*
banner

95 year old leads Carlton Area celebrations

The remarkable Ken Dunkin led the celebrations as CarLton Brass recently won the Midlands Region Second Section title in Bedworth.

Carlton Brass
  Ken Dunkin enjoyed the victory — with the banner firmly in his grasp

The Second Section Midlands Regional Championships victory of Carlton Brass was not only cause for celebration as the band qualified for the Cheltenham National Finals for the first time since 2015.

It also saw perhaps the oldest individual title winning 'qualifier' too as in their playing ranks on the day was 95 year old baritone player Ken Dunkin.

Stalwart performer

A keen gardener Ken (holding the winners' banner) is a stalwart performer, never missing a rehearsal and being a conscientious example to fellow players in that he practices every day.

Such is his commitment that he attended every band job and engagement throughout a cold December and is always one of the first to arrive at Monday and Thursday rehearsals.

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "Although winning the Area title was a great achievement for the band, having Ken in the ranks to help us and then enjoy the celebrations made it even more special."

Amazingly the band may also hold the 2025 Area record for the widest age difference between oldest and youngest players as they also had in the ranks 9-year-old George Wood who played percussion on the day4BR

Oldest and youngest

Amazingly the band may also hold the 2025 Area record for the widest age difference between oldest and youngest players as they also had in the ranks 9-year-old George Wood who played percussion on the day.

A spokesperson added: "Little George (as he had to have a step to reach the top of the tubular bells) is a cracking prospect and has already gained his Grade 2 Drums and is a member of Nottingham City Music Hub.

Within days of winning the Midlands title, George was performing in three concerts at Nottingham's Albert Hall playing percussion, clarinet and keyboard, so we know we have a great multi-instrumentalist on our hands!"

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    


Competiton

Conductors prepare to claim Final berths

June 28 • The semi-finalists at the Brass Band Conductors Association Conducting Competition will be looking to book their place in the final this evening in Halifax.


Mnozil Brass

Choir pews only for Mnozil

June 28 • If you want to see Mnozil Brass tonight in Birmingham then be prepared to sit in the choir.


Russell Gray

Gray Pops in to CBS news...

June 28 • Russell Gray recently appeared on Minnesota CBS News in the USA to give a plug for the start of the Minneapolis Pop Concert series he is leading.


Foden's Armagh

Foden's stars to lead in Armagh once again

June 28 • Players from Foden's Band will continue to help inspire players of all ages and abilities in Armagh in August.


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


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd