*
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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Crewe Brass

September 16 • We are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd