*
banner

Farren double at Whitburn Awards

Flugel star Caroline Farren made it a personal 'double' as she wins two major Whitburn annual awards.

Whitburn
  Caroline and Douglas Couchman with their deserved awards

The Whitburn Band has presented its annual awards. The Scottish Open champion hosted the presentation event that saw flugel star Caroline Farren claim the double of 'Player of the Year' and 'Players' Player of the Year' accolades.

It is only the second time that a player has won both awards since their inception in 2013.

Presentations

Elsewhere, solo cornet player Douglas Couchman claimed the 'Bandsperson of the Year' award, while there three outstanding servants of the band were presented with deserved 'Long Service' awards.

Bb tuba player Alan Gourlay was recognised for his 30 years of service, while his Eb tuba colleague Graham Fraser marked 20 years of service. John Fraser was also honoured to mark his tenure as the longest serving Band Secretary in the history of Whitburn Band.

Youth awards

Awards were also presented to those from the other development bands in the Whitburn Band organisation.

Whitburn Heartlands euphonium player Scott Gilchrist claimed a 'double' himself with the 'Bandsperson of the Year' honours for both Heartlands and Whitburn Youth Band, while the Heartlands 'Players' Player of the Year' was cornet player Zoe Wilson.

It is only the second time that a player has won both awards since their inception in 20134BR

Wee brilliance

Xander Kerr (Eb Bass) was presented with the award as 'Most Improved Player' in Whitburn Youth Band, with Tyler Clark (Tenor Horn)was named 'Player of the Year'.

Not to be outdone, all the members of the brilliant Whitburn Wee Band were presented with certificates from conductor Charlie Farren, with six of the young players invited to move up to the Youth Band.

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    


4BR Review

4BR Review: Annual Awards nominations broadcast

December 16 • The long list nominees for the 2025 4BR Awards will be revealed in a special live broadcast on Wednesday evening at 7.00pm — so why not join us and see if you agree with our choices.


Oldroyd

Kennedy signing adds to Oldroyd Opus

December 16 • The award winning cooperation band flugel star Stephanie Kennedy has been welcomed as a new Oldroyd Musical Instruments Performance Artist.


Frans Violet

Willebroek reaches new audiences with primetime television slot

December 16 • The talents of the European champion were enjoyed by a nationwide television audience in Belgium.


We are going on a bear hunt

Leyland to go on a bear hunt...

December 16 • There will be plenty of family fun in 2026 for supporters of Leyland Band — as they lead the musical accompaniment to a classic bear hunt.


Garforth Brass - Strawberry Fields Primary School

Friday 5 December • Garforth Methodist Church,. Church Lane,. Garforth,. Leeds LS25 1NW


The Hepworth Band - Christmas Brass & Voices

Saturday 6 December • Thornhill Parish Church, Dewsbury WF12 0JZ


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band Christmas Event

Saturday 6 December • Petworth Town Centre GU28 OAD


Haverhill Silver Band - Family Christmas Concert

Sunday 7 December • Castle Manor Academy, Haverhill CB9 9JE


Petworth Town Band - PetworthTown Band Christmas Concert

Saturday 13 December • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


wantage silver band

December 17 • . Wantage Concert Brass (First Section) are looking to fill the positions of Solo Euphonium, First Baritone and Bass Trombone ASAP. Rehearsals are on Tuesday and Friday, 7:30-9:30pm, led by their dynamic MD Daniel Hall..


Banks Brass Band

December 16 • Merry Christmas from Banks Brass Band, a friendly non-contesting Band near Southport. We are looking for experienced players to strengthen our euphonium, trombone and bass rows. Rehearsals: Mondays 8.00-9.30 in the Hub@Banks community centre, PR4 8BL.


Cambrian Brass

December 15 • We are a hard-working, positive and welcoming brass band, proudly inclusive and open to players of all experience levels. As we prepare for the forthcoming Regional Championships, we currently have a vacancy for a Solo Cornet player.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd