*
banner

Cawston lose MD

Long standing MD Colin Swaep has resigned from Cawston.

Swaep
 

The Cawston Band has announced the resignation of long-standing Musical Director, Colin Swaep.

History

Colin joined the band in 2001 and has led the band into the First Section for the only time in their 123 year history.

Other highlights of Colins’ tenure included qualification to the National Finals in 2007, a joint concert with Brisbane Excelsior, two CD recordings and an overseas trip to Germany.

There is no doubt he has taken and developed the band to heights it has not reached beforeCawston Band

Serving musician

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Most of these achievements came whilst Colin was still serving as a musician with the British Army.

"Testament to Colins’ dedication came whilst serving during the Gulf Conflict in 2003. Despite being just hour’s way from going into Iraq from Kuwait, he managed to make two phone calls from his base to wish the band good luck for the area contest and to find out the results!"

Thank you

They added: "There is no doubt he has taken and developed the band to heights it has not reached before. Achieving all this with the bands best interest at heart, rather than his own self-promotion, and all this without charging a fee. The words ‘Thank you’ seem an understatement."

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


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.


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 Flugelhorn player.


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd