*
banner

Audley enjoy success with bittersweet taste

Audley Brass enjoyed claiming their best ever Area contest result at Corby, although it came with some fond memories and goodbyes.

Audley Brass
  The band came runner-up in the Second Section at Corby

They was both joy as well as some sadness accompanying the success of Audley Brass in claiming their best ever Midlands Regional Championship result in Corby recently.

Their runner-up finish in the Second Section led by MD Tom Hancock not only saw them make a return to the Cheltenham National Finals for the first time since 2018, but further emphasise the progress they have made under his direction.

Worked so hard

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We worked so hard in the months leading up to the contest, so thanks go not just to Tom who was inspirational, but to everyone involved. This is the best ever result at the contest in our history and we are determined to build on it."

It proved to be a slightly bittersweet day though, as it was the first Area event with the much missed Chris Neufeld, who was in everyone's thoughts.

It was also the last performance for Mark Woodvine on euphonium who has taken the decision to retire from playing after over 50 years of service to spend time with his family, whilst cornet player Craig Shaw also finished on a high as he now concentrates on his studies at the RNCM in Manchester.

It proved to be a slightly bittersweet day though, as it was the first Area event with the much missed Chris Neufeld, who was in everyone's thoughts4BR

Best wishes

The spokesperson added: "We wish Mark all the very best for the future but are sure he won't be a stranger as he has already made plans to support the band at the National Finals!

It has also been wonderful to see Craig develop into such a fine player and we also wish him well with his studies."

The band revealed that Ryan Snelson will move from baritone to take on the solo euphonium role with young band member Jack moving up onto the solo cornet bench.

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    


wELSH aREA

Draws & Results: 2025 Welsh Regional Championships

March 15 • Parc & Dare, Deiniolin Silver and Holywell claim the first titles of the weekend in Swansea


Stevenage

Draws & Results: 2025 London & Southern Counties Area Championships

March 15 • Kidlington Concert Brass and Cobham claim the first titles of the Stevenage weekend.


cIVIC cENTRE

Result: 2025 Midlands Second Section Area Championship

March 15 • Carlton Brass claims the Second Section honours in Bedworth


Derek rENSHAW

Renshaw adds experience to MD role at Hade Edge

March 15 • Three time National winner Derek Renshaw brings his experience to the role of MD at Hade Edge Band.


Regent Hall Concerts - RAM Trumpet Ensembles

Friday 14 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 14 March • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 15 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Contest: Midlands Regional Brass Band Championships

Saturday 15 March • Bedworth Civic Hall, High Street CV12 8NF


Contest: Welsh Regional Championships

Saturday 15 March • Brangwn Hall, Guildhall Rd S, Swansea SA1 4PE


Port Sunlight Lyceum Brass

March 15 • Merseyside/Wirral based. We are a friendly 4th section band with regular jobs and socials throughout the year! Looking for a Principal Cornet, Cornets(position negotiable), Flugal and Trombone. All Players welcome! Instruments available to use!


The Marple Band

March 13 • Cornet ( positions negotiable),baritone and kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Rushden Town Band

March 12 • Back Row Cornet - due to a change in job, the band has a vacancy for a back row cornet. The band has a lovely atmosphere, and has regular jobs throughout the year as well as taking part in at least two contests.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd