*
banner

Pritchard-Jones released by West Mercia Police

After seven years in charge, Steve Pritchard-Jones has ended his tenure with the baton at West Mercia Police Band.

SPJ
 

Steve Pritchard-Jones has ended a seven year tenure as conductor of The Band of West Mercia Police.

Rebuilding

Several members have left the band recently due to ill health, retirement or leaving the area and Steve feels it’s time to move on to allow a new conductor to lead the rebuilding process.

Thanks

Steve told 4BR: "I would like to thank the Chief Constable Paul West, Eddie Barry (Chairman), David Francis (Secretary) and Richard Waterhouse (Band Sergeant) for their 100% support."

He added: "My decision to resign was not an easy decision to make however I feel it’s the right move forward and I wish the band well for the future."

My decision to resign was not an easy decision to make however I feel it’s the right move forward and I wish the band well for the futureSteve Pritchard-Jones

Great work

Band Secretary David Francis has also decided to stand down and Steve also took the opportunity of thanking him for the immense amount of work he has done for the band.

Steve added: "David’s commitment to the band is second to none; the band will not be the same without his excellent organisation skills and his real passion for the banding movement."

Options

The busy adjudicator and conductor is keeping his options open and for the near future will continue with freelance conducting as well his adjudicating work before considering taking on a permanent band.

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    


Ask daisy

New campaign launched to support women in banding

March 8 • International Womens' Day sees the launch of 'Ask Daisy', an initiative that aims to support women in UK brass bands experiencing harassment and abuse.


Perth Concert Hall

Results: 2025 Scottish Championships

March 8 • Whitburn leads the way in Perth with section wins for Granite City, Perthshire Brass, Renfrew Burgh and Arbroath & Carnoustie.


Bedworth

Results: 2025 Midlands Regional Championships

March 8 • GUS lead the prizes winners in Bedworth with section victories to Foss Dyke, Ibstock Brick Brass and Syston.


Torquay

Results: 2025 West of England Regional Championships

March 8 • Aldbourne lead the way in Torquay with section titles going to Roche Brass, Porthleven, Bratton Silver and Illogan Sparnon Silver.


Contest: Scottish Championships 2025

Saturday 8 March • Mill Street, Perth PH1 5HZ


Contest: West of England Regional Championships

Saturday 8 March • Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ


Contest: West of England Regional Championships

Saturday 8 March • Upton Vale Baptist Church, St Marychurch Road, Caste Circus, Torquay, TQ1 3HY


Contest: Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 March • Bedworth Civic Hall, High St, Bedworth CV12 8NF


Contest: Scottish Championships 2025

Sunday 9 March • Mill Street, Perth PH1 5HZ


Chinnor Silver

March 8 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet every other monday morning(nxt one this monday) and we are looking for CORNET PLAYERS to join us.. you do not need to change your affiliation as we just offer free fun music making with cake and coffee thrown in.


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

March 8 • Wakefield Metropolitan are looking for Bass player and percussionist to help the band move forward after a promising area performance


Ilkeston Brass

March 7 • Ilkeston Brass is a friendly 4th section band based in the SE of Derbyshire. We are looking for cornet players to continue our long heritage of brass banding. Cornet seat negotiable!


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd