Concert raises money for cancer charity

A charity concert held at Rochdale Golf Club on behalf of local Macmillan Nurses has raised over £1,700 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Entertainment was provided courtesy of the UNC Milnor Brass Band, who under Associate Conductor Leigh Baker performed three popular styles of music: traditional brass, show and film music and big band/jazz.

The soloist for the evening was Principal Cornet Donna Towse who played the traditional song  ‘I`ll Take you home again Kathleen’  and Chris Binns lead the  Trombone Section in the lively piece ‘I will follow him.’

The band’s President, Ken Watts, said: “A capacity audience was whole heartedly behind this worthwhile cause which was supported by the Golf Club, the local Co-operative and many individuals.

“The event was organised by the Milnrow and Newhey Support Group and a raffle and auction on the night helped to achieve a brilliant grand amount of £1,727 for McMillan Nurses.”

Other items included ‘Forentine March’ - as featured in the film Brassed Off. The solo item ‘Concerto de Aranjuez,’ which also featured in the film, exhibited the silky tones of the band`s 14 year old flugelhorn player Romana Halstead.

Music by the Beatles ‘Ticket to Ride’, Goff Richard`s ‘Disney Fantasy, and Breezin` Down Broadway’ also featured, as did John Barry`s ‘Born Free’ and the bands young  percussionist Owen Middlemass showed his prowess on the drum kit soloing on the big band jazz item ‘Sing, Sing, Sing.’

Mr Watts concluded: “Thank you Rochdale Golf Club for a great atmosphere, brilliant concert and all in a good cause.”