*
banner

4BR Interview with Paul Richards

4BR Editor Iwan Fox talks to Paul Richards about his memories of the Sun Life Band as former players look forward to meeting up again for a special reunion weekend.

Stanshawe
  The band achieved great success in its 29 year existence.

Can't see the audio player below? Visit soundcloud.com/4barsrest

It's the weekend interview on 4BR and we are talking to Paul Richards, the wonderful soprano cornet player with Flowers Band.

However, it's not about his association with the Butlins Champion, but with his great efforts in keeping the name of the Sun Life Band fresh in people's memories.

British Open win

No longer in existence the Stanshawe Band — later to become Sun Life — was formed in 1968 and enjoyed considerable success over its 29 year existence — topped by their memorable 1990 British Open success under Roy Newsome.

Paul talks about his link to the band and the work friends and supporters have undertaken to keep their memory alive — including organising a fantastic 'Mustard' weekend for formers players, close supporters and friends to meet up to recall memories and return to music making on the 27th & 28th November in Wootten-Under-Edge.

Right time

Event organiser Geoff Colmer added: "It seems the right time to get together to renew our friendship and to celebrate the legacy of the Sun Life (Stanshawe) Band. We are keen to hear from all ex-players so we get as many attending as possible."

Details of the event are on the bands Facebook page@ https://www.facebook.com/groups/59708200728

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    


Besson

Besson ready with early Christmas offers

November 29 • If you are at the Swiss or Swedish Nationals, the Scottish Open or just off to do some earlier Christmas musical shopping, then put Besson on Santa's list — for some great deals.


swiss

Swiss connections add to Lucerne coverage

November 27 • 4BR will be linking up with their Swiss friends at BRASS BAND NEWS to provide extra insight and opinions about the performances in Lucerne this weekend.


Philip Sparke

Sparke ignites demand for 2026 RNCM International Brass Band Festival

November 27 • There has already been an eager snap up of tickets for the showcase event at the RNCM in Manchester in January — led by a 75th birthday celebration of composer Philip Sparke.


Perth

Domestic and cross border challengers head to Perth

November 27 • The bands are putting their final touches to their preparations for the Scottish Open and Scottish Youth Championships this weekend in Perth.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Christmas Concert

Saturday 29 November • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Barnsley Brass - A Night At The Movies

Saturday 29 November • Worsbrough Miners Welfare. Park Road. Worsbrough Bridge. Barnsley S70 5LJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Unite the Union Band

Sunday 30 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross . Saddleworth. Oldham OL3 5AD


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Hathersage Band

November 27 • BACK ROW CORNET. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


wantage silver band

November 27 • 4th section national finalists Wantage Academy are looking for a Bb bass and 2nd cornet to complete their team. A friendly, welcoming band who rehearse Wed 7-8:30pm and Sat 10am-12 under MD Gavin Clemons.


Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band

November 25 • 2nd or 3rd cornet required to boost our back row. We are a non contesting band, but carry out numerous events across North Yorkshire. We will be doing a joint concert with Carlton Main next year.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd