*
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    


Regional

Stevenage performances on replay on Wobplay

March 24 • If you want to find out how all the prizes were won in Stevenage on the weekend, the tune into wobplay and enjoy... and debate


Kapitol Promotions

And the National Final invitations go to...

March 24 • The provisional list of bands that will be invited to compete at the 2026 National Finals at London and York have now been completed.


Durham

Results: 2026 North of England Regional Championships

March 21 • EverReady, Durham Miners Institute, Felling, Barton Community and Driffield take the first four titles in Durham


Fulham

Results: 2026 London & SC Regional Championships

March 21 • Zone One, Fulham, Staines, Betteshanger and Crystal Palace claim titles at Stevenage


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 26 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Trombone Octet

Friday 27 March • Oompah Brass XXL. Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - 2026 National Youth Brass Band Championships

Saturday 28 March • King Edward's School, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Chinnor Silver

March 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (30th) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to join us in a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. It does not affect your main band and is all free including the cake and coffee.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Concert Brass, (3rd place 1st Section 2026 (L&SC), are looking for a solo euphonium, bass trombone, and cornet. We have our own Band Hall complex complete with Bar at OX12 8FR. We rehearse on Tuesdays and Fridays 19:30 - 21:30. Check us out now.


wantage silver band

March 23 • Wantage Band (Champ Section) have a SECOND CORNET seat vacant from May. The band placed 3rd at the L&SC Area and look forward to the Grand Shield in a few weeks. Then Wallace & Gromit, concerts in Stroud and Marlborough and Market Place Brass - exciting!


Alan Duguid

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd