*
banner

Derwent celebrate with champagne moment

The rise of Derwent Brass from Fourth Section obscurity to the brink of the Albert Hall was celebrated recently.

Keith Leonard
 

Quick on the heels of their best ever result at the Midlands Regional Championship in Bedworth, Derwent Brass players, members, patrons and friends met for their annual awards dinner.

Prestigious

The prestigious ‘Players Player of the Year’ trophy went to euphonium star, Adam Rutter, with the audience also showing their appreciation to him for his wonderful individual contribution to their third place success on ‘St Magnus’, by awarding him their annual ‘Champagne Moment’ prize.

Meanwhile, the Mike Richardson Memorial Trophy for ‘Band Person of the Year’ went to Chris Leonard for his tireless work behind the scenes for the Derwent organisation.

Chairman Nev Eden took the time to make a special presentation of an engraved baton to Musical Director, Keith Leonard4BR

Special presentation

Finally, Chairman Nev Eden took the time to make a special presentation of an engraved baton to Musical Director, Keith Leonard, who has been at the helm since 1993, and has overseen Derwent’s rise from Fourth Section obscurity to the brink of Albert Hall qualification.

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 Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • 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 every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026,


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 9 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd