*
banner

Kingdom trio warm frozen cockles after icy dip

The trio of synchronised trombone playing swimmers of Kingdom Brass are just about thawed out — thanks to the generosity of their sponsors.

Troms away
 

The Kingdom Brass synchronised open water swimming team of Chris Mansfield, David Frame and Bill Sandell may well be still recovering the feeling in their extremities from their New Year’s Day dip into the icy waters of the Firth of Forth, but they have certainly been warmed to the cockles of their hearts by the fantastic response their dip into the Scottish sea has produced.

£1000 barrier

They are currently on target to push through the £1,000 fund raising barrier for the SANDS Charity after they joined around 150 people on the windswept Kirkcaldy Esplanade for the official Dook for McMillan Cancer Trust.

The intrepid trio waded out with misplaced bravery up to their waists to play a special version of ‘A Guid New Year’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne’ before taking the plunge and diving head first under the waves.

Waist height

Bill told 4BR: "Once we reached waist height that was it – next stop was Norway! We played and then turned around and to make our triumphal headlong dive!"

Thankfully, the trio was soon warmed up that other well known Scottish form of celebration – with plenty of whisky.

Once we reached waist height that was it – next stop was Norway! We played and then turned around and to make our triumphal headlong dive!Bill Sandell

Warm up

Bill added: "When we finally got out we headed back to the bandhall where a generous amount of booze awaited us.

To sum it up, the whole day was a tremendous buzz. We were first to arrive on the Prom and about last to leave. None of us fully realised how many people were going to be there so that was a huge surprise. The support we got was immense and the weather couldn’t have been any better — sunny and a mighty 3 degrees!"

Generosity

Thanks to the generosity of Warwick Music the trio will be auctioning a brand new white pBone — NOT, it must be added, one of the ones used for the dip into the sea. Details will soon be published on the Scottish Brass Band Association website.

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    


Ask daisy

New campaign launched to support women in banding

March 8 • International Womens' Day sees the launch of 'Ask Daisy', an initiative that aims to support women in UK brass bands experiencing harassment and abuse.


Perth Concert Hall

Results: 2025 Scottish Championships

March 8 • Whitburn leads the way in Perth with section wins for Granite City, Perthshire Brass, Renfrew Burgh and Arbroath & Carnoustie.


Bedworth

Results: 2025 Midlands Regional Championships

March 8 • GUS lead the prizes winners in Bedworth with section victories to Foss Dyke, Ibstock Brick Brass and Syston.


Torquay

Results: 2025 West of England Regional Championships

March 8 • Aldbourne lead the way in Torquay with section titles going to Roche Brass, Porthleven, Bratton Silver and Illogan Sparnon Silver.


Contest: Scottish Championships 2025

Saturday 8 March • Mill Street, Perth PH1 5HZ


Contest: West of England Regional Championships

Saturday 8 March • Riviera International Centre, Chestnut Avenue, Torquay TQ2 5LZ


Contest: West of England Regional Championships

Saturday 8 March • Upton Vale Baptist Church, St Marychurch Road, Caste Circus, Torquay, TQ1 3HY


Contest: Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 March • Bedworth Civic Hall, High St, Bedworth CV12 8NF


Contest: Scottish Championships 2025

Sunday 9 March • Mill Street, Perth PH1 5HZ


Chinnor Silver

March 8 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet every other monday morning(nxt one this monday) and we are looking for CORNET PLAYERS to join us.. you do not need to change your affiliation as we just offer free fun music making with cake and coffee thrown in.


Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band

March 8 • Wakefield Metropolitan are looking for Bass player and percussionist to help the band move forward after a promising area performance


Ilkeston Brass

March 7 • Ilkeston Brass is a friendly 4th section band based in the SE of Derbyshire. We are looking for cornet players to continue our long heritage of brass banding. Cornet seat negotiable!


Stephen Phillips

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd