*
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    


Flowers

Flowers enjoy busy 2025 with more to come in 2026

January 4 • Paul Holland and Flowers seek new horizons in 2026 after a busy year at home.


Clans contest

Battle of the Clans

January 4 • A new cross border contest pitting the bands of the North of England against their Scottish counterparts will take place in June.


Brass Monkeys

Podcast: The Brass Monkeys — Episode 22

January 4 • The popular podcast with a distinctive Welsh flavour returns for the new year.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

January 4 • Sandy and Simon look back at the topics and discussions that they covered during 2025.


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


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • PRINCIPAL Eb BASS position - our enthusiastic team of basses are looking for the right leader to elevate them to the next level. We have a great program of events ahead of us including contests and concerts alongside a good social vibe.


Tewit Silver Band

January 3 • Championship CORNET players - we are looking for a strong front row player to complete our section. We have a great year ahead including contests, hymn and march contests, concerts and Durham Miners alongside a good social vibe.


East London Brass

January 3 • PERCUSSIONIST - looking ahead to the 2026 contest season, ELB are looking for a percussionist to complete our line up. The band is ambitious and keen to further our successful 2025 season of winning the areas and promotion at spring festival.


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd