*
banner

Whitburn tributes to young stalwarts

The Whitburn Band has paid tribute to two integral parts of their recent success as Scottish Open champion looks forward to majors.

Whitburn
  Michael and Jennifer Fleming have been an integral part of the band's success over the last decade

The Whitburn Band has paid tribute to two of its longest serving players as they recently took the decision to take some time away for top level banding

Michael and Jennifer Fleming have been involved with the band for over a decade and have been an integral part in an outstanding period of success.

Solo horn Michael and cornet player Jennifer were married last year, with Whitburn members proudly playing Jennifer down the aisle.

Tough decision

Michael told 4BR: "Leaving Whitburn has been a tough decision. the band has been a massive part of our lives but we have decided to take some time to focus on other things outside of brass bands.

We will miss everyone involved but are certain that the band will continue going from strength to strength."

Michael will be replaced as solo horn by Alison Hall, who moves up from the second horn chair, whilst the band also welcomes the return of cornet player Liam Orr after he completes his Masters in Trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Alison said: "Since coming along to Whitburn in 2014 to 'help out' for the Europeans I have had an enjoyable five years making great memories and historic results with the band. I'm sorry to see Michael and Jennifer leave as we have had many great times together, but I'm thrilled that the band has offered me the position."

Leaving Whitburn has been a tough decision. the band has been a massive part of our lives but we have decided to take some time to focus on other things outside of brass bandsMichael and Jennifer Fleming

Thanks

Whitburn Band Chairman, Charlie Farren added: "We're saddened to be losing two core members who have been part of our group for more than ten years. We completely respect their choice and wish them well for the future and thank them for all they have given to us."

He added: "We're delighted that Alison is stepping up to the solo horn chair and we welcome back Liam to strengthen our ranks in time for the British Open and National Championships."

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    


Norway

Concerto test for Norwegian elite

September 17 • Flavours of Rumba, Ravel and riotous ostriches courtesy of Derek Bourgeois will test the Elite Division contenders at the 2026 Norwegian National Championships.


National Championships

2026 Regional Championship test-piece announced

September 17 • Works by Martin Ellerby, Andrew Wainwright, Philip Harper, Gordon Langford and Eric Ball will test bands in their qualification bids for the Albert Hall and Cheltenham next year.


1st Old Boys

Report & Result: 2025 BrassFest Enniskillen

September 17 • 1st Old Boys lead the way in Enniskillen as new event proves to be a huge hit with local listeners.


Mike Eccles

Eccles takes final bow at Brighouse

September 17 • Mike Eccles ends his Brighouse & Rastrick flugel tenure on a high after British Open victory.


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


Rob Nesbitt

BSc, PG Cert. Ed.
Cartoonist , illustrator, writer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd