*
banner

Tuba sight reading with a difference

If you have ever wondered what has happened to your missing sunglasses, then this is a cautionary tale of mishap...

Tuba
  The tuba finally revealed what had been causing its blockage...

There was a surprise find for members of City of Chester Band as they recently went about a spring clean of their instrument stock.

Purchased in 1996 with the aid of National Lottery funding, they have been well cared for, so it came as a shock when Band Manager Matthew McCleary and Treasurer Robert Fletcher took them to be overhauled.

Puzzled

Repairer Jon Roberts found that one instrument puzzled him — after he detected a blockage in an Eb tuba.

Using an endoscope camera Jon spotted something shiny where all should be clear — and found that a pair of sunglasses had travelled over 180Ëš along the tubing from the bell of the instrument.

Thankfully, he managed to extract the spectacles intact, much to the relief and embarrassment of their owner, Robert Fletcher, and to the great amusement of his band colleagues.

Thankfully, he managed to extract the spectacles intact, much to the relief and embarrassment of their owner, Robert Fletcher, and to the great amusement of his band colleagues4BR

No denying

Robert was given no opportunity to deny they were his either, as Matthew went to Rob's Facebook page and found a photo, taken a few years ago of him sporting the said sunglasses!

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    


Gray

Tributes for Gray as conductor announces Eccles departure

March 31 • Thanks and best wishes as 16 year partnership between Mareika Gray and Eccles Borough comes to an end.


Brass Band Week

Banding campaigns return this summer

March 31 • Brass Band Week and Proms in the Park return this Summer — so make sure you reach out and connect with your local communities.


gALASHILS

Report & Results: 2026 SBBA Solo & Ensemble Championships

March 31 • There was a fantastic day of competitive solo and ensemble action to enjoy at Bellshill Salvation Army Centre.


BBW

March Edition of Brass Band World magazine out now

March 31 • The latest edition of the leading brass band magazine is now out — packed with interviews, articles, reviews and news...


The Hepworth Band - Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

Saturday 18 April • Huddersfield Town Hall HD1 2TA


Regent Brass - Woodbridge Excelsior Band and Russell Gray

Saturday 9 May • The Salvation Army (Regent Hall), Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Regent Brass - Living Lines

Sunday 5 July • St Saviour's, Pimlico, St.George's Square, Pimlico, London SW1V 3QW


Thornton Cleveleys Band

March 31 • MD VACANCY. Are you the missing piece to our FULL BAND?. We are a NW 3rd section band looking for our new MD. We are based just outside of Blackpool close to the M55 motorway. Mon+Thurs rehearsals.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • BBb BASS player required following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

March 29 • SOLO CORNET players required (position negotiable) following our 4th place at the North West regionals. We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester and we rehearse on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd