*
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    


Flowers

Flowers stars to inspire next generation

September 16 • The Oxfordshire & District Brass Bands Association will host a special youth workshop with members of Flowers Band — so get along.


Royston

Balsom return to Royston gains BBC coverage

September 16 • Award winning trumpeter recently returned to her brass banding roots as she prepared for her final concert appearance at the Last Night of the Proms.


Red Admiral

Live stream for Red Admiral watching

September 16 • If you can't make it to the Red Admiral Entertainment contest later this month you can sit back an enjoy it at home instead.


BBE Podcast

Brass Band Podcast Season 2: The Next Generation

September 16 • The second season of BBE's popular podcast series returns exploring the themes of the future of brass bands, leadership, and music-making.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd