*
banner

PLC on the mend after stroke

Paul Lovatt-Cooper continues to make excellent progress following his major health scare.

PLC
 

Composer and conductor Paul Lovatt-Cooper continues to make excellent progress in hospital following his recent stroke.

Overwhelmed

Close friend John Doyle told 4BR that Paul and his family had been overwhelmed by the response they have received since news of his illness broke, and that they feel very humble that so many people throughout the banding world have offered their best wishes and hopes of a speedy recovery.

Great progress

"He’s now making great progress," John said as he sent 4BR a picture of Paul sitting up and smiling in bed.

"There were no warning signs of anything untoward and he was very fortunate that the ambulance service arrived so quickly when he suffered the stroke at work on Friday.

They immediately took him straight the special Stepping Hill Stroke Unit at Stockport Hospital, where he has had brilliant care from all the staff."

Back to normal

He added: "He initially lost the sight in his right eye and the use of his right arm, but these are quickly returning back to normal, thanks to the fact that he’s only 39 and that he has been in good health.

All the family wish to thank everyone for their best wishes and for the time they have taken in getting in touch – it really has meant such a great deal and helped Paul immensely. The hospital and ambulance staff have been amazing."

Humour

However, John also revealed that thankfully, Paul hadn’t lost any of his well known sense of humour.

"Despite all the brilliant care, unfortunately his football brain hasn’t been affected and he remains a committed Bolton Wanderers supporter – although he was quick to point out to me that even in his present condition things are looking up better for him than Manchester United..."

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    


Yorkshire Area

Yorkshire announces adjudication line-up

October 17 • The adjudicators that will make the all important decisions at the 2026 Yorkshire Regional Championships have been announced.


SiddisBrass

SIDDIS announces line-up of bands and judges

October 17 • 62 bands will compete at Stavanger Konserthus for the SIDDIS Entertainment Championships.


Shirley Band

Howe to lead Shirley Band

October 17 • Kieron Howe has been appointed as the new Musical Director of Shirley Band.


Desford

Desford reaching wider audience following National win

October 16 • The wider public media have been keen to broadcast the news of Desford's memorable National Championship victory.


Regent Brass - Brett Baker

Friday 17 October • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), 275 Oxford Street, London WC1 2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Berkeley Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Wigfield Brass Quintet

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Friday 17 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Oxted Brass Band - Tom Smith (Brighouse & Rastrick)

Saturday 18 October • St John’s, Hurst Green, Kent RH8 9EA


Hathersage Band

October 17 • BASS TROMBONE. Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making, play a wide variety of music and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for PERCUSSION (TUNED and KIT) 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.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb BASS 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.


Alan Duguid

BA (Hons), PGDipMus, PGCE
Conductor, Composer, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd