*
banner

Golden handshake of hospital thanks

A fantastic musical gesture of gratitude sees support given to the wonderful neurosurgery work at James Cook Hospital

Golden Brass
 

After the success of the recent 'Golden Brass' Concert held at Spennymoor Town Hall, Bob Temple and his wife Lesley presented a cheque for £2,000 to Anil Varma MCh FRCS (SN) at James Cook Hospital.

Gratitude

In 2013, the renowned surgeon operated to remove a tumour on Lesley's brain. Lesley has since made a complete recovery and the fund raising concert was held to show their gratitude to Mr Varma and the members of his team for their quality of their skill and aftercare.

Bob and his best friend Alan Catherall also staged the event to mark 50 years of their own friendship and music making. Supported by the members of Nova Brass, Darlington Big Band and Reg Vardy Band, the duo played together in each ensemble throughout the evening.

Alan, Bob and Lesley would like to thank everyone who supported the concert and helped to raise such a sizeable donation for this worthy causeSpokesperson

Sell out

The concert was a sell out and ticket sales, raffle and donations raised a total of £2,000, which will be further boosted by the Gift Aid Scheme to help the neurosurgical team for research and the purchase of specialist equipment for future operations.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Alan, Bob and Lesley would like to thank everyone who supported the concert and helped to raise such a sizeable donation for this worthy cause."

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    


the cooperation band

World Cup preview for the cooperation band

July 4 • Scotland is still in the draw for the brass band version of the World Cup — and you can hear how they are putting the final preparations in place ahead of Kerkrade.


Tredegar Carys

Essence of Tredegar enjoyed by young euph player

July 4 • 19 year old Carys Rycroft recently enjoyed her prize of a solo spotlight at a rehearsal with Tredegar Band.


Van den berg

Soli connection to come to an end

July 4 • The musical partnership between Anne Van den Berg and Soli Brass will come to an end after this year's Dutch National Championships.


wOOLSTON bRASS

Woolston Band on the rise again

July 4 • New Zealand's most successful band is getting ever closer to putting the final touches to its future home.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Air Force Squadronaires

Friday 3 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 5 July • St Alfege Church . Greenwich Church Street. London SE10 9BJ


Regent Brass - Brass on the Grass

Wednesday 22 July • The College Garden, Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard, London SW1P 3PA


Cross Keys Silver Band

July 2 • Solo Euphonium - With an array of concerts, contests and community engagements lined up for the remainder of 2026, we're looking to fill our Solo Euphonium seat. If you're the strong player that we're interested in, please get in touch.


Cross Keys Silver Band

July 2 • Solo Horn - We're looking to recruit a new Solo Horn player to help shape the section in our 2nd section band in South Wales. We have an array of concerts, contests and community engagements lined up for the remainder of 2026.


Crewe Brass

July 1 • Crewe Brass are looking for a FRONT ROW CORNET 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.


Stuart Black

BA (Hons) Music
Conductor, Teacher, Flugel soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd