*
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    


lbrrt

Report & Result: 2026 National Championship of Great Britain

October 3 • Cory returns on the road to victory as Philip Harper's band reclaims National title honours at the Royal Albert Hall.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review — Episode 22

October 2 • A preview of the 2026 Championship Section National Final at the Royal Albert Hall and the issues that arise....


NYBBGB

NYBBGB launches Young Composer competition

October 2 • Young composers aged 30 and under are being asked to create a new work for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


James Shepherd

New award to be presented at Royal Albert Hall

October 2 • A wonderful new award in memory of one of the greatest ever cornet players will be made at the Royal Albert Hall this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Thundersley Brass Band

Tuesday 6 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Kibworth Band

October 3 • Kibworth Band seeks a Musical Director to lead our rebuilding and drive musical progress. Based in South Leicestershire, we rehearse Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm. We compete in the Championship Section, moving to First Section from January 2027.


Epping Forest Band

October 2 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Olney Brass

September 30 • We are a friendly and committed THIRD SECTION band looking for:. . - CORNETS (Front & Back Row). - SOLO HORN. . Engagements and concerts in the Olney/Milton Keynes area.. Rehearsals in Milton Keynes MK15 (5 mins from J14 of M1) on Tuesdays 7.45-9.45pm.


Dr Brett Baker

BSc (Hons), ARCM, PG Dip
Marketing Lead, Denis Wick & Alliance Products; Artist at Michael Rath Instruments


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd