*
banner

Straker strides out on Kensington return

The Friary Brass principal cornet will be back in Kensington this weekend putting himself to the test once more to raise funds for a great cause.

Richard Starker
  Richard usually leads from the front of the band

Friary Brass principal cornet Richard Straker will be celebrating his 25th anniversary of playing with the Albert Hall National Finalists by returning to Kensington this Sunday to run a half marathon.

Close to heart

Richard took up running around 18 months ago and is raising money for a charity very much close to his heart.

'I've taken the plunge and entered my first race to raise at least £500,"he said. "It's the Royal Parks half marathon. I'm raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK, a cause very close to my and everyone's heart at Friary Brass.

I think I may be more tired at the end of this than after 'Harrison's Dream' though…"

Support

If you would like to spur Richard on, his fundraising page can be found at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/royal-parks-half-marathon-2024-59350?utm_medium=proxy_fundraising&utm_content=royal-parks-half-marathon-2024-59350&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

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    


Foden's Band

Result: 2026 British Open Championship

September 12 • Foden's led by Russell Gray have won the 172nd British Open with music making of the richest emotion.


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

September 12 • We are looking for a repiano cornet player to help complete the team.. We are a second section band and rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, performing a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026,


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd