*
banner

Friary marathon duo set eyes on Blackpool

After nearly five hours of sweat and sore feet its a trip to Blackpool next for Friary Band's intrepid marathon runners.

Friary
  The duo show off their well earned medals

The Friary Band's long distance running duo of Kelly Harrison and Sam Noden are now taking a well-earned rest after they completed the recent London Marathon and raising funds for the military charity SSAFA in the process.

What an experience

Running side by side they crossed the finishing line together in 4 hours 49 minutes, with Kelly commenting: "Hands down, that was the hardest thing I have ever done. But wow — what an experience. There were incredible crowds along the entire route and so many musicians to keep us entertained."

Sam added: "It was quite possibly the hardest but most rewarding day of my life. A big thank you to everyone who braved the weather to support all of us running this mighty challenge."

Now to Blackpool

The duo are now focussing their attention on another mighty challenge, as Friary look to try and capture a qualification spot for the British Open Championship at the Spring Festival Grand Shield contest in Blackpool on Saturday 13th May.

You can still add to the funds raised by Kelly and Sam for SSAFA, by making a pledge on their London Marathon fundraising page: https://2023tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/sam-and-kelly

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    


Purcell

Purcell students shine in BBC Composing Competition

December 9 • Young compositional talent from The Purcell School has made its mark in the BBC Young Composer Competition.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

December 9 • The second part of the duo's chat with Derek Broadbent.


Knapton

Knapton takes Towcester lead

December 9 • The experienced Ian Knapton is to become the new Musical Director at Towcester Studio Band.


Carys Wood

Trumpet student in royal spotlight

December 9 • Royal Academy of Music trumpet student Carys Wood recently performed at the annual Princess of Wales Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Petworth Town Band

December 9 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with an inspirational MD Paula Streeter. Concerts are planned for next year and we would welcome you to join us


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 9 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.


Flookburgh band

December 9 • Flookburgh Band Vacancy ........ Musical Director . . We are newly promoted to the Second Section and looking for an inspirational Musical Director to lead us forward!. Concerts: 5 main concerts per year + summer engagements . .


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd