*
banner

Skelmanthorpe strengthen ranks ahead of Grand Shield

The experienced Derek Hoyle makes a return to top flight banding with Skelmanthorpe.

Skelmanthorpe
  Shake on it: Derek Hoyle meets his new MD, Martin Heartfield

The Skelmanthorpe Band has announced the signing of Derek Hoyle, as their new solo Eb tuba.

A product of the Salvation Army the experienced player has both conducted and performed in many bands in the Yorkshire area. In 2017 he decided to have a short 'break' from playing and has been working as a peripatetic brass teacher, but is now looking forward to making his contesting return at the Grand Shiled in May.

Pleased

Derek told 4BR: "I was really pleased to receive a call from Skelmanthorpe and I really enjoyed my first rehearsal with them. I'm looking forward to being part of this talented band as they continue to develop."

A player of Derek's obvious ability and experience can only help us as we look to make our mark in Blackpool and beyondMD Martin Heartfield

Delighted

In response, MD Martin Heartfield stated: "I'm delighted to make another signing of real quality that will strengthen the playing personnel of the band.

A player of Derek's obvious ability and experience can only help us as we look to make our mark in Blackpool and beyond."

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    


Gray

Tributes for Gray as conductor announces Eccles departure

March 31 • Thanks and best wishes as 16 year partnership between Mareika Gray and Eccles Borough comes to an end.


Brass Band Week

Banding campaigns return this summer

March 31 • Brass Band Week and Proms in the Park return this Summer — so make sure you reach out and connect with your local communities.


gALASHILS

Report & Results: 2026 SBBA Solo & Ensemble Championships

March 31 • There was a fantastic day of competitive solo and ensemble action to enjoy at Bellshill Salvation Army Centre.


BBW

March Edition of Brass Band World magazine out now

March 31 • The latest edition of the leading brass band magazine is now out — packed with interviews, articles, reviews and news...


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

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


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Thornton Cleveleys Band

March 31 • MD VACANCY. Are you the missing piece to our FULL BAND?. We are a NW 3rd section band looking for our new MD. We are based just outside of Blackpool close to the M55 motorway. Mon+Thurs rehearsals.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd