*
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    


Stevenage

London & SC Area line-ups confirmed

February 21 • The line-up of bands, conductors, judges and schedule are confirmed for the 2026 London & Southern Counties Area Championships in Stevenage next month.


mUSIC

Wallace spirit maintains free music demands on Scottish politicians

February 21 • A Music Manifesto for Scotland published by the Music Education Partnership Group aims to keep the commitment to free music tuition at the forefront of future political commitments.


Welsh Open

Welsh contest season set for entertaining opener

February 21 • There will be a packed day of music making on show in Newport on Sunday as the contesting season in Wales kicks-off with a cross border entertainment battle.


Rooms4groups

Success at the Areas? Then make sure you call rooms4groups

February 21 • If you claim a qualification place for Cheltenham or London over the next few weeks, then make sure you get in touch with the hotel specialists for your National Final needs.


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


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


St Albans Brass Band

February 19 • Bb BASS 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


Crewe Brass

February 18 • We are looking for a CORNET player (position negotiable) to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd