‘Reckless and manifestly unjust’ action taken by the British Federation of Brass Bands in relieving Frank Hodges of his Registry Line Manager responsibilities with immediate effect has led to industrial action being taken by remaining staff at the organisation.

No alternative

With just weeks to go before the contest season gets back into full swing with the British Open and National Finals at Cheltenham and London, as well as numerous other contests throughout the country, both Lynn Johnson and Ann Thorpe have stated in writing that; ‘We now have no alternative but to take industrial action as we can no longer endure this extremely hostile behaviour.’

Temporary manager

4BR understands that a temporary Line Manager has been appointed, although in an open letter the staff clearly state they believe they were left ‘with no alternative’ resulting in them ’withdrawing our service with immediate effect’. They add that bands ‘concerned about imminent contests will need to contact the relevant Contest organisers.’

Open letter

The letter seen by 4BR states: “During the last nine months we the Registry assistants have tolerated undue burden due to the actions of the BFBB. These actions have resulted in extended absence of our Registry Manager Colin Johnson through work related illness.

During Colin’s illness we rely heavily upon guidance and support from Frank Hodges the Registry Line-Manager, who is also fulfilling his Line-Manager role by supporting Colin with his grievances against the BFBB.

We have just been informed that the BFBB have now removed Frank from the Registry and from the BFBB with immediate effect.

We consider the actions of the BFBB to be reckless, and manifestly unjust.

We now have no alternative but to take industrial action as we can no longer endure this extremely hostile behaviour. We will therefore be withdrawing our service with immediate effect.

Bands concerned about imminent contests will need to contact the relevant Contest organisers.

We sincerely apologise for any problems this may cause to all the bands concerned and only hope that this is resolved as soon as possible.

Please be assured that this decision is not taken lightly, but we have been left no with alternative.”

We now have no alternative but to take industrial action as we can no longer endure this extremely hostile behaviourRegistry staff Lynn Johnson and Ann Thorpe

Unanimous decision

4BR understands that following a BFBB Executive Committee Meeting on 30th June, the position of Line Manager at the British Brass Band Registry was discussed, and that a unanimous decision was made to relieve Frank Hodges of his duties.

A further decision was also made under Section 8 (3) of its constitution to relieve Frank Hodges of his position of BFBB Executive Committee member.

No AGM or EGM

The decision comes at a difficult time for the BFBB, with the organisation still unable to publish a date for either its Annual General Meeting or an Extraordinary General Meeting as it seeks to become a new entity entitled ‘Brass Bands England’ — some months after it was officially due to take place.

Dispute

4BR also understands that the decision is the latest twist in what has become a long standing and increasingly acrimonious employment dispute between the Federation and the Registry Management.

4BR understands these include questions raised over financial arrangements between the BFBB and the Registry over rental charges, as well as in regard to the potential breaching of Charity Commission regulations relating to an ‘arms length’ relationship between both bodies.

At present 4BR was unable to make contact either with Frank Hodges or a representative of the BFBB for comment.