*
banner

Foden's vow to keep reducing social isolation

The successful initiative that helps socially isolated people will restart — but only when the official all clear from the Coronavirus is given.

Fodens
  The scheme has been a huge success

Foden's has announced that their innovative project working with people to reduce social isolation in their area will continue once health authorities have given permission to restart it following the end of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Overcoming loneliness

The band worked in collaboration with Age UK Cheshire and arts organisation the Power of Art in a project that helps the over 50's of the Northwich area of Cheshire overcome loneliness by making brass music together.

Having enjoyed two concerts from the North West Regional Champion (one of which the group performed alongside the Band) the 'Creating a Buzz' project members had been regularly been meeting to socialise and be put through their paces by Foden's tutors.

All clear

However, the increasing concerns and official health advice given over the Coronavirus pandemic meant a temporary pause had to be made, although as Darren Lea from the band told 4BR, when the all clear is given the scheme will start again.

"The free sessions were open to anyone and were proving to be a great success — and fun.

Some of the members were completely new to playing a brass instrument and others had varying experience.

Each week they came together to enjoy each other's company whilst learning and improving their musical skills. The enthusiasm made it so much fun to be a part of that we are determined to get it back up and running as and when we are given the official advice from the government and official health professionals."

The free sessions were open to anyone and were proving to be a great success — and funFoden's Band

Find out more

Creating a Buzz! — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKl7oBGDWsI

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    


Herbert

The Brass Band Story set for publication

February 26 • A new book written by Prof Trevor Herbert and aimed at general readers interested in an overall analysis and insight into the brass band movement in the UK and beyond, is to be published in July.


Desford

Small drop in Midlands Area entrants

February 26 • 69 bands will compete at the Midlands Regional Championships over two weekends in March.


Perth

Positive uptake for Scottish title challenges

February 26 • There will be two full days of competitive and non-competitive music making at the 2026 Scottish Championship in Perth.


Riverside

Line-ups for North of England Area confirmed

February 26 • 42 bands will take to the stage in Durham to try and claim their places at London and Cheltenham later in the year.


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Oompah Brass XXL

Friday 27 February • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 1 March • St. Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • TUNED PERCUSSION PLAYER Wanted. St Albans Band. Rehearsals Wednesdays 8 to 10pm. Varied programme of concerts, gigs and civic events throughout the year. Friendly, welcoming brass band. Experienced players and returners welcome. www.stalbansband.co.uk


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd