*
banner

Besses Boys had out the gongs

There were plenty of awards on offer at the recent Besses Boys Solo Competition and awards night.

Besses Boys
 

Besses Boys Band has been handing out their annual awards following their recent successful Solo Contest.

Newsome judges

The event started with every member of the senior and training band performing across four sections for adjudicator Dr. Roy Newsome. Each section was closely contested though the outcome proved fruitful for the bands cornet section!

Prize winners:

Training Band Section: Jacob Saunders — Cornet
Intermediate Section: Thomas Leach — Soprano
Advanced Section: Bradley Hirst — Cornet
Ensemble Section: Paul Mitchell & Thomas Leach — Flugel/Soprano

There was also a presentation of the bands special awards selected by MD James Holt:

Best Attendance: Thomas Ridgley & Catherine Fox
Most Improved Player: Thomas Leach
Most Promising New Recruit: Matthew Stenson
Bands Bandsperson of the Year: Becca Hurst
Bandsperson of the Year: Claire Mumford

A special presentation was made to Chairman and bass trombone player Neil Matthews who received the award for ‘Services to the Band’4BR

Special presentation

A special presentation was made to Chairman and bass trombone player Neil Matthews who received the award for ‘Services to the Band’.

MD James Holt spoke of the tireless work Neil does did, culminating in him receiving a rousing standing ovation.

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    


Bousfield

Welsh look forward to Bousfield appearance

February 10 • Students, staff and brass band fans are looking forward to hearing one of the world's finest trombone players in action this Friday.


Concord

Concord concert replay at RNCM

February 10 • You can now enjoy the concert performance of Danish champion Concord Brass Band from the recent RNCM International Brass Band Festival.


Doodles

Doodles offer refresh for Area mouthpiece needs

February 10 • Doodles Mouthpiece Replating can offer a 48 hour replating service for players looking to give their mouthpiece a refresh ahead of the Areas.


SBBA

Mixed AGM news to report for Scottish Brass Band Association

February 10 • There was both good and bad news to report at the annual general meeting of the Scottish Brass Band Association.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Thornton Cleveleys Band

February 10 • MD POSITION AVAILABLE AFTER NW AREA CONTEST.. A full and happy band awaits. Currently 3rd section. Confirmed entry to Fleetwood Contest. . Based in the Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde area.


Linthwaite Band

February 10 • We are a friendly 4th section Band , looking forward to the Yorkshire area contest next month, after which we will require a cornet player, position negotiable. Our calendar is also filling up with various engagements for the year.


Chinnor Silver

February 10 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday(16th) at 11 am.. We welcome players of all abilities who would like a relaxed friendly rehearsal.. Playing with us doesn't impact your No 1 band its just an extra blow with coffee and cake


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd