*
banner

Co-op report huge losses

Co-operative Band Crewe announce huge losses — and they are over the moon about it too.

Crewe
 

The Co-operative Band Crewe is losing players at a rate of knots – and it is news that a dozen members of the band are delighted about!

Losing pounds

A New Years resolution to shed 15 stone in weight, and be fitter, not fatter, by the time the band competed in the North West Area contest in Blackpool at the end of February has seen the 12 slimmers raise funds but lose pounds in the process.

’Weigh-In’ takes place in the bandroom every Wednesday evening before practice with flugel player Sarah Sparkes, keeping track of how the group are progressing.

Trying hard

Sarah told 4BR: "The slimmers are all trying really hard, and this week they’ve been especially pleased to still lose a total of 2 stone, despite all of us attending, and enjoying, the band’s annual dinner!"

She added: "It’s really been the motivation some players needed to do this together, and we share hints and tips, too. Nobody has to know anyone else’s weight. I just keep the records confidentially and announce the difference each week. People can sponsor our slimmers if they wish, too."

25 days into their healthier regime, the group have already shed an amazing 8st 11.5lbs4BR

Shed

25 days into their healthier regime, the group have already shed an amazing 8st 11.5lbs.

And despite expecting their weight loss to slow down now, all 12 have stated their desire to carry on to hit their target – and fit into new band uniforms!

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    


Chinnor

New direction at Chinnor

January 17 • Chris Andrews takes the baton alongside a trio of new signings as the band looks forward to making its First Section debut at Stevenage.


webster

Wonderful response to charity concert

January 17 • A concert to help raise funds for a young family man with a close connection to the old banding world has already gained a wonderful response of support.


Review

4BR Review — Episode 14

January 16 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox is joined by Chris Thomas and special guest Dr David Thornton to preview the 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival in Manchester.


Finalists

Final beats made ahead of NYBBGB Conducting Final

January 16 • Ammal Bhatia, Megan Bousfield, Tommy Tynan and Joey Wong will head to Tidworth Garrison Theatre in Wiltshire with the aim to become the winner of the prestigious event supported by British Army Music.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


East London Brass

January 16 • CORNET PLAYER - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a cornet player to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Enderby Band

January 16 • Following our 2nd place finish at the LBBA winter contest and recent promotion to the Senior Cup for the 2026 Spring Festival, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET, a BBb BASS and PERCUSSIONISTS to complete our friendly and hardworking team.


Petworth Town Band

January 15 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with concerts and engagements planned throughout the year.


Jack Capstaff

Bmus (Hons)
Conductor | Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd