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The history and mystery of the British Open Shield...

4BR Editor Iwan Fox takes a closer look at the iconic British Open Shield to find out more about its original provenance...

trophy
  The iconic British Open Shield revealed its history in the Forest of Dean sun

With the 166th British Open Championship due to take place at Symphony Hall in Birmingham in a few weeks time, 4BR Editor Iwan Fox finds out more about the history, as well as the mystery, of the contest's iconic Gold Shield.

Thanks to the generosity of contest organisers Martin and Karyn Mortimer the trophy made its way to the recent Brass Band Heritage Weekend at the Dean Heritage Centre in the Forest of Dean, where it was enjoyed by visitors and brass band lovers alike.

Iwan is joined by the members of the Cinderford Band as he explains why the trophy is not quite what it may at first seem...

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Yorkshire

Yorkshire's Next Generation shines on tuition day

February 24 • The next generation of Yorkshire playing talent was on show under the direction of Richard Marshall.


NYBBBelgium

Spectrum of young talent shines again in Belgium

February 24 • The National Youth Brass Band of Belgium and it even younger sibling continues to be inspired for the future.


Robin Stevens

Death of Robin Stevens

February 24 • The death has been announced of the composer Robin Stevens


podcast

Latest 4BR Review podcast

February 23 • The latest live 4BR Review podcast will be aired on Wednesday 25th February at 7.00pm — so why not bookmark it and join us with your views as we preview of the 2026 Regional Championships and more...


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Julian Bright


Conductor, Compere/MC, Cornet Soloist


               

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