*
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    


pocast

4BR Review: Episode 19

June 15 • Join Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas on Wednesday 17th June at 7.00pm for the latest live broadcast 4BR Review.


Thoresby

Result: 2026 Wetherby March & Hymn Tune

June 15 • Thoresby Colliery takes 'The Drovers' march and hymn tune honours in Wetherby.


Newstead

Result: 2026 East Midlands March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 15 • Newstead Brass lead the march and hymn way to victory at a sunny Harborough.


wITHINGTON

Withington bows out with a Russian flourish

June 15 • The musical partnership between Allan Withington and Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band came to an end in France with a memorable musical flourish.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Harrogate Band

June 15 • After a fantastic result at the Wetherby Drovers Contest, The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row and a back row cornet player to complete the team. Rehearsals Weds 8pm with occasional Sundays at our own bandroom with great transport links


Tintwistle Band

June 15 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up would love to get this seat filled!. As a second section band,we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our bandroom in Tintwistle under the baton of MD Jim Henson.


Cambrian Brass

June 14 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band - whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or moving to Aberystwyth for university.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd