*
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    


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.


Sterling instruments

Sterling return at British Open Championship

September 6 • A well respected instrument brand will make a welcome return at the British Open this year.


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.


David Hirst

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


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd