*
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    


Clare Cope

Cope gains Royal Philharmonic Society commission

October 20 • Composer Claire Cope is one eight young composers who has been commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Society to write a new work for a UK audience.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire announces judges for 2027 Regional Championship

October 20 • The judges and schedule for the Yorkshire Regional Championship in Huddersfield next March have been confirmed.


Dame Evelyn Glennie

Dame Evelyn Glennie to join NYBBGB for landmark Easter concert

October 20 • The renowned percussion soloist and a major new work from Martin Ellerby will feature in the 2027 Easter Course Concert of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain — so book your tickets now.


Ivors

Brass composers nominated for Ivors

October 20 • Ailis Ni Riain, Ben Nobuto, Richard Blackford and Hannah Peel have been nominated for Ivor Composer Awards.


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


The Egham Band - The Egham Band Plays Classic Rock

Friday 16 October • St John's Church Egham, Manor Farm Lane, Egham tw20 9HR


Epping Forest Band

October 20 • Friendly and forward thinking 2nd section band requires a Solo Horn and Euphonium player to join our team. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground. We have a sensible mix of contests and concerts throughout the year.


Kibworth Band

October 19 • Kibworth Band (First Section - South Leicestershire) seeking percussionist to join our friendly, ambitious team. Any seat negotiable. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room.


Kibworth Band

October 19 • Kibworth Band (First Section - South Leicestershire) seeking a BBb Bass player to join our friendly, ambitious team. Any seat negotiable. We rehearse Monday and Thursday evenings in our purpose built band room.


Kevin Wadsworth


Conductor, adjudicator, teacher (ABBA)


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd