*
banner

Robert Childs takes lead role at Woodfalls

After leading them to the British Open, Dr Robert Childs takes on key Music Advisor role with Woodfalls.

Bob Childs
 

Woodfalls Band has announced that following their qualification to the British Open Championship at the recent Grand Shield contest in Blackpool, they have received a further musical boost with the news that Dr Robert Childs has accepted the post of Music Advisor.

Work closely

Dr Childs will now work closely with Musical Director Phil Randall and will assist in all areas of the musical development of the West of England band.

The appointment will also see the Grimethorpe Director of Music take over the role from his brother, Prof Nicholas Childs with immediate effect, and will see him commit to Woodfalls on a weekly basis. He will also conduct them at competitions where there is no clash with his Yorkshire band.

Thanks

Woodfalls Chairman, Paul Street told 4BR: "We would like to thank Prof Nicholas Childs for his outstanding help and guidance as Musical Advisor over a long period of time, and wish him well with both Black Dyke and Whitburn.

We are all now looking forward to working more closely with Dr Robert Childs, who is committed to us on a weekly basis."

Potential

Bob Childs told 4BR: "I thoroughly enjoy working with Woodfalls. They are a great bunch of people who have the potential to make a real impression on major contests.

With that in mind, my first job is selecting a conductor to lead them at the British Open this year. We are already in discussions with a top class musician and will be making an announcement very soon."

I thoroughly enjoy working with Woodfalls. They are a great bunch of people who have the potential to make a real impression on major contestsDr Robert Childs

Commitment

He added: "Grimethorpe will always take priority where my diary clashes, but I'm committing to Woodfalls on a weekly basis and intend conducting them at as many other competitions I can."

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

4BR Review — Episode 23

October 10 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall in London last weekend — and some of the questions that arose from it.


Gregson

Gregson set for Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance

October 10 • Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' is to be performed by the symphonic brass and percussion ensemble of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra later this year.


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.


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.


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd