*
banner

Tuba Time Lords link up for Desford Open challenge

Two of the ageless masters of tuba time and space have teamed up with Desford for the British Open this year.

Desford team
  Time is still on their side for Deano Morley and Simon Gresswell

Desford Colliery Band will be literally stepping back in time for this year's British Open challenge with two BBb tuba 'Time Lords' providing the foundation of their Symphony Hall challenge.

Thanks to the assistance and support of Yamaha Musical Instruments, the legendary multi-award winning tuba twins of Dean Morley and Simon Gresswell be will re-united on Peter Graham's fearsome test-piece in Birmingham.

1987

The duo first played together as at Desford when the band won the National Championship of Great Britain title way back in 1987 under James Watson, and have since gone on to probably become the most decorated pair of BBb tuba players in the banding world.

Dean recently made the long haul trip from his home in Brisbane with his mouthpiece safely tucked into his hand luggage, with Yamaha kindly providing him with a brand new Neo tuba on his arrival to match that of his colleague.

It's fantastic to be able to sit next to Deano again. Within a few notes it was like being back at Desford under James Watson all those years agoSimon Gresswell

Mirror

Simon Gresswell told 4BR: "It's fantastic to be able to sit next to Deano again. Within a few notes it was like being back at Desford under James Watson all those years ago — although when we looked in the mirror certain things about us have changed a bit!

Our thanks go to Yamaha for the help and assistance and we hope we can roll back the clock on the weekend and help Desford to a great result."

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    


Money

Did brass bands really receive £31 million?

March 19 • Arts Council England is reported to have paid out over £31 million to bands in the last three years, but the figures may not be all that they appear to be...


NYBBGB

Ticket demand high for NYBBGB Easter showcases

March 19 • If you want to hear the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain in action this Easter the you had better be quick about getting a ticket...


Gala Theatre

Durham focus for North of England Area contenders

March 19 • 42 bands will take to the stage in Durham to try and claim their places at London and York later in the year.


Stevanage

Bands get ready for London & SC Area challenges

March 19 • Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre will host 76 bands battling for National Finals qualification this weekend.


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Enderby Band - Around the World in 80 Minutes

Friday 20 March • Wycliffe Rooms, George St, Lutterworth LE17 4ED


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Longridge Band - Spring Concert

Saturday 21 March • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a 2nd euphonium and 2nd baritone player to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Tintwistle Band

March 18 • Tintwistle Band are looking for a Soprano and front row cornet players to help complete the team.. We rehearse Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle, and perform a variety of concerts all year round.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 15 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a SOLO CORNET player (position negotiable). We rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd