*
banner

Groarke-Booth tenure at Rainford reaches end

After six impressive years the musical partnership between Rainford Band and Sarah Groarke-Booth has come to an end.

Groarke-Booth
  The partnership brought top flight stability and success to Rainford Band

4BR has been informed that the musical partnership between Rainford Band and Sarah Groarke-Booth has come to an end after six-year due to the extensive travelling involved.

During her tenure the band has remained in the Championship Section, securing an extensive list of impressive results at regional and national level events. These included podium finishes at the North West Regional Championship and the Scottish Open.

Fruitful

Speaking about her decision, Sarah said: "After a period of six fruitful and thoroughly enjoyable years of musical collaboration, it's time to part company with this fabulous ensemble.

It has been my privilege and joy to be associated with Rainford Band over the years — which included the very difficult time of Covid restrictions. We have entertained audiences and produced musically satisfying contest performances over the years.

She added: "The distance to the bandroom has become too much of a challenge in recent months and unfortunately it is time to move on. I wish the band all the very best for the future"

Thank

In response, a spokesperson for the band stated: "We would like to thank Sarah from the bottom of our hearts for all the effort she has put in over the past six years.

The atmosphere in the bandroom has been amazing since she was appointed; mainly owing to her extremely positive attitude and her enthusiastic approach to life."

We wish Sarah all the best in her future endeavours, and although we are sad she is moving on, she goes knowing that she has had a positive impact on the bandRainford Band

All the best

They added: "Sarah has led many great performances, on both the contest and concert stage, leading many sold out performances.

We wish Sarah all the best in her future endeavours, and although we are sad she is moving on, she goes knowing that she has had a positive impact on the band."

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    


Greig Hall

No relegation for Norwegian non payers

March 2 • There will be no relegation to the Fifth Division for the bands who didn't pay their membership fees on time this year — but it is not a precedent for the future.


Blackpool

Report & Results: 2026 North West Regional Championships

March 1 • Area title success for Foden's, Haydock, Lostock Hall, Allerton Brass and Wardle Community Band in Blackpool.


rooms4groups

rooms4gropups ready for Blackpool qualifiers

February 28 • The specialist hotel booking company will be on hand first thing on Monday morning to take the pressure of York and London qualifiers.


Blackpool

York and London on the horizon for North West Area contenders

February 28 • The 2026 Regional Championships get underway in Blackpool on Sunday with 75 taking to the stage at the Winter Gardens but with qualification sights on York and London.


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


Dobcross Silver Band

March 2 • Following an exceptionally pleasing 1st result at the recent Area contest (2nd section, 4th place), we invite applications for the position of 2ND BARITONE. We are a friendly, progressive and social band!


West Wycombe Brass Band

March 1 • West Wycombe Brass Band are looking for Horn players, any position. Rehearsals Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm in own band hall. Give us a call or email.


Croy Silver Band

March 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd