*
banner

Elderly initiative in need of brass support

A wonderful musical initiative to help reduce social isolation and loneliness in the elderly in the Leeds area is in need of urgent support.

Elmete Elderberries
  The amazing Elmete Elderberries initiative in Leeds is in need of help.

A wonderful musical initiative which is working towards trying to reduce social isolation and loneliness in the elderly is seeking some much needed help to carry on their fantastic work.

Donations needed

Brass band instrument donations are desperately needed for the Elmete Elderberries project which is working amongst older people living in rural communities in Leeds.

The group based in Scholes was set up in April this year, and meets once a week at St. Philips Church to socialise and learn new interests and hobbies — including playing brass instruments.

It has been a wonderful success — with the social interaction combined with the learning of reading music and playing a brass instrument bringing untold joy and fun.

New instruments

However, the group needs £1250 to pay for some new instruments as they need to return the instruments they have on loan.

Well-being

Becky Bracey, Leeds Community Connect Project Co-ordinator from Rural Action Yorkshire told 4BR: "We believe you're never too old to learn an instrument as it can improve memory, confidence and general well-being.

Our brass group have made great progress and are on target to play a carol at our Christmas concert. We would be delighted if a local business or individual would come forward to help sponsor the group.

It would be a massive confidence boost for them to have their own instruments and a donation or sponsorship would enable them to play at Christmas."

However, the group needs £1250 to pay for some new instruments as they need to return the instruments they have on loan4BR

Time to Shine

Elmete Elderberries is delivered by St. Philips Church with support from Rural Action Yorkshire and is funded by Leeds Older People's Forum as part of the Time to Shine Programme.

Local people over 50 years of age are able to access a wide range of activities at Elmete Elderberries including crafts, computer skills, gentle exercise and family history.

Contact:

If you think you can help, please contact:
Becky Bracey, Leeds Community Connect Project Co-ordinator
becky.bracey@ruralyorkshire.org.uk
or call 07722 127503

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    


wobplayeuros

Get ready to enjoy the European experience with Wobplay

April 22 • There will be day after day of fantastic coverage from the 2026 European Championships thanks to World of Brass and wobplay. So why not just sign up, relax and enjoy...


Adams

Adams link with Percussi Aeris duo

April 22 • Scottish duo Paula O'Malley and Chris Flynn have become Adams artists as company strengthens links to banding world.


BBE Brass Band Week

Brass Band Week and Proms in Playground campaigns launched

April 22 • There are fantastic opportunities to reach out to new audiences as part of Brass Band England's Summer initiatives.


Livestream

Spring Festival and Open streaming details confirmed

April 22 • You can now sign up ahead of the 104th British Open Spring Festival to ensure you don't miss a single note of the action.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


CLEETHORPES BAND CIO

April 23 • Cleethorpes Band are seeking a Musical Director. The band rehearse on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Placed 3rd in the North of England 4th section contest. We are a registered charity and have a thriving training band.


Leicestershire Co-op Band

April 23 • SOLO HORN Vacancy. The Leicestershire Co-op Band (2nd Section National Finalists & 1st Section from 2027) have a vacancy for Solo Horn. We are an ambitious band with a healthy balance of contests and concerts, always striving for high musical standards.


City of Norwich Brass

April 23 • City of Norwich Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd