*
banner

Harrogate bring a great Christmas Gift

A former member of the Harrogate Band was given a great surprise Christmas treat this year.

Roy Fletcher
 

A group of residents were treated to a surprise pre-Christmas treat as members of Harrogate Band visited much loved supporter and former player, Roy Fletcher.

Smiler

The band played carols outside his house (above) where he was joined by his wife Frieda and neighbours. Afterwards, the players enjoyed a cup of tea and had a chance to catch up with Roy who recalled his own playing exploits over the years — especially playing 'Smiler' — the nickname for 'Hail Smiling Morn'.

Made Christmas

He told the band: "This made my Christmas. I can't thank the band enough for this lovely surprise. Brass music has been so important to my life — it's been wonderful to listen to the carols."

The idea of a Harrogate Band 'Christmas Gift' will be repeated for friends and longstanding supporters each year — giving a surprise personal performance outside their home.

This made my Christmas. I can't thank the band enough for this lovely surprise. Brass music has been so important to my life — it's been wonderful to listen to the carolsRoy Fletcher

Bradford

This year was the turn of Roy who retired from the band nine years ago and is now in his 80's. Roy played in brass bands most of his life all over Yorkshire, with some of his fondest memories playing on Christmas morning in Bradford.

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    


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


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


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


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


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd