Maggie Betts, the co-founder of the charity fund-raising band Boobs & Brass has spoken to 4BR about her pride as well as disbelief on being presented with the BBC Power of Music Brass Band Award at the recent Whit Friday contests.
"It's unbelievable, completely unbelievable,"she said. "I'm still lost for words."
Completely shocked
Thankfully, Maggie was still able to explain that a colleague had initially made her aware of the search by BBC Radio 2's 'Listen to the Band' programme, but was then 'completely shocked' to find out that they were to be presented with the award by Frank Renton at the famous Delph Whit Friday.
"I was completely shocked to find out about two weeks before Whit Friday and was sworn to secrecy with a confidentiality agreement.
The BBC informed us that they would like us to perform a mini concert at 3.00pm, so it meant having to adjust the times of departure with the coach company and rehearse a couple of bits of music without saying why to the rest of the band!"
Wry smiles
However, Maggie admitted that she did have a wry smile on her face though when a couple of the Boobs & Brass girls put two and two together and twigged the reason.
"A couple twigged but said nothing, but the first time the whole band knew was when Frank Renton told everyone that the Listen to the Band programme was also there to present us with the BBC Power of Music Award."
I was completely shocked to find out about two weeks before Whit Friday and was sworn to secrecy with a confidentiality agreementMaggie Betts
Tears of joy
She added: "There were plenty of tears of joy as this has been a huge team effort and an acknowledgement of not just what Jayne and I have tried to do.
None of it would have been possible without the players, conductors, supporters and donors, and I just can't put into words what Boobs and Brass means to us. Our thanks go to the BBC, Frank Renton and Listen to the Band for a day that will stay with us all".
Up next is a concert with Strata Brass this weekend followed by a concert in Cardiff on 24th June with Cory flugel star Helen Williams.
Listen again
To listen to Boobs & Brass and the Listen to the Band broadcast over the next 30 days go to:
