*
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    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Simon Gresswell


Conductor, adjudicator, tutor, tuba specialist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd