*
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    


Dutch National Championships

Countdown to Dutch National Championships

October 21 • The 2026 Dutch National Championships take place in Utrecht this weekend with 4BR covering the event at the TivoliVredenburg.


Hands up

Audition call for Scottish Youth

October 21 • Young players in Scotland are being encouraged to audition for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.


The Dutch Youth Band

Dutch Youth gains national support until 2029

October 21 • The Dutch National Youth Brass Band will be supported by the NBK Foundation until 2029.


Tommy Tynan

Tynan launches online Tuba Shop

October 21 • The Black Dyke Band tuba star has launched his online store that caters for all things low brass.


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Thursday 22 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the RAF Regiment

Friday 23 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Redbridge Brass Band

Saturday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


The Hepworth Band - Aireborough Rotary Club Annual Charity Concert

Sunday 25 October • Yeadon Town Hall, High Street, Yeadon LS19 7PP


Dobcross Silver Band - Tintwistle Band

Sunday 25 October • Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane Dobcross. Oldham OL3 5AD


Cambrian Brass

October 22 • We are always happy to hear from anyone interested in joining our friendly, supportive band, whether you are returning to banding, looking for a new challenge, or have moved to Aberystwyth for university.


West Yorkshire Police Band

October 22 • BBb bass and back row cornets are sought to complete our line-up. We are a well supported band with a unique calendar of events including foreign travel. We rehearse at Carr Gate nr Wakefield on Mondays and Thursdays.


Yorkshire Imperial

October 21 • Yorkshire Imperial is a high performing band with a proud tradition & we're currently looking for musicians who want to both make outstanding music & enjoy the journey. We have vacancies for BBb Bass, Percussion (tuned & untuned) & 2nd Horn.


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd