*
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    


udi

Results: 2026 Dutch National Championships

October 23 • Brass Band Schoonhoven reclaims National title as there are victories for Chr. Brass Band Excelsior, Brass Band De Bazuin B, Koperensemble de Waldsang and UDI Brass Band Oosternijkerk in Utrecht.


Black Dyke

Varley heads from Hammonds to Queensbury

October 23 • Philip Varley joins Black Dyke Band on solo cornet from Yorkshire rivals.


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • Go to our special live page of coverage from the 2026 Dutch National Championships which start at the TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht this afternoon.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Cliff Hardie Big Band

Thursday 29 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are currently looking for a kit player to help complete our team. We are a 4th section contesting Band, with a busy period coming up, and would like to fill the position as soon as possible.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We currently have vacancies for 2 tenor trombones. As a 4th section contesting Band, we have a diary filling up with various engagements to keep us busy, and therefore keen to fill the positions.


Linthwaite Band

October 24 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting Band with a vacancy for a cornet player, position negotiable. Our diary is filling up with various engagements, so we are keen to fill the position.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd