*
banner

Blown away and overwhelmed

The brass band community came out in supportive force to help former Fairey baritone star Keith Muggeridge raise funds for the service that saved his life.

Keith Muggeridge
  The man who survived this has made sure that the service that saved him has benefited.

Former Fairey Band baritone star Keith Muggeridge has told 4BR that he was 'blown away and overwhelmed' after a band full of friends and brass band stars supported a concert he promoted to help raise funds for the Air Ambulance Service in Milton Keynes.

Packed audience

Around £5000 was raised at the event held at Christ The Cornerstone Church, where stars such as Thomas Fountain, principal cornet of the Virtuosi GUS Band thrilled a packed audience.

Towcester Studio Band started the musical evening off under the direction of Neil Brownless with a set that included 'Nightingale Dances' as well as Thomas playing 'Dark Haired Marie'. Horn soloist Samantha Buckland also showed what a great singer she is with 'I Dreamed a Dream'.

All in all, I couldn't have dreamed it would have been such a great night that raised around £5000 for a fantastic service that I owe my life toKeith Muggeridge

So grateful

Keith added: "I'm so grateful to all members of the all star ensemble. I must admit I'm hard pushed to think of a band with a better top two cornets than Thomas and Fairey Band stalwart Brian Taylor!

On a personal it was amazing having Rob Richardson and Paul Haigh, two of the finest baritone players around in the same section, and having legends Martin Britt and Phil Blake-Convey providing the sop topping and tuba foundation was also amazing.

I'm just so grateful to everyone who took part in this band led brilliantly by Mark Peacock.

Saved my life

He added: "All in all, I couldn't have dreamed it would have been such a great night that raised around £5000 for a fantastic service that I owe my life to."

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    


NYBBGB amabassadors

National Youth Band Ambassadors set for London showcase

August 12 • The NYBBGB Ambassador Band can be heard right in the heart of London this weekend with an afternoon open air concert at St Martin in the Fields.


That's banding

New exhibition at Brass Band Archive

August 12 • New voices to be heard with Brass Band England's 'That's Banding' exhibition at Heritage Quay at Huddersfield University.


BBSS

40th anniversary success for Brass Band Summer School

August 12 • The long standing summer school course sets itself new benchmarks for the future after successful anniversary debut in Gloucestershire.


Brazil

Baker returns from Brazilian festival visit

August 12 • Brett Baker has return to Brazil for the first time in over a decade to reconnect with trombonists.


Regent Hall Concerts - Cross Bones Trombone Quintet

Friday 21 August • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 23 August • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

August 12 • Our COMMUNITY BAND meets again on MONDAY (17th) in our bandroom at 11am. We welcome players of all abilities who want a friendly relaxed rehearsal with tea and cake.. Playing with us doesn’t affect your own band it’s just an extra blow.


Chinnor Silver

August 11 • OurCOMMU ITY BAND meets again on Monday 17th at 11am in our .bandroom.. Why not join us for a relaxed friendly rehearsal where all abilities are welcome.. There ‘s tea and cake and. It’s all free.. So join us this Monday..


Chinnor Silver

August 11 • We are looking for Bb BASS AND PERCUSSION PLAYERS to join our hardworking and friendly team.Good book of concerts and contests planned which includes a trip abroad in 2027.. Rehearsals are on a Wednesday in our own bandroom.


Darron Cleary-McHarg

MISM
Composer, Arranger & Music Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd