*
banner

Thundersley add to cabinet

The trophy cabinet at Thundersley Brass is starting to groan under the weight of silverware.

Thundersley
 

Thundersley Brass has added to its ever growing trophy cabinet by winning 5 prizes and being the most successful band at the recent SCABA Spring Contest in Hove.

Snow bound

The band woke on the contest morning to find their Essex homes under a thick layer of snow, but this didn't stop them making the treacherous 2 hour trip down south.

Having drawn number 1 the band had a quick rehearsal before being called on to the stage, only to then be sent away again as it was remembered that adjudicator Steve Pritchard-Jones wasnt yet in the adjudicators tent!

Taking advantage of SCABA rules, the band decided to play 'up a section' and take part in the combined Championship/1st Section contest later in the afternoon4BR

Settle nerves

This helped settle nerves, and delivered a programme that saw the adjudicator remark that it was "worthy of the championship section". In addition to taking the top prize, horn player David Howell was also awarded the "Best Instrumentalist Award", and the SCABA Centenary Trophy.

Move up

Taking advantage of SCABA rules, the band decided to play 'up a section' and take part in the combined Championship/1st Section contest later in the afternoon.

Praise

Once again Steve Pritchard-Jones threw particular praise upon the band and its horn and bass sections (who also took home the 'Best Basses' prize), Mark Skuse was rewarded by winning the 'Best Tenor Trombone' prize.

Scalping several higher section bands Thundersley were over the moon to be awarded 3rd place.

The band are now looking forward to further contest success later in the year, participating at Folkestone and Pontins.

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    


kAPITOL

2026 National Finals test-pieces announced

March 30 • Works by Philip Sparke, Andrew Wainwright, Eric Ball, Thierry Deleruyelle and Peter Graham will challenge the Albert Hall and York Barbican finalists.


Youth Brass 2000

Results: 2026 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 29 • There were competitive titles for Youth Brass 2000, St Austell Youth and Elland Silver as well as plenty of great non-competitive performances to enjoy in Birmingham.


Youth Champs

Birmingham hosts National Youth Championships

March 28 • If you are anywhere near Birmingham today, get along and enjoy plenty of fantastic brass band performers.


Withington

Withington returns to Grimethorpe

March 28 • Allan Withington will lead Grimethorpe Colliery at the British Open and Albert Hall National Final, as contesting connection with Carlton Main comes to an end.


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


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 Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Hucknall and Linby Mining Community Brass Band

March 29 • Bb AND Eb BASSES WANTED!. We are a friendly 1st section band based in Nottingham - rehearsal Thursday Evening. We have an exciting year planned with a visit to Whit Friday and a place secured at the nationals following our success at the midlands area!


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd