*
banner

Hunt on for missing British Open trophy

A plea has gone out to try and locate the whereabouts of the Stanley Wainwright Memorial Trophy — and present it to its current winner.

Helen Williams
  Best Soloist winner Helen Williams was unable to celebrate with the rightful silverware at the British Open this year

Grimethorpe Colliery Band has sent out a plea to help find a missing British Open trophy, which they wish to locate and present to its current winner.

Best Soloist

The Stanley Wainwright 'Best Soloist' Memorial award has been presented at the event since 1990 and commemorates the former contest controller's dedication and commitment to the contest.

Over the years it has been won by many of the banding movement's finest instrumentalists, and this year it was won by Helen Williams (above) of the Cory Band — 20 years after she was first presented it in 1996.

However, Helen was not able to receive the trophy as its whereabouts were unknown following its presentation in 2015.

We would appreciate any help regarding the whereabouts of the trophy, which we wish to ensure goes to this year's deserved winner Helen WilliamsGrimethorpe Colliery Band

Any help

Grimethorpe Band Manager Paul Smith told 4BR: "We would appreciate any help regarding the whereabouts of the trophy, which we wish to ensure goes to this year's deserved winner Helen Williams."

If anyone has any information please contact either Paul Smith or Frank Hodges on the numbers below. Any information received will be kept confidential.

Contact:

Paul Smith: 07916585352

Frank Hodges (Contest Controller): 07930562768

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    


Lawson

Lawson treasures Shepherd award

October 7 • Cory principal cornet player Kyle Lawson has spoken of his pride in being the first recipient of the James Shepherd Memorial Award at this year's National Final.


Thornton

Albert Hall awards for Thornton and Raisbeck

October 7 • Dr David Thornton and Ian Raisbeck were presented with their Iles and Mortimer Medals on stage at the National Final.


4br

4BR Royal Albert Hall podcast

October 7 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall.


Menai Bridge

Green credentials rewarded for Menai Bridge

October 7 • Menai Bridge Band Porthaethwy has won Making Music's 'Green Award'.


Regent Hall Concerts - Parlour Brass

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Chiswick Jazz Orchestra

Friday 9 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Chris Wormald

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd