*
banner

The Brass Band podcast: British Open Dynasty

Ahead of the British Open Championship, the life and legacy of the legendary Harry Mortimer is discussed by Kenny, Sarah at BBE and their guests.

BBE PoDcast
  The podcast focusses on the legendary figure of Harry Mortimer

The fourth episode of Brass Bands England's (BBE's) new podcast series, 'The Brass Band Podcast: Archive Edition' has a timely British Open flavour.

It focuses on the brass band dynasty that is the Mortimer family, and in particular, the legacy of Harry Mortimer.

McCann and Charles

Hosted by BBE's Kenny Crookston and Sarah Baumann, the duo are joined in conversation by Harry's son, Martin, as well as two players who knew him better than most — former Black Dyke principal cornet Philip McCann and Foden's stalwart, Jimmie Charles.

Speaking about the latest podcast, Sarah told 4BR: "The podcast has been a fantastic way to bring brass banding to a wider audience linked to the amazing Brass Band Archive and the incredible items that we have there."

To explore the archive in-person, and find out about the upcoming archive volunteer day in Huddersfield go to: https://www.bbe.org.uk/civicrm/event/info/532

The Brass Band Podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and a number of other podcast listening sites.

The podcast has been a fantastic way to bring brass banding to a wider audience linked to the amazing Brass Band Archive and the incredible items that we have thereSarah Baumann

Archive items

To see the items in the archive that Kenny and Sarah discuss in each episode, and updates of the progress of the project, follow The Brass Bands Archive Instagram page @brassbandsarchive

The Brass Band Podcast is supported by funding from Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, The ScottishPower Foundation and World of Brass.

To enjoy:


https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-brass-band-podcast/id1747332893

https://open.spotify.com/show/09ucIMtnJkNJFPe5PQKnhq

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    


Nord

Report & Results: 2026 Aalborg Music Festival

May 11 • Nordvestjysk Brass Band claims the 14th Aalborg title with section wins for Aalborg Post Orkester, Hjorring Brass Band and Kimbrer Garden


Paul Holland

Mayor's Medal honour for Holland

May 11 • Flowers Band MD Paul Holland has been presented with The Mayor's Medal as an expression of the thanks and gratitude of the Citizens of Gloucester following the band's recent European title success.


Tonga

New commission celebrates Tongan history

May 11 • A new test-piece work by Andrew Wainwright will receive its premiere at the Tonga Secondary School Brass Band Festival.


Tameside Whit Friday

Venues ready for Tameside Whit Friday visitors

May 11 • 11 venues will welcome performers and listeners alike later this month.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Chinnor Silver

May 11 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join us as we head into an exciting period for the band.Good and varied diary ahead.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (so none of that tedious setting up and down)


Hathern Band

May 10 • Due to University placement we require a Bb Bass player- we are a First Section band based at our own band room in the village of Hathern LE12 5LJ Leicestershire (between M1 Jcts 23 & 24) and close to Lougborough and Nottingham Universities


Newstead Brass

May 10 • Newstead Brass are on the lookout for a talented 2nd BARITONE player to join our ambitious and hardworking Nottinghamshire-based Championship Section band.. A rare chance to become part of an ambitious brass band striving for even greater success together.


John Maines

BA (Hons)
Presenter, compere and conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd