*
banner

Staffs out of English Nationals

Painful accident leads to painful decision for Midlanders.

Staffordshire
 

The Staffordshire Band have been forced to make the painful decision to withdraw from the forthcoming English National Brass Band Championships on Saturday June 28th at Preston Guild Hall and have notified the organisers accordingly.

Hockey accident

Unfortunately the band found out last Friday that Adrian Lacey, their bumper-up, had been hit with a hockey ball during a match the night before and had badly broken the thumb (at least!) of his right hand.

With much swelling and bruising still to come out, his hand was going to become much worse before it made any improvement.

I'm sure it won't be the last time the band qualifies for the contest — hopefully next time, we'll have a bit more luck!Shaun Elliott

Untenable situation

Whilst they had an almost full line-up and were borrowing the maximum number deps as cover for two players who were unavailable, they were only playing three on the front row – the loss of one made the situation untenable.

Draw a line

Shaun Elliott, the Band's Chairman told 4BR: "This has come as a huge blow — none more so than to Adrian, who has been playing high standard league hockey for over 25 years with no impact on his banding activities. But these things happen — we'll draw a line under this and move on."

Looking forward

Shaun added: "We were really looking forward to taking part in the English Nationals for the first time and had put in a lot of work into the test piece. Significant improvements were being made every rehearsal and we were looking forward to putting in a fine performance — but that's life. I'm sure it won't be the last time the band qualifies for the contest — hopefully next time, we'll have a bit more luck!"

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    


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation — Episode 2

October 23 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series continues its exploration on the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Money

Irish musicians to benefit from financial support

October 23 • 'Basic Income from the Arts' pilot scheme is set to provide financial help for three years to artists, musicians, singers, instrumentalists, composers and sound engineers.


Brass Band Willebroek

European contenders ready for Willebroek challenge

October 23 • 55 players from seven European countries will look to claim titles at the Willebroek Solo Contest.


Ben Haemhouts

Leadership schedule keeps Haemhouts in business

October 23 • The Chairperson of the EBBA Music Commission brings musical insight to the business community.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 23 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm


Bratton Community Brass Bands

October 23 • POSITION: MUSICAL DIRECTOR. . Bratton Silver Band is currently 3rd Section National Champions and subsequent promotion to SECOND SECTION in 2026.. . From January 2026 we are seeking a passionate, inspiring, and creative MD to lead us into 2026


Chinnor Silver

October 22 • We are looking for Eb/Bb Bass and Percussion players to join us.. 1st section from January which followed a finals appearance.. Good but realistic book of contests and concerts.. Rehearsals on a Wednesday in our own bandroom..


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd