*
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    


Carousel

New six pack from Presto

June 3 • Six new and old releases with a connection to the brass band world to enjoy through Presto Music.


Tameside

Report & Results: 2026 Tameside Whit Friday

June 2 • Foden's retain their Whit Friday title with a Presidential flourish in Tameside.


Scotland

Scottish banding battles for success

June 1 • A recent article in one of Scotland's leading newspapers has highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by its banding organisations.


Cross

Death of David Banwell

June 1 • The death has been announced of David Banwell, the widely respected former player, conductor and member of the 4BR team.


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Yorkshire Imperial - Roger Webster & The Colne Valley Male Voice Choir

Saturday 6 June • St George's Hall, Bridge Street, Bradford BD1 1JT


Ascot Brass - Vanguard Quartet from "Royal Harmonics"

Saturday 6 June • St Michael and All Angels Church St Michaels Green, Grenfell Road Beaconsfield HP9 2BP


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - Take 5 Brass Quintet

Friday 12 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 3 • The band requires an Eb bass player for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 3 • The band requires a Cornet player (Position negotiable) for our First section band conducted by Jack Fisher. We have a varied and expanding programme of events throughout the year, including our very well attended, themed concerts.


Bedworth Brass

June 3 • Bedworth Brass (1st Section) require a talented and enthusiastic Principal Euphonium Player to join our hard working band. We are a friendly and sociable band and would love to welcome you into our banding family.


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd