*
banner

Dobson despair

Composer hopes for miracle as lap top goes missing.

Dobson
 

Composer Simon Dobson is hoping that a good Samaritan was walking the streets of Norwich last Saturday night – and has picked up his laptop for safe keeping rather than short term profit.

Missing

Simon was waiting to meet friends outside St Andrew’s Hall in Norwich after the concert given by the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, and left his laptop, which was in a black rucksack, unattended just for a minute or two.

It seems that in that time, someone came along and picked it up, either deliberately or by mistake, and walked away with Simon’s new Apple Mac notebook inside, complete with memory banks packed to the gills with his latest compositions and work, as well as some invaluable memory sticks of music given to him by Bramwell Tovey.

It’s those little memory sticks though that I am really desperate to get back, as they contain priceless ideas and work from Bramwell Tovey who has been helped me so much in recent monthsSimon Dobson

Mistake

"I’m just hoping that the rucksack has been picked up by mistake," Simon told 4BR.

"Luckily, I have all my main music files backed up, so the Apple Mac, even though it is brand new, can be replaced. It’s those little memory sticks though that I am really desperate to get back, as they contain priceless ideas and work from Bramwell Tovey who has been helped me so much in recent months."

Help

Simon has contacted the local police, but hopes those contents can be returned to him, even if the laptop has to be replaced.

"If I can get those memory sticks back I would be thrilled. I can replace the lap top, but not those little gems."

Contact

If anyone has any information about the lap top, please contact Simon on 07870 211229.

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    


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Victoria Wood

Limited tickets only for NYBBGB Easter concerts

April 8 • There are only limited tickets left if you wish to enjoy the New Horizons Concerts of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Leyburn and Manchester — so be quick.


Doodles

Spring upgrade from Doodles

April 8 • The bespoke mouthpiece business is offering a Spring custom upgrade...


Banstand

Radio: Bandstand

April 8 • More brass band music to enjoy from Lucas Burns in Australia with one work about a dog and a bomb...


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Glossop Old Band

April 9 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a principal cornet player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Harrogate Band

April 8 • We are looking for a Solo Cornet and Back Row Cornet to complete our team. . Interesting mix of engagements and contests. . Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Glossop Old Band

April 8 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd