*
banner

New principal at Rainford

Amy Hopkins takes over the top chair at Rainford.

Rainford
 

The Rainford Band has announced that Amy Hopkins has taken over the role as their new principal cornet player.

Last decade

Amy has played repiano and flugel for the North West band over the last decade as well as playing for St Helens Youth and Haydock Bands.

Young and talented

MD Neil Samuel commented to 4BR: "Amy is a young and very talented player and I look forward to taking the band forward with her on principal cornet. She is a well respected member of the band and everyone is confident that she is going to do a fantastic job."

Amy is a young and very talented player and I look forward to taking the band forward with her on principal cornetMD, Neil Samuel

Thank you

Amy replaces Anna Spedding, who has been with the band for the last three years. Band Chairman Paul Rigby added: "We would like to thank Anna for her hard work and dedication during her time at the band and wish her all the best for the future."

In addition Peter Banks comes to the band on first horn after spells with Wire Brass and Pemberton Old, whilst Nicola Gates joins on third cornet having previously played for Pemberton and Marsden, but most recently as principal cornet with Golborne.

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    


Wright and Round

Wright & Round: Cottonopolis (Esme Harper)

March 18 • An upbeat concert march celebrating the industrial heritage of Manchester.


That's Not Banding

Podcast: That's Not Banding: Norway Special — Episode 17

March 18 • Find out how the dynamic duo enjoyed themselves at this year's Norwegian National Championships.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

March 18 • More music to enjoy over the airwaves from Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge with a broadcast from the West of England Area Championships.


EBBC

European judges announced

March 18 • EBBA has announced the panel of judges that will make the decisions at the European Championships in Linz.


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd euphonium and 2nd baritone player to help complete the 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.


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete the 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.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd