*
banner

Wessex 40 years young

2009 sees the 40th anniversary of the Wessex Band Summer School.

 

2009 sees the 40th anniversary of the Wessex Band Summer School.

The course was originally the idea of two 16-year-old Blandford schoolboys, John Grinnell and Andrew Pitts, who, disappointed at not being able to take part in their county youth orchestra’s residential course due to financial cutbacks, set about organising their own 4-day course.

Youngsters

It grew to involve youngsters from local bands under the direction of Courtney Bosanko, then of John and Margaret Grinnell and in recent years by a committee of dedicated people.

Anyone who has been on the course will always remember the unique atmophere created with real warmth.

Anyone who has been on the course will always remember the unique atmophere created with real warmth4BR

Atmosphere

The 40th Wessex Band Summer School will be host to a festive atmosphere celebrating the ruby anniversary of the course.

Everyone welcome

All past and present members of the Wessex Band Summer School and the Wessex Youth Band Course are invited to join in with the celebrations.

The Oakmead College of Technology School will be host to the event on Friday 31st July, and everyone is invited to be part of the audience for the concert on Saturday 1st August.

Information

For more information, contact to: Howard Bland, Honorary Secretary at Email: secretary@wessexband.com

Tel: 0116 2395752

Postal Address:
5 Barton Close
Ratby
Leicester
LE6 0HL

For anymore information, visit: www.wessexband.com

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Norwegian Championships

Final musical touches being put in their Bergen place

February 4 • 80 will be putting their own-choice and set-work pieces under final scrutiny ahead of the Norwegian National Championships this weekend.


Jamie Smith

Smith looking forward to Japanese tour

February 4 • Grimethorpe Colliery Band principal cornet Jamie Smith will head to Japan for a performance tour this Easter.


East Midlands

New march and hymn contest to fill gap in East Midlands

February 4 • A brand new event will take on 13th June at the Braybrooke Brewery and Taproom, North Northamptonshire.


gLYN AND hLEN

Busy January enjoyment for Williams duo

February 4 • Glyn and Helen Williams have enjoyed a busy start to 2026.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

February 5 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

February 4 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . Solo Euphonium . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone .


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd