*
banner

Friary supports Air Ambulance service

The festive carol playing of Friary Brass has helped keep a fantastic Air Ambulance service in the air.

Helicopter
  The service has helped save hundreds of lives

The Air Ambulance service that covers Kent, Surrey and Sussex has received a donation of £1,245 from Friary Brass, raised by the band from playing Christmas music at popular local venues over the festive period.

Thanks

Acknowledging the support, AAKSS Head of Community Fundraising, Nick Turrell said: "Our thanks got to Friary Brass. The generous donation helps us to provide a 24-hour emergency service, fund vital research into the development of better pre-hospital care and invest in the crucial maintenance of our fleet and all the life-saving equipment. Without the support we simply couldn't run this vital service."

Incredible service

In response, Friary's Chairman, Nigel Stevens added: "We thoroughly enjoy playing Christmas music, and the fact that we can help support this incredible service is a real bonus. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to our collections."

Friary started supporting the Air Ambulance charity in 2009, little knowing that a mere four months later, one of the band's players would be airlifted to hospital after a serious mountain bike accident.

Thanks to their speedy intervention, he made a full recovery.

Image provided by Air Ambulance Service

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    


Ammal Bhatia

4BR Monday interview with Ammal Bhatia

January 12 • We talk to 26-year-old Ammal Bhatia, a Leverhulme Scholar completing his Masters in Conducting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who will compete in the NYBBGB Conductor Competition in Tidworth on the weekend.


4BR Podcast

4BR Review podcast — RNCM International Brass Band Festival

January 12 • Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas will be joined by RNCM International Brass Band Festival Artistic Director Dr David Thornton this Wednesday to focus on the forthcoming showcase event in Manchester.


Peter Moore

Moore spotlight in Birmingham, Barcelona and London

January 12 • Peter Moore will be joining forces with various friends and ensembles for a busy January series of performances — including an exciting Trivergence of troms.


Philip Jones

Philip Jones celebration in London

January 12 • Leading student brass ensembles will celebrate the life and legacy of the iconic trumpet player Philip Jones.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Otley Brass Association

January 11 • Tenor Trombone Player needed for 6 week holiday cover with Otley Brass Band.. Practice is Tuesday nights 7.30-9.30pm at Otley Courthouse, LS21 3AN


Cambrian Brass

January 11 • We are a friendly, inclusive and hard-working brass band, welcoming players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to fill our Soprano Cornet, Flugelhorn, Tenor Horn, Euphonium and EEb Bass positions.


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band

January 8 • Following our promotion to the 2nd section we are looking for a percussionist to do a bit of bing bonging on the timps for the regionals in March. We are a lovely band - everyone says so - so please get in touch. Rehearsals Weds from 1930 in Putney.


Stan Lippeatt

BA, LRSM
Conductor, adjudicator, tutor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd