*
banner

Ransome ceases contesting

The Ransome Band has decided to cease contesting as they seek to stabilise their future.

Ransome
 

The Ransome Band has announced it is to cease contesting with immediate effect in a landmark decision designed to develop and stabilise the band whilst maintaining the enjoyment of making music without the adverse pressures of contesting.

Player shortages

Recent months has seen the band pressurised into finding players for the Regional Championships. With the knowledge of there being a lack of young players in the surrounding area, combined with the band’s awkward geographical placement, the decision was taken to withdraw from the forthcoming contests and concentrate on other projects such as themed concerts, Bavarian evenings and overseas tours.

Far from being the demise of the band, Ransome is making a pro-active pledge to develop the strength of brass performance in the Newark region with the formation of a youth bandRansome Band

Not a demise

Far from being the demise of the band, Ransome is making a pro-active pledge to develop the strength of brass performance in the Newark region with the formation of a youth band. This, combined with another youth band being set up close by should secure the future of Ransome and other local bands for many years to come.

Positive move

The band state that at a time when many bands are struggling with the current climate of player shortages, their decision to step aside from contesting for the near future and concentrate on maintaining its excellent series of concerts both home and abroad has been hailed by the players as a positive move.

With an intention to move location closer to the M1 and reducing rehearsals to once a week, it is hoped that many brass players and percussionists will come on board with the band’s new ethos of concentrating on music and enjoyment.

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    


Cheltenham

Cheltenham judges confirmed

July 25 • The judges tasked with picking the winners at the 2025 Cheltenham National Finals have been announced.


Sold Out

National Youth Band sells out in London

July 25 • Its returns only if you wish to enjoy the NYBBGB in London next month with tickets going fast for the Childrens' Band too.


Italian Brass Band

Italian Brass Band continues to reach out to new audiences

July 25 • The Italian Band was joined by trombone soloist Andrea Conti for a festival performances in heart of Tuscany.


NYBBS

Perth ready for trio of NYBBS music makers

July 25 • Perth Concert Hall will host the trio of National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland later today — so if you are around why not pop along and enjoy them showcasing their talents.


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Dobcross Silver Band - Marsden Silver Prize Band

Sunday 27 July • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

July 25 • Ready for a NEW Music Challenge?. . Dodworth Brass Band, is looking for a new principal cornet as our current player prepares for retirement. Just 5mins from J37 M1. . friendly welcoming band with a packed calendar of exciting concerts & events. . . S75 3RF


Enderby Band

July 24 • Enderby Band (Leicestershire) are a Championship section band looking for: Bb BASS & PERCUSSION (expressions of interest from any perc disciplines are welcome). We are an ambitious, friendly, band with a sensibly full calendar of contests and concerts.


The Marple Band

July 24 • Cornet( back row), Baritone, Horn, Bb Bass and Kit percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new musical journey with our MD Nick Birch.


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd