*
banner

The Stretford End plays to the beat of a new drum

The Stretford Band will be kept in time thanks to a generous donation to secure new percussion.

Stretford Band
 

The Stretford Band recently received a very kind donation to enable the band to purchase a brand new drum kit.

Donation

The donation was received from Connie Sparkes, in memory of her husband Fred, who was an avid supporter of the band for many years and attended all of their concerts.

The extremely generous donation of £500 went a considerable way towards the purchase of a brand new, and much needed, Yamaha Stage Custom drum kit.

I was delighted when Connie came forward and donated £500 in memory of her late husband, Fred. Our sincere gratitude goes out to Connie, who is also a keen supporter of Stretford BandMD, Craig Mann

Dilapidated

Musical Director, Craig Mann told 4BR: "Our percussion equipment has been in a dilapidated state for a long time, and we thought it was time to buy a new drum kit.

I was delighted when Connie came forward and donated £500 in memory of her late husband, Fred. Our sincere gratitude goes out to Connie, who is also a keen supporter of Stretford Band."

Connie is the mother of the band's Chairman and Principal Euphonium, Steve Sparkes, who along with his wife, Helen, has been a member of the band for a number of years.

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 Podcast

4BR British Open preview podcast

September 9 • Join 4BR to air your views and opinions this evening at 7.00pm ahead of this year's British Open Championship at Symphony Hall.


Sphere success

British Open Countdown: T minus 3

September 9 • The form guide for the bookies on who has previously tasted success on 'Music of the Spheres' doesn't give much away...


York Barbican

Wobplay video recordings to be made at York National Finals

September 8 • Full video recordings will be made of all the performances at the forthcoming York Barbican National Finals.


Sydney City

British Open Countdown: T minus 4

September 8 • Sydney City Brass is the latest Australian band to try an emulate their remarkable predecessors in winning the famous British Open Gold Shield.


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


Chinnor Silver

September 8 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (14th) at 11am in our bandroom.. We welcome players of all abilities who wish to join us in a relaxed friendly rehearsal.. It also involves tea and cake and its free to all..


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.


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd