*
banner

Personal link brings bands together for charity cause

Virtuosi GUS and Staines Lammas Bands come together to help a wonderful charitable cause.

Virtuosi GUS
  The Master Champions Virtuosi GUS will be joining forces with Staines Lammas Band to help a charitable cause that has links to both bands.

The Midlands Regional Champions and All England Masters Champions, Virtuosi GUS will be joining forces with Staines Lammas Band next month for a concert that has a very personal connection to both bands.

Charity event

The charity event will take place on Saturday 1st October in Ashford, Middlesex and will feature both bands as well as guest soloist, Jonathan Pippen and will aim to raise much needed funds for the Alexander Jansons Foundation, which looks into research into the causes, prevention and cures for myocarditis — a disease marked by inflammation and damage of the heart muscle.

Tragic loss

Emma Elliot-Smith, Staines Lammas Band Manager told 4BR: "The concert has come about because an auntie and uncle, one in each band, tragically lost their 5 year old niece to this disease last September.

The concert marks the one-year anniversary and hopes to raise enough money to continue funding research into this terrible disease and to increase understanding and save lives in the future.

Worthy cause

Virtuosi GUS Band chairman, Nigel Love told 4BR: "We are only too happy to support this worthy cause, especially when the disease has touched one of our own."

Meanwhile, Staines Lammas MD, Lee Woodward added: "We are delighted to be able to host this event, which I'm sure will be a wonderful evening of fantastic music.

There is a very personal link between both bands for this, so we hope as many people as possible come and support a wonderful cause."

The concert has come about because an auntie and uncle, one in each band, tragically lost their 5 year old niece to this disease last SeptemberEmma Elliot-Smith, Staines Lammas Band Manager

Time and place

The concert is at St. Hilda's Church, Stanwell Rd, Ashford, TW15 3QL starting at 7.00pm.

Tickets are available from Emma Elliot-Smith: emma.esmith@outlook.com or 07811 927410, or go to:
www.thegusband.com
www.staineslammasband.co.uk

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    


Hannah Caraker

Interview with Hannah Caraker

June 28 • 4BR Editor catches up the winner of the 2026 Brass Band Conductors Association flagship Conducting title.


hANNAH cARAKER

Caraker claims BBCA conducting crown

June 28 • There is an American victory in Halifax as Hannah Caraker claims flagship Brass Band Conductors Competition prize.


Van Looy

Van Looy to lead Carlton Main at British Open

June 28 • Glenn Van Looy will take the baton with Carlton Main Frickley Colliery for their British Open challenge.


Ollie Atherton

Atherton adds to Rath artist roster

June 28 • Brighouse & Rastrick bass trombone player Ollie Atherton has become a Rath Trombones artist.


Barnsley Brass - Black Dyke Band

Thursday 25 June • St Mary's Church. Church Street. Barnsley S70 2AH


Regent Hall Concerts - Junior Guildhall Brass Band

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Royal Sackbut Collective

Friday 26 June • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band - Mossley Band

Sunday 28 June • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Thursday 2 July • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

June 27 • We are looking for Bb BASS & PERCUSSION players to join our friendly ambitious 1st Section band.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom . We have a good and varied diary of concerts, contests and a trip aboard planned for 2027


East London Brass

June 26 • Percussionist: ELB is looking for a talented percussionist to join our existing section. We’re an ambitious band with an exciting programme and plenty to look forward to in the second half of the year.


Lostock Hall Brass Band

June 23 • Could you be the kit player to make our percussion team complete? . We would love to hear from you.. with National Finals in September and promotion to the North West 1st Section from January 2027 there is so much to look forward too .


Ian Porthouse


Cornet soloist, clinician, conductor and adjudicator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd