*
banner

Bradford signings ready for St George's debut

City of Bradford will make their top flight debuts at St George's Hall boosted by new signings.

City of Bradford
 

Yorkshire Championship Section contenders City of Bradford have announced a number of important signings as they look forward to their debut top flight appearance at St George’s Hall in March.

Signings

Tuba player Alan Winn joins the bass section from Castleford Salvation Army Band, whilst Dave Karran takes on the principal cornet role after joining from Brighouse & Rastrick. Completing the line up is Sian Linney who comes in on flugel horn.

Lasting impression

MD Lee Skipsey told 4BR that the new signings show the band’s determination to make a significant and lasting impression on top section contesting — starting at Bradford in March.

“These are great signings for the band — and shows that we want to give things a real go on Torchbearer and beyond,” he said. “I’ve known Alan for a long time and he brings such musicality and experience to us.

Dave is a superb young player who has benefited enormously from the experience of playing top man at Skelmanthorpe and repiano at Brighouse, and Sian is also a fabulous player who was such a star with Skelmanthorpe.”

Reshuffle

The new signings have meant a reshuffle in the ranks — with Rob Westacott moving from principal cornet to soprano, and with Lee’s wife Claire moving onto the front row. Rob’s wife Claire takes the opportunity following the recent arrival of their baby to become a ‘super sub’.

Lee added: “It’s says so much for these players and friends that they have done this for the band.

Rob’s brilliant qualities are well known throughout the banding world, so Claire has told me that she can now start enjoying playing on the contest stage again on cornet without having me demanding so much of her! I’m sure we will also be asking Rob’s Claire to step back in when she is a little less busy!”

These are great signings for the band — and shows that we want to give things a real go on Torchbearer and beyondMD, Lee Skipsey

Fourth Section debuts

Lee concluded: “2015 is such an exciting time for the City of Bradford organisation. Not only are we looking forward to our top section debuts, but our City of Bradford 1 Band will also be making their Fourth Section debuts at St George’s Hall with a full line up of players.”

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    


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Sterling instruments

Sterling return at British Open Championship

September 6 • A well respected instrument brand will make a welcome return at the British Open this year.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


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


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player 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.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd