*
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    


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


Tintwistle Band

June 29 • We are looking for front row cornet players to help complete our team.As a second section band we rehearse Monday&Thursday 8-10pm at our bandroom on Old Road in Tintwistle,under the baton of MD Jim Henson. We perform a variety of concerts all year round.


Enderby Band

June 28 • Midlands Championship section band seeks: 2 x cornet (positions negotiable), 1 x Eb bass, and percussionists.. . Enderby are a sociable, hardworking band with a balanced diary of concerts, contests, and social events.


Hook Norton Brass Band

June 28 • HNBB, based near Banbury in Oxfordshire, is seeking a new Musical Director to lead our friendly and ambitious band. With a varied calendar of engagements and supportive committee, our thriving community band would love to hear from you.


Jason M Smith


Band Trainer (Contest Preparation), Conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd