*
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    


Whitburn

Double boost for Whitburn

August 26 • New solo signings boost Scottish Champion's ranks ahead of major challenges.


Tertnes

New duo to lead Tertnes

August 26 • Margie Sutherland Antrobus and Katrina Marzella Wheeler will spearhead the musical approaches of Tertnes Brass on contest and concert stages over the next year.


wsbba

Troon set to welcome entertainers

August 26 • Defending champion Unite Scotland Kinneil leads the entertainers in Troon at the West of Scotland Entertainment Contest this weekend.


BrookWright

BrookWright Solo Competition finalists announced

August 25 • You can now vote for who you think should win the Under 18 and Over 18 categories of the 2026 BrookWright International Brass Solo Contest.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

August 26 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Tuesday (1st) in our bandroom at 11am. Why not come along for a relaxed,friendly rehearsal with cake/coffee and it’s all free.. We welcome players of all abilities and blowing with us doesn’t affect your No1 band.


Wantage Silver Band

August 22 • Wantage Concert Brass (1st Section) are looking for a SOLO HORN and PERCUSSIONIST. Under the direction of our dynamic and inspiring MD Daniel Hall. This year we achieved 3rd at the L&SC regionals. We rehearse Tue & Fri 7:30pm- 9:30pm in our own bandhall


Ashington Colliery Band

August 20 • Front Row Cornet & Tenor Trombone. We're a friendly, ambitious Second Section band based in South East Northumberland just north of Blyth. We rehearse Tuesdays & Thursdays, 19:30-21:30, and transport can be provided depending on location.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd