*
banner

Flowers blow as driving force resigns

One of the main driving forces behind the Flowers Band has resigned from the Butlins and West of England Regional Champions.

Lee Downie
 

The Flowers Band, the current Butlins Mineworkers and West of England Regional champion, has announced the departure of long-serving Band Manager and percussionist Lee Downie.

In an open letter of resignation, Lee stated that matters in his private life have meant that his time and focus must be devoted elsewhere in the immediate future.

Over the past eight years he had become one of the major driving forces behind Flowers' remarkable progress in becoming a major force at elite contesting level — with the band able to attract a number of high profile performers that helped to propel them to considerable contesting success under the baton of Paul Holland.

New Band Manager

It is understood that in the interim, bass trombone player and committee member, James Case will act as temporary Band Manager until a permanent appointment is made.

The band is currently preparing for its trip to the French Open Championships in Amboise on 4th June where it will also perform in the Gala Concert.

Over the past eight years he had become one of the major driving forces behind Flowers' remarkable progress in becoming a major force at elite contesting level4BR

Contact:

James can be contacted via e-mail at: manager@flowers.band or through the Flowers Band Facebook page.

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    


Rochdale contest

Results: 2026 Rochdale Contest

October 25 • Own choice victories for Unite the Union, Dobcross Silver, Littleborough Brass and St. John's (Mossley) as Kidlington book their Spring Festival place.


udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • Brass Band Schoonhoven reclaims National title as there are victories for Chr. Brass Band Excelsior, Brass Band De Bazuin B, Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for an Eb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


St John's Band (Mossley)

October 25 • After a brilliant 1st place at Rochdale Contest, we are looking for a Bb BASS player to join our friendly 4th section band based in Mossley, Tameside.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are currently looking for a kit player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting Band, with a busy period coming up, and would like to fill the position as soon as possible.


Nigel Seaman

ARMCM ARNCM
Conductor, band trainer, teacher and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd