*
banner

Sun, Sea and Staines in Tenby

Staines Brass recently enjoyed their mini tour trip to West Wales with performances, premieres and Penderyn whisky...

Bantand
  The band performed on the bandstand in Tenby (above)

Staines Brass has recently enjoyed a banding tour — although instead of heading from their Surrey home across the English Channel into Europe they bridged the waters of the River Severn to West Wales for a memorable weekend of music making.

It also proved to be a homeland return for MD, Gareth Trott and Band Manager, Emma Elliot-Smith as the party based themselves at the stunning Stackpole National Trust resort in Pembrokeshire.

Links

From there a busy itinerary saw them undertake engagements in Swansea and Tenby where they played in one of the most beautifully situated bandstands anywhere in the UK.

They also linked up with friends from Pontardulais Band for a joint concert at St Mary's Church in the centre of the pretty coastal town.

It featured the Welsh band's junior academy, which had just been seen on BBC Wales television as an example of how community bands are taking steps to encourage and inspire the next generation of young players.

A wide variety of music was performed including a sparkling rendition of the Arutjunjan 'Trumpet Concerto' by guest soloist, Alan Thomas, principal trumpet of the London Mozart Players.

The following day saw that memorable performance at Tenby Bandstand with its fantastic views — which was well worth the trek to get instruments up the hill to play there!4BR

Welsh premiere

Also given its Welsh premiere was their David Attenborough inspired programme, 'Our Planet', composed by MD, Gareth Trott, which was warmly received by the audience.

The following day saw that memorable performance at Tenby Bandstand with its fantastic views — which was well worth the trek to get instruments up the hill to play there!

The band was later informed that it was the first brass band performance there for nearly 30 years.

Wonderful tour

Band spokesperson Emma Elliot-Smith told 4BR: "It was a wonderful tour — especially as it was rounded off with a trip to play at the Penderyn Welsh Whisky Distillery.

We all had a great time and our thanks go to our friends at Pontardulais, Alan Thomas and everyone who made us all feel so welcome."

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    


SEWBBA

Welsh bands urged to attend Safeguarding seminar

April 2 • A special Safeguarding Training Seminar is to be hosted by the South East Wales Brass Band Association this weekend, with bands urged to attend.


Cheltenham

Cheltenham National Final schedule announced.

April 2 • The weekend of the 13th and 14th September will see 75 bands take to the stage.


Kerkrade

World Music Contest announces test-pieces

April 2 • Works by Jan de Haan, Lucy Pankhurst, Etienne Crausaz, Thierry Deleruyelle and Liz Lane will test bands wishing to be crowned World Champion in Kerkrade next year.


Carlton Brass

95 year old leads Carlton Area celebrations

April 2 • The remarkable Ken Dunkin led the celebrations as CarLton Brass recently won the Midlands Region Second Section title in Bedworth.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


James McLeod

BMus (hons)
Euphonium Soloist, Teacher and Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd