*
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    


Schoonhoven

Results: 2025 Dutch Open

June 16
Brass Band Schoonhoven claim the Championship title in Groningen as 1st Old Boys and Brass Band Schoonhoven B secure division wins.


Tameside

Results: 2025 Tameside Whit Friday

June 14 • Foden's led by Michael Fowles maintain their grip on the Tameside Whit Friday honours as the official results are confirmed.


whit Friday

Results: 2025 Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday

June 14 • Garry Cutt and Brighouse & Rastrick claim the Whit Friday honours in Saddleworth.


Whit Friday

Tameside ready for Whit Friday contest day

June 13 • Tameside is ready to welcome the bands and supporters at each of its 11 venues this year.


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 21 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Mereside Brass

June 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have vacancies for PERCUSSION players. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs and socials. It would be great to hear from you if you would like to join the band or if you could help out when needed for concerts.


Mereside Brass

June 16 • MERESIDE BRASS have a vacancy for a SOLO CORNET player maybe PRINCIPAL for the right player. We are a friendly 4th Section band with a sensible calendar of jobs, occasional contests & socials. Players of all ages & sections are welcome to visit or join us


Epping Forest Band

June 16 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd