*
banner

New sop and flugel signings at Wingates

Rob Richardson and Liv Appleton sign for the north west band.

Wimgates
  The players bring experience to their roles with the band.

Wingates continues its recruitment drive with the arrival of two new signings to the band.

The experienced Rob Richardson has re-joined on soprano cornet, following some time working abroad. He previously played with Wingates during 2016-17.

The band has also welcomed Liv Appleton, who come in on flugel following the departure of Nicola Shaw to the WFEL Fairey Band over the summer.

Looking forward

Speaking about his return, Rob stated: "It's great to be back in the band, and I'm looking forward to getting stuck into a busy year of contests and concerts after being stuck at home for the last 18 months!"

Meanwhile, Liv added: "Sitting on a soloist seat for a Championship band has been the dream since I picked up an instrument. So I'm really grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to getting stuck in to a new challenge, learning as much as possible from those around me and progressing as a player."

Both bring a wealth of experience, a drive to succeed and will further enhance the Wingates brand as we look forward to the futureMD Paul Andrews

Experience

Speaking about the new signings, Musical Director Paul Andrews, added: "I'm looking forward to working with these enthusiastic new members of the team.

Both bring a wealth of experience, a drive to succeed and will further enhance the Wingates brand as we look forward to the future."

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    


Gray

Tributes for Gray as conductor announces Eccles departure

March 31 • Thanks and best wishes as 16 year partnership between Mareika Gray and Eccles Borough comes to an end.


Brass Band Week

Banding campaigns return this summer

March 31 • Brass Band Week and Proms in the Park return this Summer — so make sure you reach out and connect with your local communities.


gALASHILS

Report & Results: 2026 SBBA Solo & Ensemble Championships

March 31 • There was a fantastic day of competitive solo and ensemble action to enjoy at Bellshill Salvation Army Centre.


BBW

March Edition of Brass Band World magazine out now

March 31 • The latest edition of the leading brass band magazine is now out — packed with interviews, articles, reviews and news...


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


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


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Thornton Cleveleys Band

March 31 • MD VACANCY. Are you the missing piece to our FULL BAND?. We are a NW 3rd section band looking for our new MD. We are based just outside of Blackpool close to the M55 motorway. Mon+Thurs rehearsals.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd