*
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    


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


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


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Jonathan Corry

Ph.D, M.Mus, B.Mus (hons)
Conductor, adjudicator, teacher.


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd