*
banner

Mount Charles enjoy victory

Mount Charles are enjoying the feeling of victory after their third win in five years in Torquay.

Mount Charles
 

The Mount Charles Band has told 4BR of their delight to have once again have won the West of England title, their third victory in the last five years at Torquay.

After a period of reflection after the 2007 National Finals, and considerable hard work since, the band now feel that they are back on track to achieve their ambitions.

Collective way forward

Chairman Derek Thomas told 4BR: "The band had some decision to make towards the end of last year, and it did seem that things weren’t going our way, but we’ve stuck together and agreed a collective way forward, which we are now striving to achieve."

Derek said that winning the West of England Championship after a period of rebuilding was a proud achievement for the band.

The band itself have been working extremely hard individually and collectively alongside Andy Duncan who has continued to encourage and support the band and its ambitionsChairman Derek Thomas

Working hard

He added: "The band itself have been working extremely hard individually and collectively alongside Andy Duncan who has continued to encourage and support the band and its ambitions."

The band would also like to publicly acknowledge the sterling work that Frances Calver, Brian Elliott and their teams put into making the weekend the success it clearly is.

Thanks

Derek commented: "We’d like to thank all the players from the other bands who congratulated us, and the numerous members from the audience who also offered their congratulations. It certainly means a lot to us."

For now though the band have a busy calender over the next 3 months including a 'Listen to the Band' broadcast, a recording session for BBC TV 'Songs of Praise' and their preparations for 'Vienna Nights' at the Grand Shield.

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    


Foden's Band

Report & Result: 2026 British Open Championship

September 12 • Foden's led by Russell Gray claim the 172nd British Open with music making of the richest emotion.


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band

September 15 • BBb Bass - We're a First Section band, looking for a BBb Bass with the musical ability and commitment to perform at that level. Are you the rock solid foundation, to compliment our amazing Bass team?


Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band

September 15 • Principle Euphonium - We are looking for an accomplished soloist within Wokingham and surrounding areas, with the confidence and expression to take on the bands prominent Euphonium features and solos. . If this is you, please get in touch.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

September 14 • The band, under the musical direction of Jack Fisher, require a percussionist. Rehearsing in our own purpose built band hall, with a wide array of percussion instruments permanently set-up, have a growing schedule of concerts, contests and social events.


Prof. Christopher Houlding

MMus, GGSM, LRAM
Conductor, Performer, Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd