*
banner

Sparkes united

United Co-op conductor Jef Sparkes has tied the knot to his flugel player...

Jef Sparkes
 

MD of the United Co-op Band (Crewe) Jef Sparkes and the bands flugel horn player Sarah Brown have tied the knot over Christmas in a ceremony held at Peckforton Castle, Cheshire.

Special music

The service music included 'Prelude on Tallis', 'Winter', 'An Irish Blessing' and a new piece written especially for the occasion by Crewe Co-op's composer in residence Kevin Birch entitled 'A Prince's Celebration'.

The service music included ...a new piece written especially for the occasion by Crewe Co-op's composer in residence Kevin Birch entitled 'A Prince's Celebration'4BR

Wedding night entertainment

With three best-men and five bridesmaids it turned into a big day featuring the band along with friends from Wrexham Brass and Fodens all conducted by Kevin Birch.

The evening saw Bride and Groom performing on trumpet and trombone to family and friends in their favourite song 'Higher and Higher' along with the nine piece live band "Blow Zone" who entertained the evening guests long into the night.

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    


Brabbins

Childs and Brabbins to showcase Mealor Concerto

November 3 • Paul Mealor's 'Euphonium Concerto' is to be performed this Friday in Swansea by David Childs under the baton of Martyn Brabbins with the National Orchestra of Wales.


Maurice Andre

Saunas and butter — what made Andre the giant so great...

November 3 • If you ever wondered what the secret of Maurice Andre's success was — then an article from 1987 revealed all about his morning practice regime...


Prof Childs

Childs enjoys latest Japanese trip

November 3 • Black Dyke Band's Director of Music has just returned from his latest musical trip to Japan.


AoBBA

Yorkshire offer for aspiring adjudicators

November 3 • The Yorkshire Regional Championships have teamed up with the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators for an experience day for aspiring judges.


Dobcross Silver Band - Remembrance Concert

Sunday 8 November • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


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


Tintwistle Band

November 4 • 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 Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom, under the baton of our new MD Tom Haslam.


CROFTON SILVER BAND

November 4 • Crofton Silver (Yorks) are seeking Percussion players to join our friendly, enthusiastic 1st section band under our new ambitious MD, David Stokes. Practices are Thurs 8-10pm (also Monday during contest season), at Crofton WMC, WF4 1HJ. . Contact:. P


CROFTON SILVER BAND

November 4 • Crofton Silver (Yorks) are seeking Euphonium/Baritone players to join our friendly, enthusiastic 1st section band under our new ambitious MD, David Stokes. Practices are Thurs 8-10pm (also Monday during contest season), at Crofton WMC, WF4 1HJ. .


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd