Besson cornet artist Lode Violet took time out of his British Open preparation with the Flowers Band this week, to come along and play, conduct and adjudicate at Bedworth Brass.

The Belgian star has been staying with Bedworth MD, Ryan Richards during his stay, and repaid his hospitality by taking time out to visit his band who are busy preparing for their forthcoming appearance at the Bolsover Festival of Brass competition and their annual concert next month.

Amazing

Ryan told 4BR: "It's been great having Lode stay with us — it's been great fun. It was also brilliant of him to give up his spare time to come along and join us at a rehearsal.

He's an amazing player and was able to inspire us all. It really gave the band a huge boost.

We wish him well with Flowers this weekend and I'm sure he will make another huge impression at the contest — just as he did last year with Brass Band Willebroek."

He's an amazing player and was able to inspire us all. It really gave the band a huge boostMD Ryan Richards

Brilliant time

Lode replied: "It was a great trip to see Ryan conducting and to hear Bedworth in action. They are a fine band and there is a great atmosphere in rehearsal.

I've been having a brilliant time staying with Ryan and friends and he told me this got me out of doing the washing up!"