*
banner

Rothwell record adds to charity cause

The remarkable Frank Rothwell has rowed the Atlantic again to help raise funds for Alzheimer's Research UK charity.

Frank Rothwell
  Frank has completed yet another crossing (Image: Alzheimer's Research UK)

The truly remarkable Frank Rothwell, the 73-year-old owner of Oldham Athletic Football Club, and someone who greatly helped the Greenfield Whit Friday Contest during its centenary celebrations in 2022, has repeated his epic Atlantic crossing, rowing from the Canary Islands to Antigua — and in a new record time.

More funds

As previously reported on 4BR Frank hopes to raise yet more funds to help the work of the Alzheimer's Research UK charity.

This year's effort as raised just short of £300,000 with donations from across the world, including from fellow football club owners actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney from Wrexham FC.

3,000 miles

This time he set off on December 12th and despite getting a little off track he made it to Antigua 64 days later — a journey of over 3,000 miles. He was met by his wife Judith to celebrate and meet the word's press.

He later told ITV News that this crossing was "much harder than last time" due to weather conditions that meant "it took two weeks longer and I expected to be a week earlier as well."

Support

You can still support Frank's amazing achievement and help push his through the £300,000 barrier at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/frankrothwell

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    


Herbert

Brass bands on the Telegraph lines

August 31 • The Daily Telegraph's review of Prof Trevor Herbert's new book on brass bands draws a positive future outlook from critic Ivan Hewett.


Insurance

T&R Direct Insurance Services: A guide to brass band insurance

August 31 • Loads of things all bands and players need to know about protecting instruments


Wobplay

Banding classics added to Wobplay

August 31 • A great trio of classic banding releases, a new podcast episode and the chance to look back at this year's Elgar International Festival.


Camborne

Camborne Brass look to raise funds after break-in vandalism

August 31 • A Crowdfunding page has been launched to help Camborne Brass after vandals broke into their bandhall and caused extensive damage.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

September 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION PLAYERS (TUNED and KIT) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd