*
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    


British Open

Livestream broadcasts brought in-house for Spring Festival and British Open

April 16 • The 2026 Spring Festival and British Open Championships will be broadcast in a new link between the organisers and Red Shell Productions.


NYBBGB

NYBBGB ready to add to plaudits in Manchester

April 16 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will head to the RNCM in Manchester this weekend.


BBE Young Leaders

Brass Bands England to help new youth leaders

April 16 • A course aimed at enhancing specialised skills to inspire the next generation of brass band players is launched with increased capacity by BBE.


Field of the Cloth of Gold

Wright & Round: Field of the Cloth of Gold (Philip Harper)

April 16 • An exciting concert work that recalls a historic summit of superpowers...


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 18 April • Hathersage Methodist Church . Main Road. Hathersage S32 1BB


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Waterbeach Brass

April 16 • Waterbeach Brass are seeking a talented and confident solo (tutti) cornet player to join our friendly and ambitious band. We offer a welcoming and social environment with a diverse and challenging musical repertoire playing at regular concerts and contests


Chinnor Silver

April 15 • With the dust settling after the areas we are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join us as we look to consolidate as a 1st Section Band.. Varied but realistic diary for the coming year and possible foreign trip in 2027. Rehearsals on a Wednesday


Linthwaite Band

April 15 • We are a welcoming 4th section band with a vacancy for a kit player. Our calendar is filling up with various contests and engagements to fulfil through the year.


Alex McGee

MA BMus PGCE
Conductor & Composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd