Russell Davies, an Australian bandsman who spent six years living and working in the UK including a successful tenure as solo euphonium with Aveley & Newham Band has been enjoying his banding life in South Africa.

Charity

He emigrated to Cape Town in 2006, establishing the Africa headquarters for HOPEHIV, now known as WeSeeHope ( www.weseehope.org.uk), a registered charity working with vulnerable children and youth all over Eastern and Southern Africa.

After handing over the running of HOPEHIV Africa to local colleagues in 2010, he has for the past 9 years been Director of the Rural Education Access Programme ( www.reap.org.za) a not-for-profit organisation which enables young people from low income families in rural areas to pursue tertiary studies.

Currently REAP supports around 700 students at 16 different universities enrolled in a wide range of disciplines. Students receive full cost bursaries as well as comprehensive mentoring, academic monitoring and employability training.

Lip in shape

Russell has also been fortunate to keep his lip in as solo euphonium with Cape Town Concert Brass and the Windworx Symphonic Wind Ensemble.

Now though he is preparing to take a three-month break from his duties to recharge his batteries and will be heading back to the UK to get a well deserved 'brass band fix' at both the British Open and National Finals.

Russell has also been fortunate to keep his lip in as solo euphonium with Cape Town Concert Brass and the Windworx Symphonic Wind Ensemble4BR

Fortunate

He told 4BR: "I've been very fortunate since coming to South Africa to work with wonderful people. I know everything is in safe hands when I make my trip where I hope to meet up with old friends and colleagues.

If any of them have a spare ticket for Symphony Hall though I would be delighted!"