*
banner

90 not out for Bert

Now this what we call a real stalwart — Bert Cathro 90 years old and still going strong!

bert Cathro
 

One could be mistaken in thinking that BCB stands for Bert Cathro’s Band, rather than Brechin City Band.

Early start

Bert started playing in the newly formed junior section of Brechin City Band in 1931 aged 12, on the baritone and soon after moved on to Eb Bass.

On leaving the school at age 14 he started working in a local mill before he trained as a signaller in the Black Watch. War service saw him in France in 1940, and was ordered to abandon his bass in favour of a bren gun, when being evacuated from Dunkirk!

War service saw him in France in 1940, and was ordered to abandon his bass in favour of a bren gun, when being evacuated from Dunkirk!4BR

Heading home

He remained in the army until 1946, occasionally managing to play with a military band and despite being offered a full time position in a band which was about to head to America he decided to return home to his wife, and young daughter.

He resumed his position at the local mill until his retirement and also returned to the Brechin Band. He spent some time back on baritone after breaking a leg, and being unable to march with an Eb Bass, but once again returned to this instrument, which he plays to this day.

Keen golfer

Away from the band he has been a very keen golfer until hanging up his clubs fairly recently. His other major hobby however is weaving, having built his own loom in his house, and indeed designed his own 'Cathro' tartan which is registered with the Scottish Tartan World Register.

Hobby for life

Having received life membership of the Scottish Brass Band Association in 1983, Bert is as keen and as passionate a bandsman today as he was 78 years ago, and is sorry that at present Brechin City Band itself is currently very short of players, and would like to encourage others to do what he did all these years ago, take up an instrument and have a hobby for life.

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    


Sam Thackray

Nocturnal Dances on youthful show in heart of London

August 6 • The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain will showcase the trio of Young Composer Competition winners at the Royal College of Music this weekend.


Albert Hall

Albert Hall qualification reversed

August 6 • The top four bands at this year's Championship Section National Final will gain an automatic invitation to the 2026 contest.


mANGER

King leads conducting trio at Manger

August 5 • Prof David King, Magnus Brandseth and Tormod Flaten will mastermind the musical challenges of the Norwegian National Champion.


Angus

Talent showcase at NYBBGB Course

August 5 • Eight talented performers battled it out to be crowned Harry Mortimer Solo Award winner.


The Lindley Band - Parp and a Pint

Wednesday 6 August • 14a Holly Bank Road. Lindley. Huddersfield . West Yorkshire HD3 3 JE


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 8 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham GL51 7JY


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 15 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL52 7JY


Cheltenham Silver Band - Brass (and percussion) and Beer

Friday 22 August • St. Barnabas Church Hall, Orchard Way, Cheltenham, GL51 7JY GL51 7JY


Haverhill Silver Band - East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival

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


Elland Silver Band

August 5 • Are seeking a SOLO CORNET player and a 3rd CORNET player to complete our line up for our exciting autumn / winter season of concerts & contests. Rehearsals are Monday & Thursday evenings 8 -10pm at our bandroom in Elland HX5 9AZ.


wantage silver band

August 5 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have a vacancy for a BASS PLAYER, Eb or Bb. The band are ideally looking for an experienced player but are committed to giving younger players opportunities. There are always openings to teach and conduct at WSB too.


Petworth Town Band

August 4 • Petworth Town Band have vacancies for BASS TROMBONE, CORNET and TUBA. We are an active band with a full calendar of engagements. We would welcome new players to join us and our happy band of players.


Chris King

MBA, BMus(Hons), LRSM, AoBBA
Conductor, Arranger, Adjudicator, Compere, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd