*
banner

New habits for Cobham

Cobham Band take their musical habits to Westminster Abbey.

 

Every band loves its regular annual jobs, but it's also fun to take on new challenges.

Historic

The Cobham Band, under the baton of the band’s Musical Director, David Ruel recently did just that last Wednesday when they took their first job in central London in its 120 year history at the beautiful and historic College Gardens of Westminster Abbey.

Every cloud has a silver lining they say, and earlier in the year the band had the cloud of having to find a new rehearsal room in Cobham.

An hour and a half's programme was warmly received by an audience in the hundreds of tourists, band enthusiasts and office workers taking an al-fresco break4BR

Lunchtime concert

After much searching and many trials the band finally found a home in the Church and Church hall of St Andrews in Cobham. This brought the silver lining when two of St Andrew's parishioners heard them and recommended the band to their son, the coordinater of the Abbey's lunchtime concert series.

This resulted in an invitation to perform which was enthusiastically accepted by the band.

Al fresco

An hour and a half's programme was warmly received by an audience in the hundreds of tourists, band enthusiasts and office workers taking an al-fresco break. The concert was brought to a close with the band and audience upstanding for 'The Queen'.

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    


Megan Bousfield

4BR Friday interview with Megan Bousfield

January 9 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to NYBBGB Conductor Competition finalist Megan Bousfield.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire Championship schedule confirmed

January 9 • There will be two days of exciting Yorkshire banding battles in Huddersfield to enjoy.


Dai Thomas

Tredegar look to new business lead for 150th anniversary

January 9 • Welsh champions will take a new approach to their business outlook as their celebrate their 150th anniversary this year.


Next Step Films

Compilation album on offer from NXTOD

January 9 • There are plenty of highlights to enjoy from 2025 — and its all free from the NXTOD media platform.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Mid Rhondda Band

January 6 • Mid Rhondda Band are currently looking for a trombone player and percussionists to join the team. We are a friendly, welcoming 3rd section band working towards competing in the Welsh Area in March. We also have a variety of events booked for 2026.


The Marple Band

January 6 • Bb Bass and Tuned Percussionist vacancies to join our fabulous band. We are a friendly, ambitious 2nd Section band, starting an exciting new year.


Duncan Wilson

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd