*
banner

Milnrow welcomes back prize sextet

Six returnee signings are welcomed back by Milnrow Band.

Milnrow
 

The Milnrow Band has announced six new signings to the band, with no less than five being returnees.

Return

Kenny Pain, Natalie Beer, Claire Westacott, Frances Thewlis and Mick Morris have all joined the playing ranks whilst Dave Hebb takes on the mantle as the band’s Associate Conductor working alongside Musical Director Mareika Gray.

Kenny Pain returns on soprano after short time away pursuing his ongoing conducting career with Dobcross Silver Band. Kenny replaces Jay Abbott who recently moved back to Nottingham.

Natalie Beer joins the band on 2nd cornet having previously played flugel with Hepworth. Claire Westacott comes in on flugel following successful periods with Pennine Brass, Hepworth and Hammonds Saltaire Bands.

Year out

After an absence of nearly a year, band manager Frances Thewlis returns to the playing ranks on solo horn following the birth of her third child, whilst Mick Morris returns to head the bass section from Brighouse & Rastrick, after an absence of nearly 11 years from the band.

We welcome these players and look forward to a successful futureMedia Officer, Jonny Shaw

Welcome

Finally, Dave Hebb returns to the middle of the band from Brighouse & Rastrick after an absence of around 10 years.

Media Officer Jonny Shaw told 4BR: “We welcome these players and look forward to a successful future.”

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    


Brisbane Exclesior

Results: 2026 Yamaha Australian National Championships

April 5 • Brisbane Excelsior regains National title with Grade honours to Willoughby Band No. 2, Whitehorse Brass, Hyde Street Youth, City of Ballarat Municipal Brass, Box Hill Academy Brass and Brisbane State High School Brass.


Principals

National Youth sets out musical principals ahead of twin concerts

April 5 • The 90 young players of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain are being out through their paces ahead of their twin Easter Course performances.


Elgar Festival

Elgar attractions gain ticket take up

April 5 • Brass Band Willebroek, Black Dyke, Foden's, Flowers, David Childs and the RBC Brass Band are attracting the crowds for their Elgar International Festival of Brass appearances.


BBCA

Pankhurst and Wainwright works to test conductor skills

April 5 • 'Ghosts of Industry' and 'Metamorphosis on Finlandia' will test the 10 semi-finalists in the Brass Band Conductors' Association Conducting Competition in June.


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet Brass Quintet

Tuesday 7 April • Charlton House. Charlton Road . London SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 3 • We have vacancies for a trombone player and a bass player. Cleethorpes Band rehearse near the seafront on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the NOE 4th section. Other players are always welcome as we may be able to switch positions around


Tintwistle Band

April 2 • . Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd horn 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

April 2 • Tintwistle Band are looking for an Eb bass 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.


Stephen Phillips

MA, BA (Homs), PQSI, NPQH, PGCE
Conductor, Band Trainer, Educator, Compere


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd