*
banner

Death of Tom Mercer

The death of Tom Mercer, a founder member of the 1st Old Boys Band has been announced.

 

4BR has been informed that Tom Mercer, a founder member of the 1st Old Boys Band, Vice President of the North of Ireland Band Association, and one of the leading personalities in the Northern Ireland banding scene passed away, peacefully on Monday December 7th after a long Illness.

He was a character and will be sorely missed by everyone. Truly, the end of an eraMark Bingham

Every contest

Tom, until recently was seen at every band contest with his trade stand, supplying instruments to all the Northern Ireland banding movement.

Mark Bingham told 4BR: "He was a character and will be sorely missed by everyone. Truly, the end of an era."

Funeral Arrangements

There will be a Thanksgiving Service at Mary Magdalene Church of Ireland, Donegall Pass Thursday 10th December @ 12.00 noon, following cremation at Roselawn Crematorium at 10.00am.

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    


Marsden

Williams and Tynan to lead Marsden top flight return

August 15 • Glyn Williams and Tommy Tynan will form the new new musical partnership at the helm of Marsden Silver Prize Band.


Murtagh

Murtagh takes baton at Lostock Hall Memorial

August 15 • Joe Murtagh is the new Musical Director at Lostock Hall Memorial Band


Joey Wong

Wong takes baton at Blackley

August 15 • Joey Wong has become the new MD at Blackley Band.


Fiona Bishop

Bishop appointed at Knottingley

August 15 • Fiona Bishop becomes the new MD at Knottingley Silver Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waterbeach Brass

August 14 • Waterbeach Brass are a friendly and ambitious 2nd section band just north of Cambridge, looking for Tutti cornet, Eb bass and Tuned percussion to complete their lineup.. . Rehearsals on a Monday night- 7:45-10pm at Waterbeach Barracks.


Brunel Brass Organisation

August 13 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026, it's an exciting time to join the band!


Chinnor Silver

August 12 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on MONDAY (17th) in our bandroom at 11am. We welcome players of all abilities who want a friendly relaxed rehearsal with tea and cake.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band it’s just an extra blow.


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd