*
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    


Sparke

All preview roads lead to the Albert Hall...

September 28 • You can hear how the competing bands are getting on with their final preparations on Philip Sparke's work ahead of the National Final at the Royal Hall this weekend.


Hobury Victoria

Results: 2026 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Horbury hit double top to defeat Championship and First Section rivals in Chorley as Golborne, Blackpool Brass and Driffield Silver also secure section victories.


Blidworth

Result: 2026 NEMBBA Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Blidworth Welfare takes the entertainment honours in Darley Dale.


Bathgate

Report & Result: 2026 Fife Charities Contest

September 27 • Bathgate claims the honours in Kirkcaldy to head on a journey to the Spring Festival.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

Friday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

September 28 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join our ambitious friendly 1st section band.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom.. Good mix of concerts and contests and an overseas trip planned.. .


Chinnor Silver

September 28 • We are looking for an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join our ambitious friendly 1st section band.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom.. Good mix of concerts and contests and an overseas trip planned.. .


East London Brass

September 24 • Percussion - East London Brass are seeking an enthusiastic percussionist to join our friendly, ambitious band. Great music, regular rehearsals and a welcoming atmosphere. Interested? Get in touch for more details!


Martyn Evans

BEd (Hons) NABBC member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Teacher, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd