*
banner

Musical tribute to Charles reign at Foden's

The 80th birthday of the great Jimmie Charles has been marked in music by Andy Scott and Foden's Band.

FodensJimmy
  Jimmie Charles with composer Andy Scott and Mark Wilkinson of Foden's

The musical contribution of Jimmie Charles to Foden's Band has been marked by a special work written in his honour by composer Andy Scott.

The world premiere of 'Of Good & Pure Souls' came at a concert in Sandbach conducted by Michael Fowles.

Jimmie recently celebrated his 80th birthday — a landmark that also hallmarked 64 years of dedicated service to the Sandbach band.

Remarkable

Speaking about the composition Andy commented: "Jimmie has been a part of the Foden's family as a multi-faceted player and librarian for a remarkable period. His selfless loyalty to the band makes him much loved in the brass band world.

In my time as Composer-in-Residence Jimmie became a good friend and I offered to write a piece of music that was dedicated to him. He always quietly sings a tune and draws you in to listening. He just loves music."

Lyrically sung

Andy added: "My musical approach to this piece was to try and capture the softly and lyrically sung element of Jimmie.

At his home we would make our way to the end of his garden to sit in the sun with a beer whilst he would go into the shed and put an old vinyl brass band recording on his record player and tell stories."

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


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd