*
banner

Derwent departures for stalwarts

Derwent Brass will be missing two of their longest serving stalwarts this season.

Derwent Brass
 

Derwent Brass has bid a fond farewell to two of its longest serving players.

Due to heavily increased work and other home responsibilities Neil Riddle (Eb Tuba) and partner Madeline Eley (second baritone) have both had to leave the Derbyshire based band.

Difficult decision

Neil told 4BR: “It was a very difficult decision to leave the band. I have been with Derwent since 1996 and Madeline since 2001, and we are both extremely proud to see it evolve into the organisation it is today.

We have made a lot of friends here and take away a lot of memories. Of course we will be staying in touch and look forward to following the band’s successes in the future.”

Not only were Neil and Madeline talented players, but model bandsmenDerwent Brass

Greatly missed

A band spokesperson replied: “Not only were Neil and Madeline talented players, but model bandsmen. Neil was also the Band Manager as a well as a former secretary and treasurer, and Madeline, a fine librarian.

Together they would regularly sort out the logistics for band events, played a vital role in securing the band’s rehearsal facility, and produced the ‘Friends of Derwent Brass’ newsletter and much more. They will be greatly missed.”

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    


BBO

Result: 2025 Austrian National Championship

October 20 • Brass Band Oberosterreich makes it four wins in a row as they secure the Austrian title in Innsbruck and their place at the European Championships in Montreux in 2027.


3BA Concert Brass

Results: 2025 German Open

October 20 • 3BA Concert Brass makes it a hat-trick of entertainment victories at the German Open as Woodshockers Brass and Brass Band Hombeek claim the section honours.


First Old Boys

Results: 2025 NIBA Championship

October 20 • 1st Old Boys Silver retain their title and claim the Euro honours with section victories for CWA and Dungannon Silver.


Brass in Concert

Just 10 and counting for Brass in Concert

October 18 • There are now just 10 tickets left before the sold-out signs are posted for the Brass in Concert Championships.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


East London Brass

October 20 • Due to relocation, following on from our appearance at the national finals at the Albert Hall, qualification to the Senior Cup and winning the LSC Area, ELB are looking for a first class TROMBONE player to join our friendly and ambitious band.


East London Brass

October 20 • Due to relocation, following on from our appearance at the national finals at the Albert Hall, qualification to the Senior Cup and winning the LSC Area, ELB are looking for a first class PRINCIPAL CORNET player to join our friendly and ambitious band.


Hathersage Band

October 17 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd