*
banner

Reg Vardy duo to celebrate 50 years of friendship

Two well known stalwarts of North East banding will be celebrating half a century of friendship by helping others...

Alan and Bob
 

Many of the North East's finest musicians will be helping to celebrate a wonderful 50 year friendship through music making between two of members of the Reg Vardy Band.

Close friends

Alan Catherall and Bob Temple (both above) first met, aged 11, when they attended trumpet lessons together.

They have remained close friends ever since and have since played together in orchestras, brass bands, brass ensembles and big bands throughout the area.

Alan Catherall and Bob Temple first met, aged 11, when they attended trumpet lessons together4BR

Research

The event takes place in Spennymoor Town Hall on Saturday May 30th.

Organiser Hugh Stephenson, who is promoting the occasion to help raise money for the Neurosurgical Research Fund at James Cook Hospital after Bob’s wife, Lesley, had surgery there to remove a brain tumour, told 4BR: “Bob and Alan are current members of Reg Vardy Band, Darlington Big Band and Nova Brass Ensemble and these musicians have all agreed to perform on this special night, it should be a great night of music making.”

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    


Brighouse

British Open Countdown: T minus 7

September 5 • 10 bands taking part this year have lifted the famous British Open Gold Shield in triumph...


Mead

Tour marathon for Mead

September 5 • Steven Mead marks a musical milestone with a marathon Asian tour.


Boax

Bands need to tick right Boax at Registry

September 5 • Cory Band baritone player Charlie Boax has joined the Brass Band Players Registry as their new Office Administrator.


Brass Monkeys

Podcast: The Brass Monkeys — Episode 38

September 5 • The North Wales banding boys are back with more chat.


The Hepworth Band - Public Rehearsal ahead of the 2026 British Open

Tuesday 8 September • Ossett Town Hall, Market Place, Ossett WF5 8BE


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band

September 5 • Championship section band seeking CORNETS (positions negotiable), Eb BASS, and PERCUSSIONISTS to join our committed, hard-working and friendly team, performing a balanced diary of concerts and contests.


Harrogate Band

September 4 • The Harrogate Band are looking for a 1st Baritone and Soprano player to complete our team. Forward thinking and exciting band with a wide range of engagements and contests. Rehearsals are Wednesday 8pm in our own bandroom with great transport links.


Yorkshire Imperial

September 3 • Yorkshire Imperial band have SECOND HORN and BBb BASS vacancies available. . At Imps we have a proud tradition, clear ambitions and a sensible, well-planned schedule. We're looking for musicians who want to make outstanding music & will enjoy the journey.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd