*
banner

Besses looking forward in 200th year

Despite some lean times of late one of the most famous names in brass banding is back on the road to full strength recovery.

Besses
  New signings have helped boost the fortunes of Besses in their 200th year

Besses o' th' Barn is certainly looking forward to the future after suffering some lean times of late.

200th anniversary

One of the most evocative names of brass banding history, in May of last year they were struggling to survive with only a core of twelve regular players.

However, the appointment of experienced MD Trevor Halliwell has been a turning point and under his leadership and with the commitment of that small core of members, they are back to very nearly full strength in what is their 200th year of existence.

the appointment MD Trevor Halliwell has been a turning point and under his leadership and with the commitment of that small core of members, they are back to very nearly full strength in what is their 200th year of existence4BR

New players

Many new members have come in, such as Bethany Moore on principal cornet and her father Paul on solo cornet, whilst Tony Condron and Mandi Houghton have joined the back row cornets.

Claire Marriott-Lodge joined the horn section with her daughter Alice on baritone alongside John Hall. Jennifer Smith and Stephanie James have added to the trombone section with John-Paul Wiseman on EEb tuba and Harvey Rogerson and Conor Stevens on percussion.

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    


Gateshead

Result: 2025 Youth Brass in Concert Championship

November 16 • Wardle Academy retains their entertainment title in Gateshead.


katrina

Result: 2025 Brass in Concert Championship

November 15 • Katrina Marzella Wheeler inspires the cooperation band a premiere Brass in Concert title success.


Amersham

Amersham ready for rowdy and joyful celebration

November 14 • Amersham Band will join forces with Shri Sriram and friends for a great night of ever inventive jazz inspired fusion fun in London.


Tredegar Band

Tredegar Bound by memories this weekend

November 14 • The Welsh champion will celebrate the life and legacy of their much missed baritone player Jon Bound on Saturday night with fun and music — and a 'Yeehaw!' or two...


Contest: 48th Brass in Concert

Saturday 15 November • The Gladhous International Centre for Music, St Mary's Square, Gateshead NE8 2JR


Delph Band - Delph Youth Band

Sunday 16 November • Denshaw Village Hall, . Ripponden Rd, . Denshaw, . Oldham OL3 5SY


Regent Hall Concerts - Trombonanza with Brett Baker and Friends

Saturday 22 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Dobross Youth Band and Dobcross Brass Monkeys

Saturday 22 November • Civic Hall . Lee Street . Uppermill . Saddleworth OL3 6AE


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Chinnor Silver

November 17 • We are looking to push on having secured promotion to the 1st Section in January and require Tuba and Percussion players to help us.. Rehearsals are on a Wed evening in our own bandroom.. Realistic approach to modern banding at this exciting time.


Epping Forest Band

November 16 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Harlow Brass Band

November 15 • We have vacancies for CORNETS, TROMBONES, 2ND HORN AND PERCUSSION. We are a welcoming, non contesting band who organising their own Spring and Christmas concerts and enjoy playing at local events throughout the year.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd