*
banner

Houlding the reins at Rainford

Chris Houlding will lead Rainford's 'Dynasty' challenge at the Grand Shield on the weekend.

Houlding
  Chris Houlding will lead Rainford Band at the Spring Festival

The Rainford Band has been busy preparing for their forthcoming appearance at the Grand Shield contest in Blackpool this weekend under the baton of Chris Houlding.

Chris has kindly stepped in to take the band as MD, Sarah Groarke-Booth is unavailable following her casting in a new stage touring adaption of 'Jane Eyre'.

Sarah has spent the last few months performing the role in Scarborough, and will continue the tour as it moves to Stoke this week. Although frustrated at being unable to make her Grand Shield debut, this was an opportunity (her primary job being an actor), that she could not turn down.

Flown over

Band Chairperson Geoff Hunter told 4BR that the band was extremely fortunate to have secured the services of Chris who has flown over from Germany for the occasion.

"He has such a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we have benefitted hugely from his arrival,"he said.

Chris has been working in tandem with Andrea Price on the preparation of Peter Graham's 'Dynasty'.

Geoff added: "We can't thank Andrea enough for her expert input as she swops one stick for many more, as she will be performing with the band in the percussion section for the contest."

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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 2 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Crewe Brass

September 16 • We are looking for CORNET players (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb BASS player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Alan Fernie

DRSAM, Dip.NCOS
Arranger, composer, adjudicator, conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd