*
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    


Bousfield

Bousfield set for Welsh appearance

January 30 • Ian Bousfield will head to Cardiff next month to showcase Buxton Orr's 'Trombone Concerto' and Grant Kirkhope's 'KirkFeld Concerto'.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

January 30 • Sandy and Simon take a look at the growing success of day time banding as well as a few things that are good, bad and dodgy in the banding world...


Bandstand

Radio: Bandstand

January 30 • More great music from the new brass band radio programme is being broadcast on ABC Classic in Australia each week.


BrookWright Music

Major Trade partnership link for BrookWright Music

January 30 • New partnership deal sees Trade Central, part of The Salvation Army's USA Central Territory, become an official distributor for BrookWright Music.


Dobcross Silver Band - Whitburn Band

Sunday 1 February • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


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


Tintwistle Band

January 29 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet player, ideally able to join us long-term, but we are also looking to fill this position to compete in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We enjoy all year round concerts, contests,and social events


Dodworth Colliery MW Brass Band

January 28 • Principal Cornet vacancy after March 2026. Our current player has asked for a very special 80th birthday present, a new player so that he can retire!. . Flexible rehearsal arrangements to support a good band - home life balance


Chinnor Silver

January 27 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday (2nd) 11 am and we would welcome any players who would like to join us for a friendly,relaxed rehearsal.. All abilities are welcome with a liking for cake and coffee. Blowing with us doesnt impact your no1 band


David A. Stowell


Conductor and composer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd