The new Honorary Vice-President of the National Champion Brighouse & Rastrick made his first official engagement on the weekend, as the celebrity chef and brass band lover Brian Turner CBE (right) enjoyed the band's concert with Boobs & Brass.

 

Having been introduced on stage to a packed Huddersfield Town Hall by Band President, Lyndon Stacey, he delightedly told the audience that his joy was doubled by the fact that as proud Yorkshireman his new role had enabled him to get a good seat at a very fair price!

 

"It's an honour to take on this role, but what is more important as a West Riding lad, I'm thrilled to be able to get a great seat and not pay anything extra for it!"

 

He added: "I'm chuffed as we say in these parts to have the honour bestowed upon me. Just to let you know though, I've not been recruited for my playing skills, although I have played in every section of a brass band — until asked to move to the next one!"

 

Brian, who was born in Halifax and lived in Morley, has a connection with Brighouse & Rastrick that goes back to the 1960s and especially on hearing them perform at the Albert Hall under the great Walter Hargreaves.

 

He has actually played with the band in contest mode when he played tuba a few years ago at the Whit Friday contests, and has been a regular supporter at the British Open and National Finals when his busy international schedule allows.

 

Photo credit: Gordon Ratcliffe