*
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    


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

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


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026,


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 9 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd