*
banner

Christmas spirit on show at Shipston

There was certainly a welcome festive guest at Shipton's recent Christmas concert.

Shipston
  The Shipston Band welcomed Clive (left) to their concert with MD Howard Gibbs and principal cornet Luke Barker

The true spirit of banding was evident this month when Shipston Band held its Christmas Concert in its the small home town in Warwickshire.

Joining the carol playing was Clive Barker from Melton Band, who rang Shipston's secretary David Birch to enquire if he could come along for a blow as he was staying the evening at a local hotel and had seen the concert advertised.

This really was a touch of good Christmas fortune and we were so grateful for Clive's help. We now look forward to renewing our friendship at the Midland Area in MarchBand Secretary, David Birch

Touch of Christmas spirit

The only problem was that he needed to borrow a BBb tuba, but as good luck had it, the band just happened to have one available in their bandroom, as David Birch told 4BR:

"This really was a touch of good Christmas fortune and we were so grateful for Clive's help. We now look forward to renewing our friendship at the Midland Area in March."

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    


GUS Bugle

Results: 2026 West of England Bandsmen's Festival

June 21 • The GUS Band reclaims the famous Royal Trophy for the first time in 71 years on a wonderful day of music making in the sunshine in Bugle.


Queensbury

Last chord for Lewis at Queensbury Music Centre

June 21 • The double Yorkshire Area title winner thanks MD Chris Lewis after he decides to step down from conducting role.


Frank Mathison

Death of Frank Mathison

June 21 • The death has been announced of the former bass trombone player of the London Symphony Orchestra and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.


Foden's

Foden's and friends...

June 21 • The North West Area champion was joined by six friendly bands for a great evening of community music making.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Alder Valley Brass

June 19 • Bb bass player. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a varied blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham, Surrey. Other enquiries welcome.


Chinnor Silver

June 17 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meet again on Monday (22nd) and we welcome players of all standards to join us for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with Tea and cake and it’s all free.. Rehearsals are at 11am in our own bandroom playing with us does not effect your band.


Longridge Band

June 16 • Longridge Band invite applications for the positions of Flugel and Eb Bass.. We are a friendly and committed band that enjoys a great balance of concerts and contests throughout the year. A contribution to travel expenses are provided.


Duncan Wilson

Bmus(hons), LGSMD
Conductor, Adjudicator (member AoBBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd