Family, friends and a life time of musical associates descended upon Uppermill over the weekend for a double celebration in honour of the highly popular Diggle Band soprano player Brian Taylor.

Brian was celebrating his 75th birthday, as well as, amazingly, 61 years since he started his playing career.

One way to celebrate

Making the journey to Saddleworth were friends from all over the UK and even Switzerland (Brian and his wife had just been once again to listen to their Nationals in Montreux), with those unable to attend sending messages of congratulations.

There was only going to be one way to celebrate — and that was with brass band music making, as the guests were treated to three hours of great playing from the Hogs Norton All Stars, Diggle and Brian's very own 'All Star Brass'.

Pioneers

Under the direction of Alan Lawton, the composite Hogs Norton All Stars played music that included Gordon Langford's 'Famous British Marches', 'The Arcadians', 'All Through the Night' and 'Folk Festival', with Brian taking the chance to perform alongside Brighouse's soprano player, Andrew Bannister, who'd made the journey from Lincoln.

Brian was one of the pioneers in the forming of Diggle Band almost twenty years ago, and under MD, Alan Wycherley, they also royally entertained with a programme which included the birthday boy performing, 'Nessun Dorma'.

Long Service medal

Having known Brian for almost 50 years, Derek Broadbent paid tribute to his friendship and loyalty to the bands he has served over the years, before presenting him with his Long Service medal and Certificate of Merit which marked his 61 years in banding.

Having started with Boarshurst Silver, Brian has played for Delph, Dobcross, Slaithwaite (where he was for 19 years) Poynton and Stalybridge and achieved and helped them all to success, including a couple of Grand Shield victories.

Following the interval for which Brian had generously laid on a ‘pie & peas’ supper, Derek led the ‘All Star’ band that included James Shepherd, Philip and Claire Chalk, David Pogson, Ian Dust and Gilbert Symes, with solo contributions from Mark Walters and David Thornton.

It was very humbling that so many people wanted to share in what was a special night and I’m genuinely very touched to have received a medal for my services to banding, which is something I loveBrian Taylor

Thanks

After Brian thanked his wonderful friends for helping celebrate his birthday, a collection was made which raised almost £900 to be split between Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.

Reflecting on the night, Brian told 4BR: “I had a wonderful time and it was great to see so many friends, some of which I had not seen for some time.

It was very humbling that so many people wanted to share in what was a special night and I’m genuinely very touched to have received a medal for my services to banding, which is something I love. My thanks go to everybody.”

Vienna Phil

Brian, who has also organised and promoted many concerts, including Mnozil Brass in recent years, is now looking forward to bringing a trombone quartet from the Vienna Philharmonic to the UK in June next year, although before that he will pick up his soprano once again to start his 62nd banding year with Diggle at Butlins in January.