*
banner

Friary supports Air Ambulance service

The festive carol playing of Friary Brass has helped keep a fantastic Air Ambulance service in the air.

Helicopter
  The service has helped save hundreds of lives

The Air Ambulance service that covers Kent, Surrey and Sussex has received a donation of £1,245 from Friary Brass, raised by the band from playing Christmas music at popular local venues over the festive period.

Thanks

Acknowledging the support, AAKSS Head of Community Fundraising, Nick Turrell said: "Our thanks got to Friary Brass. The generous donation helps us to provide a 24-hour emergency service, fund vital research into the development of better pre-hospital care and invest in the crucial maintenance of our fleet and all the life-saving equipment. Without the support we simply couldn't run this vital service."

Incredible service

In response, Friary's Chairman, Nigel Stevens added: "We thoroughly enjoy playing Christmas music, and the fact that we can help support this incredible service is a real bonus. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to our collections."

Friary started supporting the Air Ambulance charity in 2009, little knowing that a mere four months later, one of the band's players would be airlifted to hospital after a serious mountain bike accident.

Thanks to their speedy intervention, he made a full recovery.

Image provided by Air Ambulance Service

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.


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd