA's banding flagship) is published in BB, and indeed I do remember an article about the ISB's bass section being together 10 years a few months back.
I think it is a good move and if the BB editor is anything like the Salvantionist's new editor we'll have a lot to be thankful for! (Not that there was anything 'wrong' with Charles King of course!)

[craigster]

Wow! Was I ever surprised to read about this on 4barsrest! I think it is fantastic that a group that is so keen on the brass band tradition is taking an active stake in this prestigious paper.

I have a few responses to some of the concerns that the BB will now become an overt evangelistic tool. Firstly, I would argue that SP&S has shown through its involvement with Doyen, World of Brass, Gala Concerts at competitions etc. that it is fair and interested in promoting the brass band culture. I think that under their recent 'management' we have had some of the best CD and DVD products ever produced in our medium readily available worldwide. The Kings of Europe CD and the Eric Ball concert DVD are foremost in my mind here.

Secondly, the Salvation Army does have a few businesses that are points of profit and investment without being religious in nature. The Reliance Bank and Car Insurance Scheme are two perfect examples. Non-religious businesses, yet they are run by the SA with the profits from these enterprises going to support the SA's continued work.

Finally, every editor brings their own slant to things. I believe that Eric Ball was once an editor of BB. A more spiritual man I am sure you will not find, yet the magazine did just fine with his feet in two worlds.

I say congratulations to the boys at SP&S as they continue to push the boundaries and forge strong links between our two banding communities. We all need each other to help keep a strong banding tradition going both inside and outside of the SA. I will be among those keen to see the results.

It may just be time to renew my subscription!

Craig Lewis
Trom - Canadian Staff Band.

[James Yelland]

SP & S are certainly putting it about a bit. As I mentioned earlier, first Doyen, now the BB - and I clean forgot that they bought out R Smith & Co a while ago. Add to that the involvement in the Gala concert and a host of other things, and it seems to me that they're making a very substantial bid for dominance.

I wonder what might be next - the management, or even ownership, of a major contest - the National Championships, perhaps? I would be surprised if such an ambitious company hadn't at least considered it. In that event, it would be interesting to see if the same degree of good will and indulgence shown in this thread prevailed on that occasion. Both Besson and Kapitol Management have certainly come in for some (highly unjustified) criticism for their roles in the past.

[choirmaster]

This news is great for anyone associated with bands. The Bandsman could now have a time of stability if the S.A.appoint somebody with vision and a good editorial team at the helm.
Unfortunately, as someone that is an ex- Salvationist in the strict sense of the word, but still a very regular attender I am not exactly enamoured with the idea. I still contribute a not insubstantial amount of money to the Army in the hope that this money is used wisely and for the good of those who need it here in the UK and abroad. It takes charity a bit far when part of the money I donate each month goes to sponsoring concerts and buying failing businesess which the BB is, going by it's dwindling readership.
If there is any profit ( financially), will that then go to those who are really in need of it? I doubt it somehow. If we are talking profit in terms of souls saved, I think they may be far better ways of doing this.
I know that each department has it's own budget and the Army may try to justify the expenditure on these grounds, but to me and maybe others if that department's budget is big enough to do all this 'charity 'work then your budget is far too large. That money could be far more wisely spent. My monthly contribution to the SA's failing business charity account will be terminated asap- it's all gone too far.

[Ross Berry]

SP&S seem to be in a no-win situation here.

Some people think that they will use the paper to bible bash and now others think that they are giving up money to allow Brass Band traditions to continue.



Unfortunately, as someone that is an ex- Salvationist in the strict sense of the word, but still a very regular attender I am not exactly enamoured with the idea. I still contribute a not insubstantial amount of money to the Army in the hope that this money is used wisely and for the good of those who need it here in the UK and abroad. It takes charity a bit far when part of the money I donate each month goes to sponsoring concerts and buying failing businesess which the BB is, going by it's dwindling readership.

If there is any profit ( financially), will that then go to those who are really in need of it? I doubt it somehow.

If we are talking profit in terms of souls saved, I think they may be far better ways of doing this.
I know that each department has it's own budget and the Army may try to justify the expenditure on these grounds, but to me and maybe others if that department's budget is big enough to do all this 'charity 'work then your budget is far too large. That money could be far more wisely spent. My monthly contribution to the SA's failing business charity account will be terminated asap- it's all gone too far.

