*
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    


Huddersfield

Huddersfield Uni strengthens link with Army

January 11 • The student connection between the University of Huddersfield Wind Band and the Band of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment continues to be strengthened under MD Jim Fieldhouse.


Sine Nomiee

Brookwright Music: Sine Nomine (Vaughan Williams arr. Andrew Wainwright)

January 11 • A wonderful set of four contrasting variations based on 'For all the Saints' by Ralph Vaughan Williams.


Matthew Jones

OBE recognition for Matthew Jones

January 11 • The Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales has been awarded the OBE in the recent New Year Honours List.


Coalburn

Coalburn awards youth and experience

January 11 • The annual Coalburn Silver Band awards night saw accolades and recognition from the beginners to the most experienced performers.


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


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Lt Col David Barringer MBE

BMus (Hons)
Conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd