*
banner

4BR Quiz winner

Plenty of eagle eyed 4BR readers spotted the right answer to our recent National Finals Quiz.

4BR
 

There were hordes of correct answers to our special Black Dyke themed National Finals quiz, but just the one lucky person will get their hands on a signed copy of 'A Decade Beating Time' by the MD, Dr Nicholas Childs.

Winning answer

And the winning answer that the ribbons that hung from the iconic Nationals Trophy in the background during 4BR’s interview at the famous bandroom, were of course, black, red and gold.

We could have been generous to those who answered black, red and yellow and included them in the pot, but the correct answer was that it is gold that features on the braid of the famous uniforms.

Appropriate winner!

And appropriately enough the winner has a Black Dyke theme to their address!

Retired bandsman Robert Barnes who lives in Queensbury Lane in Milton Keynes was the person drawn out of the electronic hat – and was delighted when we broke the good news to him, as he has been a life long 'Pondasher'.

Robert told 4BR: "It’s a great prize and I’m really looking forward to reading the book. I’ve been a life long supporter of the band, although it was a coincidence that when we moved to our new house three yeas ago, the address had a Black Dyke link."

It’s a great prize and I’m really looking forward to reading the book. I’ve been a life long supporter of the band, although it was a coincidence that when we moved to our new house three yeas ago, the address had a Black Dyke linkRobert Barnes

In concert

Robert has played in bands in the Oxfordshire area for many years and was at the Albert Hall to see the band play just last week, and will be off to see them again this weekend when the Queensbury band visits Northampton.

"I was debating with my wife whether to buy a copy of the book at the concert – so thanks to 4BR it has saved me a few quid! Just listening to the band though will be well worth every penny though."

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    


Sparke

All preview roads lead to the Albert Hall...

September 28 • You can hear how the competing bands are getting on with their final preparations on Philip Sparke's work ahead of the National Final at the Royal Hall this weekend.


Hobury Victoria

Results: 2026 Red Admiral Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Horbury hit double top to defeat Championship and First Section rivals in Chorley as Golborne, Blackpool Brass and Driffield Silver also secure section victories.


Blidworth

Result: 2026 NEMBBA Entertainment Contest

September 28 • Blidworth Welfare takes the entertainment honours in Darley Dale.


Bathgate

Report & Result: 2026 Fife Charities Contest

September 27 • Bathgate claims the honours in Kirkcaldy to head on a journey to the Spring Festival.


Dobcross Silver Band -

Sunday 27 September • Dobcross Band and Social Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Saddleworth Oldham OL3 5AD


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the National Finals

Tuesday 29 September • Batley Town Hall WF17 5DA


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Consort Brass Quintet

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


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • . Our welcoming non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has openings for: . Percussion, kit and tuned: a lovely pair of timps awaits you!.


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • Our inclusive non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, has vacancies for: . . Solo Cornet. Soprano Cornet. 2/3 Cornet. .


Waltham St. Lawrence Silver Band

September 28 • Our non-contesting community band, based near Maidenhead, Bracknell and Reading, seeks:. . 1st Horn . 2nd Baritone . .


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd