*
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    


Gareth Ritter

Former conductor sentenced for sexually assaulting 17 year old girl

November 4 • Gareth Ritter has been given a 33-month sentence, suspended for 30 months for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl in 2015. He will be placed on the sex offenders register for life.


Brabbins

Childs and Brabbins to showcase Mealor Concerto

November 3 • Paul Mealor's 'Euphonium Concerto' is to be performed this Friday in Swansea by David Childs under the baton of Martyn Brabbins with the National Orchestra of Wales.


Maurice Andre

Saunas and butter — what made Andre the giant so great...

November 3 • If you ever wondered what the secret of Maurice Andre's success was — then an article from 1987 revealed all about his morning practice regime...


Prof Childs

Childs enjoys latest Japanese trip

November 3 • Black Dyke Band's Director of Music has just returned from his latest musical trip to Japan.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Audley Brass

November 4 • Audley Brass are seeking a Solo Cornet/Repiano player as we continue to push for promotion to the Championship Section and qualification to the Spring Festival. We have a full events diary for 2027 including several epic beer festival nights.


Audley Brass

November 4 • Audley Brass are seeking a Bass Trombone player as we continue to push for promotion to the Championship Section and qualification to the Spring Festival. We have a full events diary for 2027 including several epic beer festival nights.


Tintwistle Band

November 4 • 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 Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom, under the baton of our new MD Tom Haslam.


Jenny Gartside

Bsc Hons
Jeweller, brass band themed jewellery and pin badges


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd