*
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    


Mike Kilroy

Kilroy steps back from BBE role to follow health treatment

September 7 • Mike Kilroy will take a temporary step down as Chairperson of Brass Bands England to undergo treatment for prostate cancer.


Music of the Spheres

Check out the Spheres before Symphony Hall

September 7 • The countdown to the British Open sees the competing bands previewing their final preparations on 'Music of the Spheres' — so why not pop along and see how they are getting on.


Money

British Open Countdown: T minus 5

September 7 • Glory and cash. One is priceless, the other pays the bills... but how much are they worth?


Murray Greig

Greig's to deliver in Leicester for free

September 7 • There is a free day of brass for young players to enjoy under the expert tuition of Murray Grieg this weekend — so make sure you sign up to enjoy.


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


Barnsley Brass

September 6 • We are looking to recruit a Flugel Horn and Back Row Cornet players. We are based in Worsbrough Bridge by the A61 south of Barnsley. S70 5LJ. Rehearsals are Mondays / Thursdays at 8pm in our purpose-built band room..


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd