Reeth band tunes up for Help for Heroes

Reeth Brass Band is part of Harmonies For Heroes, a group including Muker Silver Band and the Military WAGS Choir in Catterick, which has recorded a CD to raise funds for Phoenix House Recovery Centre in Catterick Garrison.

Phoenix House is aiming to raise £100,000 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War by creating a new Wellbeing Centre housing sports and arts facilities for sick, injured and wounded veterans and service personnel.

Reeth Brass Band, led by bandmaster Paul Hutchinson, is looking forward to the chance to perform as part of the super-group at the concert on Saturday, March 15 at Richmond School.

Mr Hutchinson said: “The band has always had connections with the military, and we have four or five retired service personnel playing with us at the moment.

“We think the concert will be good to raise the profile of the Dales – not just for us but for the other groups – and the raise some cash for a good cause.”

One member has both a musical and military background.

Musical director Brian Hicks was bandmaster of the Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment), completing tours in the UK, Germany and the Persian Gulf.

He also later served as Brigade bandmaster of the Parachute Regiment, which led to him being commissioned as director of music of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces. Finally he received the appointment as director of music at the Scots Guards in London which saw him take part in various royal duties.

He moved to Richmond after retirement to be close to family and played baritone with Reeth Brass Band until taking over as director.

Tickets for the concert are available in advance £10 for adults and £4 for children from Richmond in Castle Hill Bookshop, Richmond Tourist Information, The Wives Kitchen, Richmond School; in Catterick at Studio 19; Reeth Post Office; Wobbly Dog in Leyburn; and online at www.militarywagschoir.co.uk.

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/resources/files/31397