*
banner

Agnew enjoys testing match at Melton

BBC cricket broadcaster Jonathan Agnew has updated listeners around the world of his ongoing joy at returning to brass banding.

Melton
  The band recently welcomed the signing of broadcaster and former test cricket Jonathan Agnew

Following the news reported on 4BR that the well-known BBC cricket broadcaster Jonathan Agnew had returned to brass banding with the Melton Band, the former England test-match bowler has given an update on live on air of how much he is enjoying his euphonium playing after a 45-year break.

Lords update

It came on the first day of the recent Lords test match between England and the West Indies, where his fellow BBC 'Test Match Special' broadcaster Phil Tufnell mischievously asked how he had been getting on with his new hobby.

Agnew responded that he was thoroughly enjoying it after he heard the band in a local concert and "the old tingle came back!"

Having expressed his interest to one of the players, a band euphonium was dropped off to his front door, and despite his acknowledged terrible memory, he soon got to grips with the fingering which he said at times "goes like the clappers".

Join the line-up

Now, in addition to attending weekly Tuesday night rehearsals which afterwards always conclude with a trip to a nearby hostelry, Agnew, whose first two test wickets were the West Indian legends of Gordon Greenidge and Viv Richards, is hoping that other former brass band players will join him at the band.

Enjoy

You can hear him talking about his association with the band at around 5 hours 41 mins in the broadcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002121q

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    


French National Championships

French bands prepare for National challenges

February 27 • The 2026 French National Championships take place in Forges-les-Eaux in Normandy this weekend.


ISM

ISM to host Make Music Work conference day

February 27 • If you want to find out how to make a sustainable career in the music industry then get along to the ISM 'Make Music Work' conference day in London in April.


wobplay

New February additions to Wobplay playlist

February 27 • Make sure you sign up for Wobplay to enjoy the added February attractions.


Olav Skar

More cooperation announced for Brass in Concert champion

February 27 • A trio of experienced professionals have joined the trustees of the cooperation band.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Harlow Brass Band

February 27 • We are a friendly, non-contesting band who have the following vacancies:. Trombones, 2nd Horn, Back Row Cornets, Percussion. . We rehearse every Thursday in Harlow, 8-10pm and play at local events throughout the year.


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


Gary Davies


Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd