'Boobs and Brass' Band - Rothwell, 21.05.06.

The story so far (no names have been changed to protect the innocent!):

There were once two lasses, Jane (Nichols) and Maggie (Betts),  talking over a cup of tea or 'something', while recording for another charity event (this ain’t no Morecombe and Wise gag!).

Jane says to Maggie 'Do you know what my dream is?'

'No, but I suppose your going to tell me anyway' came Maggie’s reply.

'I’d love to form an all girls band'. 'Then do it, I’ll help you' was the response...

...that was the birth of 'Boobs and Brass'.

Within a matter of weeks, the venue, Kettering Parish Church, was booked and a list of 'bandswomen' drawn up. Players were contacted and everyone responded with enthusiasm, even players hearing of the idea offered their services, girls and chaps alike.

Sadly, a great number of players had to be disappointed due to the lack of space in the church, the band could have been two or three times as big as first anticipated.

In keeping with the 'All Female' theme, Adele Sellers (former MD of Towcester Studio Band) agreed to direct Boobs and Brass. The band first came together on Sunday 21st May 2006 - to meet up and 'blow through' the programme. Everyone who took part in the concert offered their services free of charge. This first rehearsal produced a wide, warm, well-rounded sound  - much to the amazement of some of the some of the (male) onlookers!

Boobs & Brass were also very fortunate in being given the use of the Parish Church in Kettering. The players represented up to 10 local brass bands and for the first half of the concert they wore their bands' uniform before changing into pink t-shirts (and trousers!) for the second half.

The Charities:

All the proceeds from the evening were donated to two charities -  Kettering General Hospital’s 'Ophthalmic Ward' and the Breast Cancer Campaign.

Jane's chosen charity is 'The Ophthalmic Ward' - where they are currently raising funds for a hand held Biometer and Pachymeter Machine.

Jane works within the department - it treats approximately 550 - 600 patients weekly and treats all ages from birth to 100+. Anything that helps to maintain the good health of the eye, especially the early recognition and diagnosis of problems is of benefit to us all.

Maggie's chosen charity is the 'Breast Cancer Campaign', which she thought was very apt -  with it being an all female band.

Maggie commented that a playing friend had just undergone treatment for breast cancer and, when speaking with other players, found how many of us have friends and relatives who have or are being treated for this disease. Therefore, it was and is a cause very close to our hearts. Incidentally, it is not just women that are affected; men can also suffer with breast cancer.

Jane, principal cornet with Rushden Windmill Band and Maggie, a cornet player with Raunds Band, have been good friends for more than a few years (!), when they both played with Rushden Temperance Band.

Amazed:

Jane and Maggie were both amazed at the response they have received from companies pledging their support for the event and Brass Bands (usually noted for great rivalry) the length and breadth of the country were requesting details to put on their own websites. The band were even on the telly! Jane and Maggie were interviewed by Joel Mapp and the band played 'I Got Rhythm' (several times - as I recall!) - the whole thing was broadcast on 'BBC Look East'. To hear the interview go to the Media page.

Costs were kept to a minimum with 'Boobs and Brass' seeking sponsorship,  with companies/organisations were invited to place an advert in the events' programme - those who contributed are listed on the Supporters page.

The concert was promoted in the local press, on local radio and brass band journals and web sites.

Judging by the response from bandsmen wishing to participate in the event - they were sadly disappointed as they can’t quite fit all the entrance criteria, skirts or not!

No equal opportunities here then!

The first concert took place on Saturday 30^th September 2006, with the baton coming down at 7.30pm and proved to be a very enjoyable evening for the audience and performers alike. It certainly turned a few heads and started a lot of ears twitching! Due to it's over-whelming success there are plans to to make this concert an annual event.

For more information on the concert, including programme details, 'click' here.

The aim was to raise £500 for each charity, but in the end well over £2000 (each) was achieved!

And that’s the story behind Jane's long-standing pipe dream now fulfilled (...until the next time!) and exceeding ALL expectations!

Bringing the story up to date:

In 2007 & 2008, the 'Boobies' performed at concerts for the 'Crazy Hats Appeal' (see our Links and Gallery pages) - over the two years the events raised £2500. 

Also in 2007, we took part in 'The Greatest Free Show On Earth' - 'aka' the Whit Friday Marches in Saddleworth and Tameside, Greater Manchester. According to a local paper we were the first 'all-girl' band ever to take part - some achievement! 

We returned to the Whit Friday Marches in May 2008 and on the day collected over £700 for the breast cancer CAMPAIGN. For both trips to Saddleworth the band were very lucky to secure sponsorship - and those companies that helped us are listed on the Supporters page. FULL details for both years (including photo's' and video) can be found on a link from the Gallery page.

In May 2008 Stephen Tompkinson (of Brassed Off ! and Ballykissangel fame) presented a Radio 2 programme entitled 'Brass Britain' and the 'Boobies' were featured in a section about the Whit Friday Marches.

On the 31st May 2008, 'Boobs and Brass' are traveling to Alyth, Scotland for a fund raising event sponsored by Vredstein. AND, for possibly our most prestigious concert so far, in October 2008 we are set to perform with the MEN of the Brighouse & Rastrick Band in Huddersfield Town Hall!

There are plans afoot for another concert later this year and a return to the Whit Friday Marches in 2009, not bad for two ladies who wanted to raise £1000 for charity is it? Who knows what the future holds? Maggie has said that she was going to take a short break after the Scottish trip, but already her brain is thinking of other things to do! So...as they say...

'Watch this space.....!'