*
banner

MBE Award to Brass for Africa charity founder

Jim Trott, the founder and Executive Director of the Brass for Africa charity has been awarded the MBE in the Queen's New Year Honours.

Jim Trott
  Jim Trott has been awarded the MBE for his work with the Brass for Africa charity

Jim Trott, the Executive Director and founder of the Brass for Africa charity has been awarded the MBE in the Queen's New Years Honours.

The airline pilot founded the organisation in 2009, and which today employs 45 staff from the communities it works in within regions of Uganda, Rwanda and Liberia.

Over 1,000 youngsters have benefited from educational programmes which now include twice weekly music lessons as well as broad platform of social awareness issues surrounding equality, disability inclusion, work place readiness and community engagement.

Long term impact

It is this aspect which Jim feels is making the greatest long term impact. "We are not just getting youngsters to enjoy playing musical instruments. We are giving people life skills and hopefully opening doors that will see them help broaden opportunities within their communities."

There is also an international scope to the work, with Jim particularly proud that the charity's link to the Corps of Army Music in the UK has seen four young men join the British Army.

"To see them graduate into the Corps of Army Music was a wonderful endorsement of their talent and the benefits of the connection we have made. We are hopeful others will follow in their footsteps, but we are also thrilled that so many of our students are now going on to make a huge difference in their local and regional communities."

Focus

He added: "The focus of our works has broadened over the years with issues such as female equality, disability inclusion, autism and HIV outreach forming central stanchions on which we now try to make a difference.

The resilience and commitment of those we work with has helped fuel what we hope will become a transformational process in these areas."

The focus of our works has broadened over the years with issues such as female equality, disability inclusion, autism and HIV outreach forming central stanchions on which we now try to make a differenceJim Trott

Endorsement

Further endorsement of the work undertaken by Brass for Africa has come with the release of the film 'TOPOWA!' which has been screened as part of the famous Raindance Film Festival, as well as the support that continues from a growing list of long term supporters and sponsors.

Jim added: "2020 has been a year of immense challenges, especially in the communities in which Brass for Africa is based, but that amazing resilience of everyone involved has seen us through.

I'm very honoured to receive the MBE — but even more proud that in reality it is recognition of the dedication and commitment of everyone who has played a part in Brass for Africa's success."

Presentation

Jim received notification of his award at the beginning of December and now hopes to be able to receive the MBE later this year.

"Due to Covid-19 I was notified by e-mail. We have been informed that it is hoped that an appropriate presentation will be made in 2021, but as to when I'm not quite sure as yet."

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    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


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.


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.


Duncan A. Beckley

BA, MA
Conductor, adjudicator, band trainer and teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd