*
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    


bbe

Progress and challenges reported at BBE AGM

February 16 • The recent Annual General Meeting of Brass Bands England saw reports of consolidation and progress as well as resetting and rebuilding.


Castell Beaumaris

Wright & Round: Castell Beaumaris (Andy Wareham)

February 16 • A new homage addition to the iconic castle marches of the great T.J. Powell from the pen of Andy Wareham.


Italian Brass BAND

New conducting talent supported in Rome

February 16 • The Italian Brass Band continues to help support its emerging brass band culture with its masterclass conducting series.


Royal College of Music

Royal College of Music offers weekend of Youth Brass tuition

February 15 • The RCM Youth Brass weekend will offer youngsters an invaluable opportunity of practical workshops and coaching this April.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Oxted Band

February 17 • CORNET & TROMBONE - Our friendly, ambitious band is looking for a Cornet player (position negotiable) and Trombonists (1st and Bass) to complete our line up for 2026. Led by MD Darrell Scholes, we have a wide range of engagements and events planned.


West Wycombe Brass Band

February 15 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for a Flugel and Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Tintwistle Band

February 15 • We need a 2nd baritone player to help complete our team. . We are competing in the second section midlands area next month, but due to illness now also need to fill this seat for the contest.. We enjoy a full calendar of concerts,contests,and social events.


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd