*
banner

New century brings exciting dividend for Co-op

Co-operative Funeralcare Band will enter its second century as The cooperation band after securing new financial support.

Cooperative
  A new era of cooperation as Scotmid CEO John Brodie (left) and Steven Craig shake hands on the deal

Following a period of uncertainly the Co-operative Funeralcare Band has announced that they have secured funding from Scotmid Co-operative.

The support from Scotmid, which has 177 food stores in the country, will enable the North Lanarkshire band, which will now be known as The cooperation band, to maintain its position as one of Scotland's and the UK's leading elite level ensembles.

Valued role

Speaking about the partnership link Scotmid CEO John Brodie said: "Scotmid are pleased to be able to support The cooperation band.

We understand and acknowledge the valued role they play in their local communities and beyond and are confident the funding will help keep the band playing and winning further recognition in national and international competitions."

Excited

The band's Business Development Manager, Steven Craig added: "We are very excited to be moving into our second century with the announcement of assistance from Scotmid Co-operative.

The commitment from Scotmid will allow the band to prosper and grow over the next few years.

New and exciting projects are being discussed and everyone is looking forward to working with Scotmid for the mutual benefit of both organisations."

We are very excited to be moving into our second century with the announcement of assistance from Scotmid Co-operativeBusiness Development Manager, Steven Craig

New relationship

Band Secretary Keith Johnston added: "This new relationship maintains the spirit of the band born out of the co-operative movement of which we are justifiably proud.

We thank Scotmid for their commitment to us and we look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship in the promotion of music and music education."

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    


British Open

Result: 2026 Spring Festival — Senior Cup

May 2 • Kirkintilloch claims the Senior Cup honours as Rainford, Tongwynlais Temperance and East London Brass join them in the Grand Shield in 2027.


2026 Spring Festival

Result: 2026 Spring Festival — Senior Trophy

May 2 • Sandhurst Silver claims the Senior Trophy honours as Sovereign Brass, Unite Scotland Kinneil and Yorkshire Imperial are also promoted to the Senior Cup.


Fleetwood

Fleetwood back on demand

May 1 • You can enjoy all 32 performances from the recent Fleetwood Contest on demand


British Open

Live stream broadcast from Spring Festival

May 1 • All the action from the 104th British Open Spring Festival is to be live-stream broadcast this weekend.


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


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Wellington Silver Band (Somerset)

May 2 • Bb Basses. With Colin Dance now appointed as our MD and our other Bb Bass leaving due to work commitments, we have openings for two Bb basses. We are a friendly community (4th section?) band with a variety of gigs including our own Proms in the Park.


Wellington Silver Band (Somerset)

May 2 • Tuned Percussionist. We are looking for a tuned percussionist to join our friendly community (4th section?) band. We have a variety of gigs including our own Proms in the park, charity concerts, fetes, (maybe contesting). Other brass players welcome.


Tintwistle Band

April 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete our team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd