*
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    


Brass in Concert

Brass in Concert draws confirmed

May 1 • The draws for the 2026 Brass in Concert and Youth Brass in Concert Championships have been confirmed after being made in Linz.


Spring Festival

Final preparations in place for Spring Festival

April 30 • Bands and organisers are putting the final parts in place ahead of the Spring Festival in Birmingham.


Spring Festival

Run event reminder for Spring Festival

April 29 • Birmingham will be busy with runners on the Spring Festival weekend


Elgar Howarth

Howarth remembered

April 29 • The musical life and career of Elgar Howarth has been marked by a special programme on Radio 3.


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Saturday 25 April • St Wilfrid's Church. Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd