Old mates still hit the right note

Musicians came together in celebration of a brassy man’s milestone birthday.

Bandsman, bandmaster and corps director responsible for much of the sounds to come out of Brighouse in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Stuart Farley, celebrated his 60th with former musicians from various local bands at Rastrick Bowling Club.

Former band members reunited to perform for the first time for many of the musicians.

Kevin Stock and Allan Varnham of 5th Halifax Elland Boys’ Brigade Old Boys Band drew together former members of Brighouse St John Ambulance Brigade Corps Band, Brighouse Royal British Legion, Northern Skyriders, Conquest Alliance and Warrington Scouts for a 12-minute routine to honour Farley as he arrived at the surprise party, attended by more than 120 guests.

The set included a fanfare as well as traditional tunes drawn from the collective repertoire of the various bands.

Party organiser Helen Fieldhouse said: ““Stuart deserves this tribute. He guided banding in Brighouse in the ‘80s and was instrumental in Conquest Alliance winning the Drum Corps UK finals in 1987.

“He had the drive to succeed, and he was the inspiration for scores of young bandsmen and women, many of whom came to the party. Some of them are still active on the band circuit today.”