*
banner

Ireland add Cheltenham duo

The experienced brace of Gavin Somerset and Martyn Beckett will join Midlanders challenger at Cheltenham.

Ireland Colliery Chesterfield logo
 

Ireland Colliery Chesterfield has welcomed percussionists Gavin Somerset and Martyn Beckett to the ranks in time for their third consecutive trip to the National Finals in Cheltenham in a few weeks time.

Experience

Gavin joins after recently playing with Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) whilst Martyn brings with him experience from playing with Shirland, Riddings and bands in the Midlands area.

Welcome

MD Ian Knapton told 4BR: "It’s great to welcome these talented and experienced players in time for the Finals. They will be joining a strong section and will add that bit of spark that ‘Penlee’ requires."

Cheltenham goodbye

Meanwhile the band will say goodbye to soprano player Dr Owen Wedgewood and principal cornet George Newbould after their Cheltenham appearance.

Owen will be making his 17th trip to the finals this year and the band wish him well for the future, whilst George has been in the band since the age of 12 starting on cornet. After moving up the ranks he has been principal cornet for the last 16 months.

It’s great to welcome these talented and experienced players in time for the Finals. They will be joining a strong section and will add that bit of spark that ‘Penlee’ requiresMD, Ian Knapton

Sad

Ian Knapton added: "It’s always sad to see players leave. Owen joined us when we were in need of a soprano cornet and has done a great job supporting us. We have seen George grow into a fine young man and we’re the band that gave him the platform to develop his talent."

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    


podcast

Join us now — 4BR Review podcast: Lessons from Europe?

October 29 • Join the discussion on whether or not UK banding can learn from the way in which our European friends host their major championship competitions.


Gregson

Gregson at 80 in Scotland

October 28 • Music by and chosen by the acclaimed composer will be performed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland this evening.


Paul Mealor

Foden's to premiere new Paul Mealor work at leading festival

October 28 • Foden's will give the world premiere of 'Tranquil Abiding' at St Asaph Cathedral as part of the North Wales International Music Festival.


Harry Porthouse

Porthouse reprise at Leyland

October 28 • Harry Porthouse takes over the principal cornet seat at Leyland Band from Lewis Barton — following in his father's footsteps.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Soprano Cornet. Solo Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

October 29 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . 1st Horn . Solo Euphonium . 2nd Baritone .


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd