*
banner

Blown away and overwhelmed

The brass band community came out in supportive force to help former Fairey baritone star Keith Muggeridge raise funds for the service that saved his life.

Keith Muggeridge
  The man who survived this has made sure that the service that saved him has benefited.

Former Fairey Band baritone star Keith Muggeridge has told 4BR that he was 'blown away and overwhelmed' after a band full of friends and brass band stars supported a concert he promoted to help raise funds for the Air Ambulance Service in Milton Keynes.

Packed audience

Around £5000 was raised at the event held at Christ The Cornerstone Church, where stars such as Thomas Fountain, principal cornet of the Virtuosi GUS Band thrilled a packed audience.

Towcester Studio Band started the musical evening off under the direction of Neil Brownless with a set that included 'Nightingale Dances' as well as Thomas playing 'Dark Haired Marie'. Horn soloist Samantha Buckland also showed what a great singer she is with 'I Dreamed a Dream'.

All in all, I couldn't have dreamed it would have been such a great night that raised around £5000 for a fantastic service that I owe my life toKeith Muggeridge

So grateful

Keith added: "I'm so grateful to all members of the all star ensemble. I must admit I'm hard pushed to think of a band with a better top two cornets than Thomas and Fairey Band stalwart Brian Taylor!

On a personal it was amazing having Rob Richardson and Paul Haigh, two of the finest baritone players around in the same section, and having legends Martin Britt and Phil Blake-Convey providing the sop topping and tuba foundation was also amazing.

I'm just so grateful to everyone who took part in this band led brilliantly by Mark Peacock.

Saved my life

He added: "All in all, I couldn't have dreamed it would have been such a great night that raised around £5000 for a fantastic service that I owe my life to."

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    


Ambassord

National Youth Ambassadors inspire Bradford youngsters

July 15 • The NYBBGB Ambassador Ensemble has played their part in celebrating all things brass in Bradford.


IBBSS

Great Hall conclusion for IBBSS global delegates

July 15 • The Great Hall at Swansea University will provide the venue to close this year's International Brass Band Summer School.


Wardle Blast

Wardle Blast help tie global city links

July 15 • The commercial connection between the cities of Manchester and Osaka have been strengthened by the brilliant youngsters of Wardle Blast.


nybbs

NYBBS talent to showcase in Perth

July 15 • The annual National Youth Brass Bands of Scotland summer course will conclude with a concert at Perth Concert Hall.


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band

July 13 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a SECOND HORN. This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Ilkeston Brass

July 11 • We are looking for additional cornet players to join us – positions negotiable! Ilkeston Brass is a friendly 4th section band with a long history based in the SE of Derbyshire.


Olney Brass

July 11 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented player to fill the following vacancy, in order to strengthen their line up: Eb BASS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd