*
banner

Golden handshake of hospital thanks

A fantastic musical gesture of gratitude sees support given to the wonderful neurosurgery work at James Cook Hospital

Golden Brass
 

After the success of the recent 'Golden Brass' Concert held at Spennymoor Town Hall, Bob Temple and his wife Lesley presented a cheque for £2,000 to Anil Varma MCh FRCS (SN) at James Cook Hospital.

Gratitude

In 2013, the renowned surgeon operated to remove a tumour on Lesley's brain. Lesley has since made a complete recovery and the fund raising concert was held to show their gratitude to Mr Varma and the members of his team for their quality of their skill and aftercare.

Bob and his best friend Alan Catherall also staged the event to mark 50 years of their own friendship and music making. Supported by the members of Nova Brass, Darlington Big Band and Reg Vardy Band, the duo played together in each ensemble throughout the evening.

Alan, Bob and Lesley would like to thank everyone who supported the concert and helped to raise such a sizeable donation for this worthy causeSpokesperson

Sell out

The concert was a sell out and ticket sales, raffle and donations raised a total of £2,000, which will be further boosted by the Gift Aid Scheme to help the neurosurgical team for research and the purchase of specialist equipment for future operations.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Alan, Bob and Lesley would like to thank everyone who supported the concert and helped to raise such a sizeable donation for this worthy cause."

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    


Doodles

Doodles ready for Summer brush up

May 15 • Word of mouth ensures that Doodles can give your the perfect brush up service.


Bandamonium

Free live broadcast of Bandamonium

May 15 • You can now enjoy the brilliant music making at the Bandamonium Devon festival thanks to a new partnership link with Next Step Films — and its all free.


Friary

Stewart steps down after 20 years of trom service at Friary

May 15 • The vastly experienced Ian Stewart has decided to call time on his playing with Friary Brass.


Dutch Open

Dutch Open welcomes competitors

May 15 • The Dutch Open will feature 16 bands with their own-choice programmes in Groningen next month.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Tintwistle Band

May 15 • We have a vacancy for a soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled!. We rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle, under the baton of our superb MD, Jim Henson.


Chinnor Silver

May 11 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join us as we head into an exciting period for the band.Good and varied diary ahead.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (so none of that tedious setting up and down)


Hathern Band

May 10 • Due to University placement we require a Bb Bass player- we are a First Section band based at our own band room in the village of Hathern LE12 5LJ Leicestershire (between M1 Jcts 23 & 24) and close to Lougborough and Nottingham Universities


Dave Collins

BA (Hons) (Dunelm) I, FSCO
Composer and Arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd