*
banner

New quartet at Coppull & Standish

A new quartet of old players set to return to Coppull & Standish for the areas.

 

Following their recent 3rd place in the Brass at the Guild Third Section, Coppull and Standish has welcomed four new players to the band ahead of the North West Area qualifiers.

Due to the departure of Ray Bannister (flugel) and Lisa Houghton (2nd horn) the band welcomes back from retirement John Holcroft, Keith Hough, Lyn Ratchford and Chris Ratchford.

It was such a waste that players of this calibre were in retirement and it is great news that they will be back amongst friends and colleagues making music againTony Hodgetts

Welcome back

Chairman Tony Hodgetts told 4BR: "All four players have ties to other players in the band going back many years, three of them having been members of the now extinct Bedford (Leigh) and Hindley Bands."

Colin added: "It was such a waste that players of this calibre were in retirement and it is great news that they will be back amongst friends and colleagues making music again. As a band we would like to thank Ray and Lisa for the commitment and service and wish them all the best for the future."

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    


Whit Friday

Whit Friday results

May 30 • The official results will be published on 4BR as soon as they are officially released by the organisers, as bands are requested to show respect and patience to contest providers.


nybbg

New generation starts to shine for NYBBGB

May 29 • A trio of workshops inspires the next generation of players looking to enjoy the musical experience of being part of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Thats not banding

Podcast: That's Not Banding — Episode 20

May 29 • The Brighouse duo give their thoughts and opinions on Whit Friday and Saddleworth versus Tameside, as well as looking back on their recent travels far and wide.


British Open

British Open tickets on sale

May 28 • The box office is open from 10.00am today to get tickets for the 172nd British Open Championship.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Hall Concerts - Ithaca Brass

Tuesday 2 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Tintwistle Band

May 28 • Tintwistle Band are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team. . We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, under the baton of MD Jim Henson, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Chinnor Silver

May 28 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on Monday(1st) at 11am and we welcome players of all abilities to come along and join us in a relaxed and friendly rehearsal.. What is not to like = wont effect your no1 band ,its free and with coffee and cake


Otley Brass Association

May 26 • Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a new member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our MD, Martyn Beecham.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd