*
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    


York Barbican

Result: 2026 First Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 19 • Marsden discover the source of a thunderous success in York.


York Barbican

Result: 2026 Second Section National Championship of Great Britain

September 19 • Harborough and Ben Smith have the courage of their musical convictions to claim the honours in York.


NYBBNI

National Youth Brass Band of Northern Ireland marks second mark

September 19 • The National Youth Brass Band of Northern Ireland has made its second public appearance in bringing the recent Enniskillen BrassFest to a close.


York rooms

National good luck for bands from rooms4groups

September 18 • The accommodation specialists are supporting all the bands on their competitive visit to their home city this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

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


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

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


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites percussion players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites BBb Bass players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


Kibworth Band

September 18 • Kibworth Band (First Section from Jan - South Leicestershire) invites Euphonium players to join our friendly, ambitious team. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room under MD Brendan Caddy.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd