*
banner

Queen's Award for Whit Friday volunteers

We talk to Bob Rodgers Chairman of the organisers of the Saddleworth & Oldham group of Whit Friday Band Contests as they are to be honoured with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

Queens Award
  The Queens Award is seen as the MBE of the voluntary sector

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

The remarkable group of volunteers based in the Saddleworth and Lees villages who each year organise and run its iconic Whit Friday brass band competitions are to be honoured with The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Countless hours

Seen as the equivalent of the MBE, it is in recognition of the countless hours of work and organisation of around 300 volunteers involved in presenting the iconic Whit Friday brass band contests at eleven venues in Denshaw, Delph, Dobcross, Diggle, Uppermill, Greenfield, Friezland, Lydgate, Grotton, Lees and Springhead and Scouthead and Austerlands.

The group is one of 241 different category winners to receive the prestigious award that recognises the work undertaken by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities.

Created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee, award recipients are honoured on June 2nd each year — the anniversary of the Queen's Coronation.

Award presentation

4BR was informed that representatives will receive the award and certificate signed by Her Majesty the Queen from the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Sir Warren Smith, later this summer.

We talked to spokesperson Bob Rodgers who told 4BR: "We are honoured to have been successfully nominated for this award recognising the year-round work that is undertaken to provide the 'greatest free show on earth'.

He added: "To the visitors who arrive on the evening, it appears to 'just happen'. However, throughout the area thousands of hours are put into planning and preparation.

We are indebted to Oldham Council for the infrastructure and advice they provide that only those involved in the running are aware of and the financial support through the Saddleworth & Lees District Partnership, not to mention the numerous businesses who sponsor the individual contests."

To the visitors who arrive on the evening, it appears to 'just happen'. However, throughout the area thousands of hours are put into planning and preparationBob Rodgers

2022 return

Bob concluded: "However, we are all looking forward to continuing with this great show in 2022, when hopefully all our banding activity will be back to normal."

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    


Childs

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Prof Nicholas Childs

January 22 • We find out more about the programme of music from this world and beyond to be featured on Saturday evening at the RNCM from the Queensbury band and Galactico soloists.


mARZELLA

2025 RNCM International Brass Band Festival: Interview with Katrina Marzella-Wheeler

January 21 • We catch up with the Scottish conductor to find out more about the programme to be performed by the RNCM Brass Band on the weekend in Manchester.


Kaitlin

CBSO boosted by Wild trumpet addition

January 21 • The brass section of another leading British orchestra is boosted by the arrival of a brass band player as Kaitlin Wild joins the trumpet section of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Blackpool

North West Area line-ups announced

January 21 • The list of bands and judges have been confirmed for the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool in February.


The Hepworth Band - Hepworth Band New Year Celebration Concert

Sunday 26 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD97ER


Dobcross Silver Band - Hammonds Band

Sunday 26 January • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015. N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 8 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Clare Church

Saturday 8 February • St Peter and St Paul Church, Clare, Suffolk CO10 8NY


HYDE BAND

January 22 • WE HAVE PLAYER VACANCIES (POSITIONS NEGOTIABLE) Come and join our friendly First Section Band based in the New forest, and enjoy working with our Musical Director: Ben Halstead on a varied programme of concerts and contest.


Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band

January 22 • Reading Band (current joint 1st place in the L&SC 4th section grading tables and 2024 4th section National Finalists) needs BASSES! Rehearsals in Woodley (RG5) on Thursday evenings with our new MD Stephen Bucknell.


The Harrogate Band

January 22 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a front row cornet player to join them at the 1st Section North of England area contest and beyond! With a great bandroom, a wide range of engagments and a committed team, we'd love to see you.


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd