Welsh Guards principal cornet player Nick Walkley is currently undertaking a 240 mile cycle ride from Southport to Hull to help raise money for the James Watson Trust Fund.

Nick will be making a quartet of stops on his way to ensure that he doesn’t suffer too much in the way of saddle sores, with visits to the rehearsals of Fairey, Black Dyke, Grimethorpe and trumpet makers Smith Watkins.

Close

The James Watson Trust Fund is particularly close to Nick’s heart, as he was one of the very first musicians to benefit from it.

"I couldn’t have wished to get fit for a better cause!" he told 4BR.

"When I first came to London, the help the fund gave me to purchase a new trumpet was invaluable. Now I want to try and give something back, so 240 miles on a bike over some pretty steep climbs will be good for the lungs as well!

I’ll also be helped on my way by an i-pod full of playing from Rod Franks, Derek Watkins and Jim Watson. All three were personal heroes of mine and taught me at the Royal Academy of Music, so it’s a bit of a personal tribute to them too."

When I first came to London, the help the fund gave me to purchase a new trumpet was invaluable. Now I want to try and give something backNick Walkley

Warm welcome

Nick is also grateful to the three top bands that will provide a warm welcome on his travels. "It goes to show just how supportive the brass band community is — although I hope they know I won’t be in any fit state to have a blow!

The aim is to get a picture at each rehearsal, so by the time I’ve finished I think I’ll be looking forward for a marathon blow with the Welsh Guards — as long as someone can take to rehearsal by car."

Follow:

You can follow Nick’s progress at: www.nickwalkley.com