*
banner

Purkiss joins Ratby team

David Purkiss has been appointed as the new Associate Musical Director at Ratby Co-operative Band.

Dave Purkiss
  Dave Purkiss now joins the musical team at Ratby Co-operative team

The Ratby Co-operative Band has announced the appointment of David Purkiss as their new Associate Musical Director.

The Director of Music at Friary School in Lichfield will work alongside Professional MD Mareika Gray and the team of conductors and band trainers at Ratby.

Having previously played with the band it's hoped that his extensive performance and conducting experiences will be of huge benefit to the organisation.

Background

David has also been Musical Director at a number of top flight bands including Thoresby Colliery and most recently Staffordshire, whilst his musical background with the Salvation Army, including his time as a member of the International Staff Band, continues to shape and inspire his musical career.

We are delighted that David has accepted this position with our senior band and look forward to working with him and MareikaRatby Chairman Steve Plant

Delighted

Ratby Chairman Steve Plant told 4BR: "We are delighted that David has accepted this position with our senior band and look forward to working with him and Mareika. We would also like to extend our thanks to all who expressed interest in this position."

They added: "We now look forward to a fresh contesting season following a very successful 12 years under Michael Fowles."

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    


udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • Brass Band Schoonhoven reclaims National title as there are victories for Chr. Brass Band Excelsior, Brass Band De Bazuin B, Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are currently looking for a kit player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting Band, with a busy period coming up, and would like to fill the position as soon as possible.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We currently have vacancies for 2 tenor trombones. As a 4th section contesting Band, we have a diary filling up with various engagements to keep us busy, and therefore keen to fill the positions.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting Band with a vacancy for a cornet player, position negotiable. Our diary is filling up with various engagements, so we are keen to fill the position.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd