*
banner

Menai Bridge enjoys Queensbury connection

Members of Band Pres Porthaethwy/Menai Bridge recently enjoyed an inspirational chat with Nicholas and Alison Childs.

Childs
  Nicholas and Alison Childs were the guests for the meeting

Members of Band Pres Porthaethwy/Menai Bridge recently enjoyed a Zoom meeting with Black Dyke Director of Music Prof Nicholas Childs.

Informal chat

In the two-hour informal chat Prof Childs and his wife, Alison, provided insights into how Black Dyke has approached the challenges posed by the restrictions of Covid-19, and how it has overcome them with a mix of enthusiasm and expertise.

He also answered questions about his banding career and told many interesting tales of his experiences along the way — from his earliest days with Tredegar Junior Band to his 20 year tenure at Black Dyke.

It was two hours of wonderful information and inspiration and we hope to invite both back to visit us at our bandroom when we finally return to rehearsalsBrian Mottershead

Wonderful

Band Chairman Brian Mottershead told 4BR: "We were all very grateful to Nick and Alison for being so generous with their time to talk to us, and particularly the friendly way in which he conducted the meeting.

It was two hours of wonderful information and inspiration and we hope to invite both back to visit us at our bandroom when we finally return to rehearsals."

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    


Nord

Report & Results: 2026 Aalborg Music Festival

May 11 • Nordvestjysk Brass Band claims the 14th Aalborg title with section wins for Aalborg Post Orkester, Hjorring Brass Band and Kimbrer Garden


Paul Holland

Mayor's Medal honour for Holland

May 11 • Flowers Band MD Paul Holland has been presented with The Mayor's Medal as an expression of the thanks and gratitude of the Citizens of Gloucester following the band's recent European title success.


Tonga

New commission celebrates Tongan history

May 11 • A new test-piece work by Andrew Wainwright will receive its premiere at the Tonga Secondary School Brass Band Festival.


Tameside Whit Friday

Venues ready for Tameside Whit Friday visitors

May 11 • 11 venues will welcome performers and listeners alike later this month.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Chinnor Silver

May 11 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join us as we head into an exciting period for the band.Good and varied diary ahead.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (so none of that tedious setting up and down)


Hathern Band

May 10 • Due to University placement we require a Bb Bass player- we are a First Section band based at our own band room in the village of Hathern LE12 5LJ Leicestershire (between M1 Jcts 23 & 24) and close to Lougborough and Nottingham Universities


Newstead Brass

May 10 • Newstead Brass are on the lookout for a talented 2nd BARITONE player to join our ambitious and hardworking Nottinghamshire-based Championship Section band.. A rare chance to become part of an ambitious brass band striving for even greater success together.


Ian Holmes

BA (hons), PGDip (RCM), ARCM, ALCM
Conductor, piano accompanist and educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd