*
banner

Death of former Hanwell stalwarts

The deaths have been announced of two former Hanwell Band players.

Welsh cornets
 

4BR has been informed that two former members of the now defunct Hanwell Band have passed away in the last few weeks.

Soprano

Soprano cornet player Fred Croft (67) joined Hanwell in the early 1970s from Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band and became a member of the popular ten piece group within the band using mostly his own arrangements.

He also set Pro-Brass in Kentish Town, and a small group from Hanwell lead by the then MD Bram Tovey, played at his wedding to his wife Maggie.

National Finals

Frank Bing joined Hanwell in the late 1940s under George Thompson. He was solo horn when the band was runners-up to Fodens at the 1950 National Finals.

A long serving and much respected Band Chairman he was still playing (timpani) when the band were placed 7th at the Royal Albert Hall under Barbara Stone in the late 1970s.

No funeral details are known at this point.

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    


Navigation Inn

Time please — as Navigation Inn closes doors...

October 10 • The most famous brass band pub in the world has closed its doors — perhaps for the very last time.


Blackford

Orbital countdown for Tredegar

October 10 • The fourth of the commissioning bands will perform Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in West Sussex later today as Tredegar get ready for lift off in Ardingly.


Hammonds

Hammond set to celebrate 80th anniversary

October 10 • There will be a special concert celebration to mark the 80th anniversary of Hammond Band.


German youth matures to make Championship debut

October 10 • Brass Band NRW will make its National Championship debut in Germany later this year.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Bedford Town Band - Autumn Concert also featuring our Academy

Saturday 10 October • Putnoe Heights Church. Putnoe Heights. Bedford MK41 8EB


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd