*
banner

Walkers trek for Whitwell cash

The Whitwell Band has benefitted to the tune of £8,500 after brave souls (or soles) trek for 41 miles.

Whitwell
 

Whitwell Brass has been donated £8,500 courtesy of the 2008 Louise Smalley Walk.

Eighty people, including many members of the band completed the 41 mile walk in June, and the band's principal cornet player, David Wheatley even managed to complete 100 miles in less than 24 hours.

Well spent

Band Secretary, Paul Wood told 4BR: "The money will be spent on new instruments for the band which will release older instruments for the beginner classes which take place each Saturday morning."

The walk is an annual event in memory of Louise Smalley, a little girl who when she was born in 1992 was given days to live because of a heart defect. She defied the odds to live for thirteen months, during which time she even beat meningitis.

The money will be spent on new instruments for the band which will release older instruments for the beginner classes which take place each Saturday morningSecretary Paul Wood

Worth it

Band member Ryan Stacey added: "The Louise Smalley Walk is definitely the most challenging thing I have ever undertaken, but when you fully understand the history and tradition behind the event, and that you are suffering the blisters and muscle strains to support a local organisation, it makes it all worth while."

Premiere

As part of the announcement ceremony, Whitwell gave the world premiere of 'Suite in Eb', conducted by Stan Lippeatt. The band commissioned MD, David Fretwell to compose the work as part of a successful grant application at the start of the year.

The piece paints a musical picture of the village from its foundation over 1000 years ago to the well dressing celebrations, a tradition that continues to this day.

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    


Manager Musikklag

World Rankings — April update

April 26 • There has been significant movement in the latest rankings release, driven by a large number of contests over the last few months resulting in notable shifts and changes in the standings


Fodens

Foden's to preview Euro challenge

April 26 • England's representatives in Stavanger will be giving their supporters a preview of their musical challenge.


Hannah Peel

Radio: Brass Banding with Hannah Peel

April 25 • The first episode of the much anticipated new Radio 3 brass band series starts on Sunday with a musical trip to Norway...


Music

Own choice works revealed for Stavanger

April 25 • A wide ranging selection of major test-piece works will be performed in Stavanger.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Newstead Brass - St George's Day Celebration

Sunday 27 April • St Wilfrid's Church, Church Street, Kirkby In Ashfield NG17 8LA


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 4 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Contest: European Brass Band Championshiips

Friday 9 May • Konzerthaus, SandvigÃ¥ 1, 4007 Stavanger, Norway


Dobcross Silver Band

April 24 • Great opportunity for a PERCUSSIONIST to join this already talented section in what is already a band with a full brass section. We are looking to enhance our percussion section as we prepare for Nationals in September . Enjoyable playing and social band!


Hathersage Band

April 24 • SECOND TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving non-contesting community band. We enjoy making music and have a comprehensive gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Chinnor Silver

April 22 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are recommencing rehearsals on 28th Monday at 11am in our bandroom and we would love you to join us.. We welcome players of all abilities who just fancy a friendly fun blow with cake and coffee thrown in.. Its all free so join us.


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd