*
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    


4BR Review

4BR Review: Annual Awards nominations broadcast

December 16 • The long list nominees for the 2025 4BR Awards will be revealed in a special live broadcast on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm — so why not join us and see if you agree with our choices.


Oldroyd

Kennedy signing adds to Oldroyd Opus

December 16 • The award winning cooperation band flugel star Stephanie Kennedy has been welcomed as a new Oldroyd Musical Instruments Performance Artist.


Frans Violet

Willebroek reaches new audiences with primetime television slot

December 16 • The talents of the European champion were enjoyed by a nationwide television audience in Belgium.


We are going on a bear hunt

Leyland to go on a bear hunt...

December 16 • There will be plenty of family fun in 2026 for supporters of Leyland Band — as they lead the musical accompaniment to a classic bear hunt.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


wantage silver band

December 17 • . Wantage Concert Brass (First Section) are looking to fill the positions of Solo Euphonium, First Baritone and Bass Trombone ASAP. Rehearsals are on Tuesday and Friday, 7:30-9:30pm, led by their dynamic MD Daniel Hall..


Banks Brass Band

December 16 • Merry Christmas from Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting Band near Southport. We are looking for experienced players to strengthen our euphonium, trombone and bass rows. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30 in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR4 8BL.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Ian Holmes

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd