*
banner

On yer bike...

British Bandsman Editor Kenny Crookston is making an early bid for the Tour de France....

Crookston
 

British Bandsman Editor, Kenny Crookston, is currently in the middle of a lifetime’s ambition by cycling from Lands End to John O’ Groats.

In the saddle

He is now fast approaching seven days in the saddle as he makes his way along the 900 miles from the south-west tip of England to the north-east point of Scotland.

And despite some terrible weather, aching legs (and other parts of his weary body) he is making excellent progress4BR

Weary body

And despite some terrible weather, aching legs (and other parts of his weary body) he is making excellent progress as he travels up through the country, hoping to reach his homeland destination on the 22nd June.

Kenny hopes that his efforts will help raise a considerable amount for Leukemia and Lymphoma Research ( www.beatbloodcancers.org), The Salvation Army’s work at Chikankata Hospital in Zambia ( www.salvationarmy.org/chikankata) and Mary’s Meals ( www.marysmeals.org.uk)

Raising funds

So why not help him on his way (beep your horn if you see him on the road!) and help raise much needed funds for some wonderful charities too.

Please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KennethCrookston < http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KennethCrookston> if you would like to make a donation to these worthy causes.

You can keep an eye on his progress at British Bandsman’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/british.bandsman or on Twitter @BB1887.

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    


Podcast: The Brass Monkeys Episode 8

May 9 • The latest episode of the banding podcast with a Welsh flavour is now out, with a feature on Royal Buckley


Darwen Brass

Darwen appeal success for National Championships

May 9 • The band's successful final appeal sees then head to Cheltenham later this year as North West Regional Champion.


euro

Report & Result: 2025 European Conductor Competition

May 8 • Jaap Musschenga of The Netherlands wins the first European title of the weekend in Stavanger.


Gevena

Geneva offers two free tickets for Euros in Stavanger

May 6 • If you are quick off the mark in Stavanger on Friday then you can get your hands on two tickets for all the main attractions for the weekend — but you must bring a mouthpiece.


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Saturday 10 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Contest: 103rd Spring Festival

Saturday 10 May • Winter Gardens Complex, Church Street, Blackpool. . FY1 1HU


Dobcross Silver Band - Glossop Old Band

Sunday 11 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Dobcross Silver Band - 150th Anniversary and reunion Concert

Sunday 18 May • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Olney Brass

May 8 • Ambitious and friendly L&SC 2nd section contesting band, based in Newport Pagnell (near to jnct 14, M1) currently seeking the following players: CORNETS (solo cornets desired, positions negotiable), Eb BASS, FLUGELHORN, PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM.


Bedford Town Band

May 8 • 1st horn position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Bedford Town Band

May 8 • BBb bass position available at Bedford Town Band (First section). If you are interested in becoming part of our friendly band, we would love to hear from you. Planned contests this year include Wychavon .


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd