*
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    


Brass in Concert

Don't miss the entertainment...

November 13 • You won't miss a single note of the weekend at the Brass in Concert Championships thanks to World of Sound and Wobplay.


podcast

4BR Review — Episode 24

November 13 • Ahead of the 2026 Brass in Concert Championships, Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas looked at the questions and issues surrounding how brass bands entertain audiences.


Siddis Geneva

New sponsorship approach by Geneva boosts grass roots in Norway

November 13 • Geneva Instruments looks to support next generation of players at grass roots level with new approach to contest sponsorship.


Perth Concert Hall

Bands boost for Scottish Festival of Brass

November 13 • The are three packed days of contesting to enjoy at Perth Concert Hall as bands get ready for performances in Perth.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Mossley Band

November 12 • MOSSLEY BAND. . Solo Trombone Vacancy . . We are inviting applications for our Solo Trombone chair. . . Rehearsals: Tue and Thur 8-10pm. MD Duncan Byers. Friendly and ambitious band. Established core team. Friendly Trom section


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Sarah Groarke-Booth

BA (Hons) MA
Conductor, Adjudicator, Compere, Actor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd