*
banner

New home for Friary

A new home offers added benefits to Friary Brass Band as they also say welcome and goodbye to players.

Friary
  The band will enjoy the comfort of a new home in 2024.

Friary Brass Band has found a new home for itself in 2024.

It follows a year long search for the London & Southern Countries band which saw them move venues but has now seen them take on a long-term arrangement in early January at Chertsey Hall.

Suit

Band Chairman David Wicks told 4BR: "Finding a suitable venue has not been at all easy given the space, including storage, which we need and also trying to keep our existing rehearsal days and a convenient location which suit the players."

He added: "We have now agreed a long-term arrangement with Chertsey Hall which fits our requirements. The Hall has the added benefit of a stage so it would also be suitable for concerts as well as rehearsals."

Goodbyes and welcome

The band has also seen the departure of a trio of players, with fond farewells to solo trombone Neil Wharton, BBb bass Ben Miller and cornet Chris Powell.

RAF musician Neil leaves following promotion as he takes up a new post as Drum Major at the RAF College, Cranwell.

David Wicks added: "Our congratulations go to Neil and we wish him every success. We understand that this is a posting for 18 months, so we look forward to welcoming him back in due course.

We know that Ben is hugely committed to his new family, and completely appreciate his reasons. We also wish him and his family well for the future.

Chris has been a superb bandsman for nearly four decades, not only with his playing but also fulfilling the role of Band Manager for many years. We shall miss him immensely but hope to see him continuing his support for Friary."

We have now agreed a long-term arrangement with Chertsey Hall which fits our requirements. The Hall has the added benefit of a stage so it would also be suitable for concerts as well as rehearsalsFriary Brass Band Band

Looking forward

The band has been quick to sign a new cornet player in Jack Beer. A product and former principal cornet of Wardle Academy Youth Band, he later joined Milnrow and then the Army, currently playing in The Band of The Coldstream Guards.

Speaking about his move he said: "I'm really looking forward to getting started with this great band and excited to see what the future holds for us."

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    


4BR interview

4BR Podcast Interview: Episode 4

July 6 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to social media content creator George Reece to find out more about his cool look at why brass bands compete against each other...


Wellinton

Results: 2025 New Zealand National Championships

July 6 • Wellington Brass continues its national domination in Christchurch, with section honours going to St Kilda, Levin & Districts, New Brighton Silver an


Bandsafe

BBE BOPA renewed by Department of Education

July 5 • New safeguarding measures have come into place with BBE's BOPA renewed to give bands essential help.


Hands

Blissful appointment at Carlton Brass

July 5 • Matt Ludford-King has been appointed as the new MD at Carlton Brass as they look towards their Cheltenham National Finals appearance.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Nicholas B. Hudson

FTCL LGSMD (Hons)
Musician | Trombonist | Educator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd