*
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    


Petition

Petition aims to stop potential music services cut

November 26 • An on-line petition has now been submitted to try and stop cuts to instrumental music services in Dumfries & Galloway.


Lydbrook

Report & Results: 2025 GBBA Contest

November 26 • Lydbrook head an impressive contest day of music making in Gloucestershire.


Newstead

Results: 2025 NEMBBA Contest

November 26 • Newstead Brass led the prize-winners in South Normanton with section wins for Hucknall & Linby MC, Hathern, Long Eaton Silver and Swinton & District Excelsior.


A Touch of Brass

Radio: Touch of Brass

November 26 • More music to enjoy over the airwaves from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

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


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Dobcross Silver Band

November 25 • Due to family commitments we have a rare vacancy for an Eb BASS PLAYER. . As current NW Area 3rd Section Champions and 2025 National Champions we start our journey in the 2nd Section in 2026! Are you the missing piece to our otherwise full band?


Fulham Brass Band

November 25 • Fulham Brass Band are seeking an inspirational and talented Musical Director to take the band forward and guide our return to the L&SC Championship Section. . . We rehearse on Monday evenings 7.15-9.45 at St Etheldreda's Church, Fulham Palace Road, London.


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd