*
banner

b# ready for protective action with Audley

Qualkem, the makers of the b# cleaning products recently came to the aid of Audley Brass as they returned to open rehearsals.

Audley
  B# helped the band by offering them a place to rehearse.

Qualkem, the manufacturers of the b# brand of instrument cleaning products recently helped their local brass band Audley Brass to return to socially distanced rehearsals.

With changes in the restrictions the band from Staffordshire were keen to get a full ensemble together to start rehearsals, but as their bandroom is currently being renovated and they do not have access to an appropriate private outdoor space they approached Qualkem to see if they could make use of their carpark.

Great chance

MD Tom Hancock told 4BR: "It was a great chance to get the whole band together after we had enjoyed some online rehearsals, isolation videos, and masterclasses with leading musicians.

Between lockdowns we managed some small sectional and part band rehearsals, but this was the first time since lockdown the whole band had been able to play together."

Support

In response Ivan Anketell-Clifford the MD at Qualkem added: "We have always had a close working relationship with bands in the area and we have Mark Wilkinson and Foden's as endorsees of the b# brand.

Three members of staff play for Audley so it was great to support them and their colleagues in their efforts to get back to some form of musical normality".

B# brass instrument cleaning soak is made in the UK and is available from all major brass instrument retailers.

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    


Chrsitmas Quiz

Last chance to enter the 4BR Christmas Quiz

December 31 • If you want to try and win a Prodige cornet and mutes for a young player in your band, then fire up your little grey banding brain cells one last time in 2025.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire youth to get generational boost of confidence

December 31 • The Next Generation of players from bands in the four counties of Yorkshire will be able to gain inspiration from Black Dyke Band star players.


Essence of Time

Nearly time to capture some of Tredegar's essence

December 30 • There is still time to win a workshop with Martyn Brabbins, Peter Moore, Gavin Higgins, Ian Porthouse, Dewi Griffiths, Sion Jones and more...


Roger

Webster and Rushworth to help life-long friend

December 30 • Roger Webster and Billy Rushworth will join forces with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band to help raise urgent funds for the cancer treatment of a former colleague.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


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


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Croy Silver Band

January 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • 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.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Oxted Band

December 30 • As we go into 2026, the band's 125th anniversary, we are seeking CORNET and TROMBONE players to fill our line-up. We are friendly and ambitious band with a wide variety of engagements, including three major concerts each year - check them out on YouTube.


Phillip Littlemore

GGSM, AoBBA Member
Conductor, Band Trainer, Adjudicator, Arranger, Teacher and Publisher


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd