Why an Atherstone marching band leader wants 'aweigh' with his lockdown locks

EX-NAVY VETERAN IN SPONSORED CUT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR 'RETURN-TO-NORMAL' PARTY FOR TOWN'S BRITISH CHAMPIONS

SOUND OF SILENCE DURING COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS HAS FINALLY BEEN BROKEN

BAND leader Brendan Matthewson is aiming to end months of musical misery for Atherstone youngsters with a "noisy" riposte to the impact of the Covid pandemic.

Since March the Phantom Knights – the town's very own British champion marching band –have been unable to practise through ongoing restrictions.

Last Sunday the normally 50-strong membership met up for the first time since national lockdown at Stoneleigh Glebe Farm on the Atherstone Road, Hartshill.

The 53-year-old brass caption head wanted to celebrate the American-style corps – made up of mainly under 25s –being back in business with a "return-to-normal" party.

Instructor Brendan told Nub News: "Lockdown has unfortunately kept all these very good friends apart for nearly six months now and I felt they deserved a treat when guidelines allow.

"So I decided I must do something for the kids – and hold an event to raise funds for a get-together for them when it is safe to do so."

As you can see from our picture, during the pandemic Brendan has allowed his facial appearance to resemble something of an shaggy-haired 'old salt'.

And that gave the ex-Royal Navy veteran of Northern Ireland and Iraq tours of duty the idea to stage a sponsored cut.

And in a few hours' time today – inside one of the farm barns – clippers and a pair of scissors will strike up a different rhythm to break that "sound of silence" of the coronavirus crisis.

The self-employed dedicated courier driver is hoping "aweigh with lockdown locks" will raise £500 for the band, which is made up of marching brass line, marching percussion, static tuned percussion and the colour guard.

"We already have £300 pledged but it would be nice to see our target reached," he added.

Brendan's interest in music goes back to the 1970s when he played the trumpet in the Atherstone Scout band alongside corps director Carl Harris.

If you want to sponsor the lockdown locks lop-off, then you can contact Brendan on 07426 430811.

For more details on the band, contact Carl Harris on 07970 886828, email [email protected] or go to the website here.