*
banner

Walker makes journey to help Reg Vardy

Trombone star Richard Walker recently stepped into the breach to help out Reg Vardy at the British Open.

Reg Vardy
 

The Reg Vardy Band has extended their thanks to trombone player Richard Walker and the Thoresby Band for their emergency assistance at the recent British Open in Birmingham.

Tricky situation

The North of England champion band found themselves in a tricky situation as regular solo trombone players Chris Bentham found out on the Wednesday before the contest that he would be unable to play in Birmingham.

Stepped in

As a respected player and friend of the band, Richard, stepped in and drove three hours from Nottingham to attend Thursday’s rehearsal before catching up with the band in Birmingham on Friday evening.

Obviously when we realised Chris couldn’t play, it was a massive blow for, but Richard was a superb replacementLaura Jackson, Reg Vary Band

Superb replacement

Reg Vardy’s Laura Jackson told 4BR: "Obviously when we realised Chris couldn’t play, it was a massive blow for, but Richard was a superb replacement and we are very grateful for his commitment at such short notice. We can’t thank him enough."

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    


Herbert

Brass bands on the Telegraph lines

August 31 • The Daily Telegraph's review of Prof Trevor Herbert's new book on brass bands draws a positive future outlook from critic Ivan Hewett.


Insurance

T&R Direct Insurance Services: A guide to brass band insurance

August 31 • Loads of things all bands and players need to know about protecting instruments


Wobplay

Banding classics added to Wobplay

August 31 • A great trio of classic banding releases, a new podcast episode and the chance to look back at this year's Elgar International Festival.


Camborne

Camborne Brass look to raise funds after break-in vandalism

August 31 • A Crowdfunding page has been launched to help Camborne Brass after vandals broke into their bandhall and caused extensive damage.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd