*
banner

New appointments at Milnrow

A trio of new players and a new move adds to Milnrow's Area confidence.

Milnrow
  The new signings will make their debuts at the North West Regional Championships

The Milnrow Band has welcomed a trio of new signings ahead of their performance at the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool this weekend.

New signings

Steve Ridler, Olli Atherton and Laura Whittaker join the ranks, whilst long serving player Donna Towse moves to a new solo seat.

Steve joins on solo baritone from the WFEL Fairey Band and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience having held principal seats with many of the UK's top bands as well as Brisbane Excelsior in Australia.

RNCM student Olli joins on bass trombone from Grimethorpe Colliery, whilst Laura joins the band on second cornet from Littleborough Band where she was principal cornet and still conducts their training band, Boro' Brass.

Regional debuts

Steve and Laura joined Milnrow towards the end of 2021 whilst Olli joined at the start of February.

Meanwhile, Donna has taken on the soprano cornet role. Donna has been a member of Milnrow for 20 years and has played on almost every seat in the cornet section plus flugel and solo horn.

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "Everyone is looking forward to contesting in Milnrow colours at the North West Regional Championships in Blackpool this weekend."

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    


Brass in Concert

Don't miss the entertainment...

November 13 • You won't miss a single note of the weekend at the Brass in Concert Championships thanks to World of Sound and Wobplay.


podcast

4BR Review — Episode 24

November 13 • Ahead of the 2026 Brass in Concert Championships, Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas looked at the questions and issues surrounding how brass bands entertain audiences.


Siddis Geneva

New sponsorship approach by Geneva boosts grass roots in Norway

November 13 • Geneva Instruments looks to support next generation of players at grass roots level with new approach to contest sponsorship.


Perth Concert Hall

Bands boost for Scottish Festival of Brass

November 13 • The are three packed days of contesting to enjoy at Perth Concert Hall as bands get ready for performances in Perth.


Regent Hall Concerts - Band of the RAF Regiment Brass Ensemble

Friday 20 November • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver President's Concert

Friday 27 November • St George's Church, St Johns Avenue, Rugby CV22 5HR


West Yorkshire Police Band - Mid Yorkshire Breast Cancer Support

Saturday 28 November • Cluntergate Centre, Horbury WF4 5DA


Newstead Brass - The Snowman - Live

Saturday 5 December • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West, Forest Town. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Christmas Magic and More

Sunday 13 December • Rugby Theatre, Henry Street, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2QA


Mossley Band

November 12 • MOSSLEY BAND. . Solo Trombone Vacancy . . We are inviting applications for our Solo Trombone chair. . . Rehearsals: Tue and Thur 8-10pm. MD Duncan Byers. Friendly and ambitious band. Established core team. Friendly Trom section


Chinnor Silver

November 6 • We are looking to strengthen our top end and require an ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CORNET to join this friendly and ambitious 1st Section band.Good book of concerts and contests planned that includes a trip to Belgium.


Oxford Cherwell Brass

November 6 • Oxford Cherwell Brass invites applications for a new MUSICAL DIRECTOR . We seek a new MD who is committed to an inclusive positive approach towards enjoyment of music making and development. We are a friendly second section band (L&SC).


Chris King

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


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd