*
banner

Afghan loss for Chalgrove

Chalgrove Band loses a valued player to the RAF in Afghanistan, but sees a quartet come and join the ranks.

Chalgrove
 

Following on from their recent successful fund raising concert on behalf of the British Legion, the Chalgrove Band will embark upon their busy summer concert and contest season without the services of solo horn, Flight Lieutenant Mike Parker.

Camp Bastion

Mike, an air traffic controller in the RAF, has served the band fantastically well for four years but will now commence a period of service at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

Replacing him is Rob Andrews, who has kindly agreed to step into the breach whilst the band also welcomes cornet player Chris Ison and the baritone and tuba duo of Viv Jackson and Matt Ager.

Whilst it can be difficult for bands to cope with losing exceptional players such as Mike, we are delighted to welcome Viv, Rob, Matt and Chris to the ranksChairman, Grahan Ruecroft

Delighted

Chairman Graham Ruecroft told 4BR: "Whilst it can be difficult for bands to cope with losing exceptional players such as Mike, we are delighted to welcome Viv, Rob, Matt and Chris to the ranks."

He added: "I'm sure all four will really make a difference and help us to reach the Second Section next year. We wish Mike all the very best in his career with the RAF."

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    


whit friday

Report & Results: 2025 Christmas Whit Friday

December 13 • Diggle and Dobcross Youth get an early Christmas prezzie contest bonus on a night of festive fun in Delph.


National Youth Championships

Judges announced for 2026 National Youth Championships

December 11 • Anna Wilby, Christopher Bond, Stephanie Kennedy, Lauren Chinn, Daniel Brooks and Ailsa Russell (above) will be making the decisions at the National Youth Championships next March.


Brass Matters

Podcast: Brass Matters — The Centre of Things Part 1

December 11 • Join John Wallace and friends as they discuss his latest musical project.


rules

Regional Championship borrowing rules confirmed

December 11 • Bands in Sections 1-4 will be able to borrow players to boost their chances of National Championship qualification.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Petworth Town Band

December 9 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with an inspirational MD Paula Streeter. Concerts are planned for next year and we would welcome you to join us


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 9 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.


Flookburgh band

December 9 • Flookburgh Band Vacancy ........ Musical Director . . We are newly promoted to the Second Section and looking for an inspirational Musical Director to lead us forward!. Concerts: 5 main concerts per year + summer engagements . .


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd