*
banner

Thoughts and prayers

The tragic news of the murder of two young children rocks the banding movement.

 

It was revealed on the evening news tonight that the children of Darrell Hodges, Band Secretary and tuba player with Waratah Brass — Newcastle, were the victims of the Cowra axe murders.

His five-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son, together with their maternal grandmother, were killed in the axe attack at their home in Cowra, in central-western New South Wales yesterday.

I'm sure at this most difficult time we will all surround Darrell with our love, our support and our prayers.Don Callaghan, Secretary BANSW

According to news.com.au, their 69-year-old grandfather has been charged with their murders and the attempted murder of their mother, a police officer.

"I"m still waiting for someone to come and switch the remote and turn the movie off, because that's what it feels like — someone's bad movie," the children's father, who is separated from their mother, told Channel 7 tonight.

"I'm devastated, so many things ...," Darrell said, before breaking down.

"They were really, really close," he said.

"They adored each other, they looked out for each other."

Secretary of the Band Association of New South Wales, Don Callaghan issued the statement, "It is with a heavy heart that I release this statement as the news of this horrendous event have unfolded. I'm sure at this most difficult time we will all surround Darrell with our love, our support and our prayers."

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    


Brighouse

Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Crewe Brass

September 5 • We are looking for FLUGEL player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd