*
banner

Manly delights for Porthouse

Ian Porthouse has just returned from a great weekend of banding on the Isle of Man.

Porhtouse
 

Ian Porthouse has just returned from an enjoyable weekend of banding on the Isle of Man with Ramsay Town Band.

Local band for local people

Ian spent the extended weekend preparing the band for their annual concert, which on the Sunday evening saw the local school hall packed out with over 300 brass band lovers coming to listen to their local band.

Fantastic weekend

Ian told 4BR: "It was a fantastic weekend and such a great atmosphere, even if the temperature in the concert hall was close to boiling point! The band comprised over 45 members and is in great shape with age range of 10 to 84. I won’t give away the identity of the oldest players but their instruments had slides!"

The main work of the concert was Philip Sparke’s, 'Music for a Festival', which Ian chose to challenge the band as well as give the audience the opportunity to listen to some exciting original brass band repertoire.

"The band responded so well to the challenge that I think they could have really managed something even more difficult," Ian added.

Dusted off

Also included in the concert were Philip’s 'Jubilee Overture' and some great solo contributions from band members. Ian even dusted off his cornet and managed a couple of solos too!

There were so many parents and relatives there to enjoy the night – and the Nippers did them proud. The future of Ramsey Town Band is very secure indeed4BR

Nipper highlight

One of the highlights of the night was the performance of the Ramsay Junior Band who go by the great name of Neptune Street Nippers (the bandroom is on Neptune St!).

Ian was impressed by the next generation of young players on view: "There were so many parents and relatives there to enjoy the night – and the Nippers did them proud. The future of Ramsey Town Band is very secure indeed."

Credit

Ian also added that much of the credit to the success of the band goes to conductor Robert Quane, whose drive and enthusiasm is infectious and makes every rehearsal so productive and fun that the band numbers just keep growing.

Next year sees the band celebrate 30 years since their reformation and they are already planning something very special to make it a year to remember.

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    


the cooperation band

Half century mark for cooperation players

October 7 • Keith Johnstone and Ray Munday have just notched up 50 years of outstanding service to the brass band movement — with an appearance at the Albert Hall to help with the celebrations.


Hindmarsh

Heaton spotlight on Radio 3

October 7 • The life and music of Wilfred Heaton will be discussed by author Paul Hindmarsh on Radio 3's flagship arts programme 'In Tune' next Monday.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

October 7 • The new podcast episode from Sandy Smith and Simon Gresswell is now out.


Hands

Smith and Cutt to lead Slaithwaite Area challenge

October 7 • Jason M Smith and Prof Garry Cutt will be the musical leads as Slaithwaite look to make a qualification mark at the Yorkshire Area next year.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 5 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd