*
banner

No Withington lead for Co-operative Funeralcare in Freiburg

Lack of full rehearsals and poor attendance leads to Allan Withington withdrawing from taking Co-operative Funeralcare to European Championships in Freiburg.

Coop
 

Allan Withington has exclusively confirmed to 4BR that he will no longer be working together with the Co-operative Funeralcare Band for the forthcoming European Brass Band Championships in Freiburg.

"I was so looking forward to performing both the band's own-choice work and the set test piece, 'The God Particle' in Freiburg," he said. However, this pleasure must be put on hold."

Decision confirmed

The conductor's decision was confirmed by the Co-operative Funeralcare Band this morning.

Band spokesman Chris Davies told 4BR: "The band has had a difficult period in the run-up to the competition, having lost a number of players over the past few months for various reasons.

As a result, the band has had to secure the service of a number of guest players at short notice. Unfortunately, the band has not been able to organise a large number of full rehearsals with both regular players and guests, which is entirely our fault.

Allan's decision to withdraw was based on the lack of attendance both before and after his arrival in Scotland for intensive rehearsals from the 24th of April, which is understandable."

Difficult decision

Allan Withington also confirmed the details behind his difficult decision: "On receiving the attendance list for the final week, it became clear that things would not improve, so my decision became final.

I would like to thank Andy Duncan for all his hard work,under difficult conditions, during the preparation period and in addition would like to wish the European Championships,and all bands included,every success.This is indeed a fantastic event."

Unfortunately, the band has not been able to organise a large number of full rehearsals with both regular players and guests, which is entirely our faultCo-operative Funeralcare Band

Ramsay takes on role

4BR understands that the band will continue to rehearse for the competition under the direction of the highly experienced musical director Allan Ramsey, who has stepped into the role of conductor at short notice.

Acknowledgement

Band Chairman Paul Kiernan told 4BR: "We understand Allan Withington's frustration and acknowledge that the band's attendance has been poor.

While we are all disappointed that he has withdrawn, we understand that his decision was made for genuine reasons and we wish him all the very best.

It is his desire to perform at the highest level that made us engage his services in the first place, and we understand that this is also the reason for his withdrawal."

He added; "The band now has to make the best of an unfortunate situation, and we are certain that Allan Ramsey will work tirelessly to help us through it."

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


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


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

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


Leicestershire Co-op Band

September 16 • Leicestershire Co-op Band currently have a vacancy for a SOLO HORN player to lead our team. We have an exciting programme of concert and contests for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026. Could you be the player we are looking for to complete our team?


Dobcross Silver Band

September 16 • Currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026, we aim to add another PERCUSSIONIST to our award winning section. Dynamic all rounder preferred. You’ll love it here! Great rehearsals, gigs and socials!


Audley Brass

September 14 • Audley Brass (First Section National Finalists 2025) are seeking a first class PRINCIPAL EUPHONIUM. We have some very exciting events coming up including 5 epic beer festival nights and Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainment contest.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd