*
banner

Leyland honoured by euph addition

The Leyland Band enjoyed welcoming 90 year old Don Bateman to their euphonium section at their recent Armed Forces concert.

Leyland
  The band were honoured to have Don in their ranks for the performance of 'Colonel Bogey'.

The Leyland Band welcomed a very special guest player to their ranks at a recent Armed Forces concert held at Chorley Town Hall.

They had arranged for 90-year-old local army veteran Don Bateman to join their euphonium section, for which he received a standing ovation from the packed audience following the performance of the classic Kenneth Alford march, 'Colonel Bogey'.

Return

The band had been approached by the concert organisers to see if Don could play with them, and were delighted to arrange for him to come to a rehearsal for a pre-concert run through.

Don had spent 25 years in the army playing all over the world, and had in fact played a few times with the band before Richard Evans took over the helm.

Following his service, Don's civilian life took an interesting turn when for five years he played in the pit orchestra at Liverpool's Shakespeare Theatre where he often supported comedian, Ken Dodd.

More recently he led his own orchestra in Lancashire and still commutes twice a week to Preston and nearby Lytham to perform in two concert bands.

Our honour

A band spokesperson said: "It was a delight to have Don with us. He said it was an honour for him, but really it was an honour for us to pay our respects to him all those who have been past and present members of the Armed Forces."

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    


Crown Court

Former conductor given child offence sentence

July 24 • Ben Coulson is given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and is required to sign the sex offenders' register for the next decade as part of his Crown Court sentencing.


BBE Conference

Last chance to claim free member ticket to BBE Brass Band Conference

July 24 • Your will need to be quick to book your ticket to be part of an exciting day looking towards the future of the brass banding movement.


National Final

Albert Hall judges announced

July 24 • Dr Stephen Cobb, Ian Bousfield and Rob Wiffin will be charged with picking a winner at the Royal Albert Hall in October.


nybbs

Skills and creativity boosted on NYBBS Course

July 24 • In addition to the music making the players on the National Youth Brass Band of Scotland Summer course are learning extra skills.


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band - A Nightingale Sang... (an evening concert)

Saturday 2 August • Foakes Hall, Dunmow CM6 1DG


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

Sunday 24 August • St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds IP33 1QX


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Saffron Hall

Wednesday 27 August • Saffron Hall, Audley End Road, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4UH


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 23 • Moving to the West Midlands this autumn or fancy a change of bandroom scenery? . The band are looking to recruit a 2nd Euphonium and a Kit Percussionist to help us with our varied and ever expanding range of events.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

July 23 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Tewit Silver Band

July 23 • Tewit Silver Band is looking for a talented and committed Solo Cornet player to join our dedicated team as we build towards the Scottish Open 25 and beyond. Based in Huby- between Leeds, Bradford, and Harrogate, 5 mins walk from Weeton Station.


David Hirst

MA, B.Ed (Hons), LTCL
Conductor, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd