*
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    


BBC proms

Black Dyke Proms broadcast on Radio 2

August 16 • You can enjoy Black Dyke Band's BBC Proms performance on Radio 2 this evening.


Lyndon Baglin

Death of Lyndon Baglin BEM

August 16 • The death has been announced of the great euphonium player Lyndon Baglin.


aobba

Quintet to enjoy judging experience in York

August 16 • Five aspiring adjudicators will enjoy the experience of being in the box at the Section 104 National Finals this year.


Kaz

Mass enthusiasm grows for banding in Japan

August 16 • The Tokyo Brass Band Festival saw over 80 players from 10 Japanese bands join musical forces.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


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


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Band are looking for a percussionist, ideally tune although the ability to play an anvil is an absolute must! We play exciting music with lots of percussion so there's plenty to keep you occupied.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

August 18 • Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band are looking for brass and percussion players to join their new concert band who will be making music for the good folk in London, without the pressure of contesting.


Marconi Brass

August 15 • We are looking for a cornet to join our friendly, ambitious second section band under the baton of our Musical Director, Jonathan Crowhurst. Based in Rochester, Kent, we rehearse on a Monday evening at Holcombe Hockey Club, 19:45-21:30.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd