*
banner

Widdop returns to take baton

The experienced Alan Widdop makes a long awaited return to Whitworth Vale & Healey.

Alan Widdop
  The experienced Alan Widdop has conducted the band before

Whitworth Vale & Healey Band has appointed the vastly experience Alan Widdop as their new Musical Director.

Alan is no stranger to the band having taken them in several concerts prior to the pandemic and is in fact returning to the helm for a second time after enjoying a tenure with the baton in the mid 1980s.

Great to be back

Commenting on the appointment Alan said: "It's great to be back! I'm looking forward to working with the band that has a great mix of experienced and younger players."

Meanwhile, a delighted Band Chairman Richard Milton added: "The band is thrilled to have started a new chapter with Alan and we are looking forward to a successful time with him — starting with our busy Christmas season, before we focus on the Butlin's Festival and the Regional Championships."

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    


bROOKwRIGHT

Easter treats from BrookWright Music

February 26 • There are plenty of Easter musical treats to enjoy from a variety of composers from BrookWright Music.


Herbert

The Brass Band Story set for publication

February 26 • A new book written by Prof Trevor Herbert and aimed at general readers interested in an overall analysis and insight into the brass band movement in the UK and beyond, is to be published in July.


Desford

Small drop in Midlands Area entrants

February 26 • 69 bands will compete at the Midlands Regional Championships over two weekends in March.


Perth

Positive uptake for Scottish title challenges

February 26 • There will be two full days of competitive and non-competitive music making at the 2026 Scottish Championship in Perth.


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


Banks Brass Band

February 25 • It's not too late to join Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting band near Southport. All players welcome particularly euphoniums, trombones and basses. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30pm in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR9 8BL


Chinnor Silver

February 23 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting on MONDAY 2nd at 11am in our bandroom.. Join us for a relaxed friendly blow with coffee and cake as an added bonus.. Playing with us wont impact your No1 band so come along for a blow.


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


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd