Taking a shine to top brass (From Gazette & Herald)

Taking a shine to top brass

BRASS band fans in Ryedale will be able to see one of the country's leading groups and raise money for North Yorkshire charities at the same time.

Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band will perform on May 2, at 3pm in the council chamber at Ryedale House, Malton, to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Relief and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. They are the chosen charities of Coun Brian Cottam, the chairman of Ryedale District Council. Coun Cottam is pictured with Alan Martin, the band's secretary, promoting the event.

The town band is one of the oldest in the country, and was recently crowned National Brass Band Championship north of England champion in the first section, as well as winning the best bass section. The regular band has between 28 and 30 players, depending on percussionists, who come from Kirkbymoorside and across Ryedale.

Tickets cost £3, which includes refreshments, and are available from Ryedale House.

"Kirkbymoorside Brass Band is one of the best in the district and with all monies raised going to the two charities.

"What better way could there be to spend a Sunday afternoon," said Coun Cottam.

Updated: 12:25 Tuesday, April 20, 2004