I suspect that most successful businessmen have taken a failing business in the past and turned it into a successful one. If the BB was doing really well then SP&S would not have seen the opportunity to make money out of it and improve it.

On what basis do you cast the doubt that the Army will get the profit?

Have you evidence to suggest that Army businesses such as reliance bank don't support the Armys work?

The bottom line is that if SP&S are making a profit they are supporting the Armys work and in no way are you subsidising them helping to keep the brass band movement going.As a charity they are required to make the maximum income for the charity and without seeing the financial statements of the organisations involved it would seem like a sound business decision.

If you believe that sponsoring events, influencing media and raising the profile of their organisation is poor management then perhaps you should forward your email to Richard Branson, MacDonalds, Unilever, etc etc. all of whom I am sure will appreciate being told about their poor business strategy.

[choirmaster]

If you believe that sponsoring events, influencing media and raising the profile of their organisation is poor management then perhaps you should forward your email to Richard Branson, MacDonalds, Unilever, etc etc. all of whom I am sure will appreciate being told about their poor business strategy

The Army isn't Unilever et al. It is a church and a registered charity. The people and companies mentioned above have a product to market that everyone needs or wants - not everyone wants to go to a band concert or buy a brass band periodical, unfortunately. You can't put them in the same catagory.
I'm all for raising the profile of the Army, but at what financial cost? Regarding reliance bank-yes apparently they do allocate most of the profit to support the Army's work, although I can't see the profit from these ventures being used in the same way.

On what basis do you cast the doubt that the Army will get the profit?

My doubts are based on that I don't wish to divulge on this or any forum, you'll just have to take my word for it.
It would also be interesting to see what the Army's readership figures for The Salvationist have been like over the past few years.
I think the Army could avoid all this fuss by coming clean with the amount these ventures cost and their projected profit forecasts. These things have to be challenged and not just blindly accepted.

However, ploughing money into this has to be good for the brass band movement, if it ensured a prestigious paper such as the BB didn't go to the wall.

(Quote fixed, PB, Mod)

[choirmaster]

Oops, done it again. Where can I find out how to do these quote things properly?

[WorldofBrass.com]

Choirmaster, may I politely refer you to the first sentence of the official press release which kicked off this thread in the first place;
The Salvation Army, with the approval of the senior leadership of the UK Territory with the Republic of Ireland, has acquired British Bandsman magazine through Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Ltd.
Hopefully this should clear up for you how the BB is being purchased, certainly not from your, or anyone elses, donations!

[choirmaster]

My apologies for sounding completely stupid but maybe you can clear up my confusion.
My monthly money goes in a cartridge envelope as my other half remains a Salvationist. Isn't it that 10% of that goes towards local admin.(DHQ) and 10% of this goes nationally(THQ) and then gets passed on to departmental budgets etc?
Or is it that SP&S recieves none of this and is a completely seperate entity?
I'm honestly not trying to be difficult for the sake of it. I'd just like to know how the jigsaw fits together.

[WorldofBrass.com]

Or is it that SP&S recieves none of this and is a completely seperate entity?
SP&S Limited is a business and is run as a business.
We don't receive an element of the contents of your cartridge envelope!
It's actually part of UK charity law that charities are not allowed to support a business subsiduary financially. Quite the opposite, in fact. In our case part of our reason for our existence is to generate profits which will be covenanted back to The Salvation Army.
Please let us know who you are choirmaster, it would be so much more friendly!

[choirmaster]

Thanks for enlightening me world of brass. In my 30 odd years of being associated with the Army I never knew it was run as a seperate business. I think it may be a good idea for the Army to make all this known to people both inside and outside of the movement. It could save a lot of tension when things are cleared up, even for the brass band public who probably are wary of the move.

[Cantonian]

The Salvationist magazine which replaced the Musician magazine is giving less and less space to SA music of all genres. Let's hope that this can be addressed by more useful reporting of SA bands in BB.

This week's Salvationist report on Canton Band's visit to Kettering could have said 'They came, they saw, they went' for all the non-cliche information provided.

[PeterBale]

Here's a link to comments made by Trevor Caffull on 4barsrest answering some questions raised over the sale:

http://www.4barsrest.com/comments/035.asp