*
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    


National Youth Championships

Judges announced for 2026 National Youth Championships

December 11 • Anna Wilby, Christopher Bond, Stephanie Kennedy, Lauren Chinn, Daniel Brooks and Ailsa Russell (above) will be making the decisions at the National Youth Championships next March.


Brass Matters

Podcast: Brass Matters — The Centre of Things Part 1

December 11 • Join John Wallace and friends as they discuss his latest musical project.


rules

Regional Championship borrowing rules confirmed

December 11 • Bands in Sections 1-4 will be able to borrow players to boost their chances of National Championship qualification.


Linz

rooms4groups has European Championship deals ready to go

December 11 • The hotel specialists have plenty of great deals for people heading to Linz for the European Championships next year.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Petworth Town Band

December 9 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for CORNETS, BASS TROMBONE and TUBA. We are a very active band with an inspirational MD Paula Streeter. Concerts are planned for next year and we would welcome you to join us


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 9 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.


Flookburgh band

December 9 • Flookburgh Band Vacancy ........ Musical Director . . We are newly promoted to the Second Section and looking for an inspirational Musical Director to lead us forward!. Concerts: 5 main concerts per year + summer engagements . .


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd