*
banner

Foden's vow to keep reducing social isolation

The successful initiative that helps socially isolated people will restart — but only when the official all clear from the Coronavirus is given.

Fodens
  The scheme has been a huge success

Foden's has announced that their innovative project working with people to reduce social isolation in their area will continue once health authorities have given permission to restart it following the end of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Overcoming loneliness

The band worked in collaboration with Age UK Cheshire and arts organisation the Power of Art in a project that helps the over 50's of the Northwich area of Cheshire overcome loneliness by making brass music together.

Having enjoyed two concerts from the North West Regional Champion (one of which the group performed alongside the Band) the 'Creating a Buzz' project members had been regularly been meeting to socialise and be put through their paces by Foden's tutors.

All clear

However, the increasing concerns and official health advice given over the Coronavirus pandemic meant a temporary pause had to be made, although as Darren Lea from the band told 4BR, when the all clear is given the scheme will start again.

"The free sessions were open to anyone and were proving to be a great success — and fun.

Some of the members were completely new to playing a brass instrument and others had varying experience.

Each week they came together to enjoy each other's company whilst learning and improving their musical skills. The enthusiasm made it so much fun to be a part of that we are determined to get it back up and running as and when we are given the official advice from the government and official health professionals."

The free sessions were open to anyone and were proving to be a great success — and funFoden's Band

Find out more

Creating a Buzz! — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKl7oBGDWsI

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    


Brass Band Treize Etoiles

World Rankings: 2025 End of year update

January 7 • Treize Etoiles shine bright as Swiss stars claim historic top spot in 2025 World Rankings after a stellar season.


Composer Competition

Whelan makes magic to win UniBrass prize

January 7 • 'All Magic Comes at a Price' wins the 2026 UniBrass Composition Competition title.


Joey Wong

4BR Wednesday interview with Joey Wong

January 6 • We meet up with the 22 year old conductor from Hong Kong hoping to become the 2026 National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Conductors Competition winner.


Winter Gardens

North West Regional line-ups announced

January 6 • 75 bands will kick off the 2026 Regional Championships in Blackpool in March.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Christchurch Vintage Brass

January 6 • Bb Bass required for our friendly non contesting day time band. We rehearse Monday afternoons from 13:30 in Southbourne near Bournemouth with refreshments afterwards. MD Steve Chislett.


John Ward


Conductor, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd