Acting on an initial idea by Stanhope Silver Band's, conductor Steve Robson (a long-time supporter of the charity World Vision) to record a fund-raising CD featuring four bands from the Durham area, namely Stanhope Silver, Ferryhill Town Band, Barnard Castle Band and Broughtons Brass Band.

Steve had three initial aims for the project. 1,

• To give the bands a challenge.
• To raise awareness of the Make Poverty History campaign
• To raise moneys for his chosen charity, World Vision. Well he has certainly done that!

Briony Thompson, the band's 15 year old trombonist, took it upon herself to add that something extra to the project. Her idea was to form a Brass Band Aid Celebrity Band, featuring the UKs finest banders, to record a brass band version of the Band Aid track "Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Feed The World)" for inclusion on the CD.

Roger Webster and Ian Porthouse, who Briony knew from a Summer School in Swansea, offered tremendous support for the concept and pointed Briony in the right direction in enlisting other brass band stars for the line-up. Briony spent the next few weeks tracking down telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for the top players in the land then contacted them in person to enlist their support for the poject.

The response she received was overwhelming – so much so in fact that when word of the project began to spread, players from all over the country were contacting Briony directly asking to take part in the project!

Obviously key to the project was finding a date that was suitable for the majority of the players – particularly considering the amazingly busy schedule these players have. The date eventually settled on was the 15th of May 2005. The enigmatic Richard Evans was then approached and was delighted to have a space in his diary and agreed to conduct the band. Richard was very excited about the project, and in addition to the Band Aid track, Richard was asked to select several other pieces for the celebrity band to feature on the CD.

Alan Fernie was approached to arrange the track – however getting permission to use it proved somewhat difficlut. Following some direct contact with Midge Ures office via e mails from Briony and her dad Bob, clearance was granted from the Band Aid trust for the arrangement to be made and what a wonderful arrangement it is too.

In addition to the incredible financial support we have recieved, fund raising has been a key to the projects success, Steve's 13yr old daughter, Sophie, a flugel player with Stanhope Silver Band was keen to get involved, she organised a raffle and a tombola, which raised well over a thousand pounds for the project, an outstanding piece of work.
So many people have contributed and hopefully more will continue to do so, please have a look at the supporters page for more details.

Many thanks from BBA.

The recording went ahead in May with:

• Brass Band Aid Celebrity Band
• Broughtons Brass Band
• Stanhope Silver Band
• Barnard Castle Band
• Ferryhill Town Band