*
banner

Foden's buzzing ahead of Albert Hall defence

Foden's has launched its latest community outreach project with a musical link to the over 50s.

Foden
  Foden's has taken part in many projects aimed at reducing social isolation in the last few years

The defending National Champion has announced that through the National Lottery Community Fund, its new 'Having a Buzzing time with Foden's' project will help provide people over the age of 50 in their local community gain the opportunity to engage, enjoy and learn new music making skills.

Over the years Foden's has been part of several initiatives aimed at collaborating with various local organisations, including Age UK Cheshire, in projects specifically aimed to help overcome social isolation and loneliness through music making.

This project allows people over the age of 50 to meet on a weekly basis to socialise and enjoy making music under the leadership of Foden's players.

Free sessions

Speaking about the latest initiative, Band Manager Mark Wilkinson said: "The free sessions are open to anyone who wishes to join us irrespective of whether they have played a brass instrument before.

Some members are completely new to playing an instrument and others have substantial experience, but each week it is about coming together and sharing skills, experience and most importantly time."

Some members are completely new to playing an instrument and others have substantial experience, but each week it is about coming together and sharing skills, experience and most importantly timeFoden's

Open doors

He added: "The enthusiasm it generates makes it so much fun to be part of. We are extremely thankful to the National Lottery Community Fund in supporting this initiative and we look forward to opening our doors to as many people as possible."

The project meets each Thursday morning at Foden's rehearsal room. Further information can be found at: info@fodensband.co.uk

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 judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

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


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


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd