*
banner

Dusty donations required!

If you have an old instrument gathering dust on a shelf somewhere then there are youngsters at Midsomer Norton & Radstock desperate to get their hands on it.

Midsomer players
 

A heartfelt plea has gone out from the young players of Midsomer Norton & Radstock Silver Brass Academy for help in getting them more instruments to play on.

Recruitment campaign

A great recruitment campaign and a vibrant atmosphere of fun and learning has meant that the Academy is now bursting at the seams with youngsters all wanting to take up brass and percussion, so demand for instruments at the moment is far out stripping potential supply!

MD Jo Sykes told 4BR that although it’s disappointing not be able to give everyone an instrument to play on, it’s a wonderful headache to try and cure!

"It’s a great problem to try and sort out! The band organisation now consists of a Beginners, Training and Senior ensemble and we have been working hard raising funds to get new instruments as best we can.

However, the demand means that at the moment some of our enthusiastic Beginners have to go without, so our plea goes out to anyone with an old instrument lying about that they think deserves to be loved, cherished and played, please get in touch!"

Once hooked

Jo added: "We do have some funds to meet some costs of purchase, but most of all we just want to give youngsters the opportunity to play in a brass band. Once they are hooked they never give up!"

most of all we just want to give youngsters the opportunity to play in a brass band. Once they are hooked they never give up!Jo Sykes

Contact

If there is anyone who can help, please contact Carole Stone on 07986 499028 or Jo Sykes on 07800 767712.

Also if you are interested in joining the Academy we meet in Radstock Methodist Church on a Tuesday and Friday evening at 6:15pm.

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    


Bedworth

Midlands Area confirm 2027 judges

November 2 • The adjudication teams for the 2027 Midlands Regional Championships have been announced.


Marsden

Marsden able to continue to honour lost lives

November 1 • Marsden Silver Prize Band's historic bass drum has been restored from flood damage to ensure the sacrifice of those lost in conflict is never forgotten,


Eikanger

Eikanger continues link with youth

November 1 • The Siddis champion has been continuing its inspirational links with youth bands and organisations in its Bergen region.


Cornelian Parker

Perpetual Canon seen but not heard in Wellington

November 1 • Cornelia Parker's celebrated art installation is currently on display in New Zealand.


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


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 2 • Under the leadership of Musical Director, Jack Fisher, the band requires a percussionist. With an expanding schedule of events, including our sell-out themed concerts, the band is based in our own, purpose built, band hall in Bilton.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

November 2 • Under the leadership of Musical Director, Jack Fisher, the band requires an Eb bass player. With an expanding schedule of events, including our sell-out themed concerts, the band is based in our own, purpose built, band hall in Bilton.


Cambrian Brass

November 1 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd