*
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    


mUSIC

Wallace spirit maintains free music demands on Scottish politicians

February 21 • A Music Manifesto for Scotland published by the Music Education Partnership Group aims to keep the commitment to free music tuition at the forefront of future political commitments.


Welsh Open

Welsh contest season set for entertaining opener

February 21 • There will be a packed day of music making on show in Newport on Sunday as the contesting season in Wales kicks-off with a cross border entertainment battle.


Rooms4groups

Success at the Areas? Then make sure you call rooms4groups

February 21 • If you claim a qualification place for Cheltenham or London over the next few weeks, then make sure you get in touch with the hotel specialists for your National Final needs.


NYBBNI

4BR Thursday interview with Les Neish

February 19 • We speak to the Besson artist as he prepares to take the baton for the first rehearsal meeting of the National Youth Brass Band of Northern Ireland.


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


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


David W. Ashworth

RSCM, ABBA Exec Member, NABBC PRO.
Conductor, Band Trainer and Adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd