John plays Pied Piper to support his band

WALK OF PRIDE: John Holden

A fundraising mission turned into a Pied Piper jamboree when John Holden stepped out to support his village band.

Dobcross Band president John had planned a solo 10.6 mile journey round 10 clubs to raise funds for band members and supporters to visit a World War One Belgian memorial. But news of his trek fired the community’s imagination and a team of supporters turned out to boost his efforts.

The 58 year old’s eight-hour slog was his contribution to helping the Silver Band and Dobcross Brass Monkeys fund their commemoration visit to the Menin Gate memorial at Ypres in August.

They will accompany Saddleworth British Legion to play at the Last Post ceremony.

By the end of his journey, John, who has been club steward for 31 years, hadmade more than £1,000 for the fund.

Returning to a rapturous reception he said: “My feet are aching a bit, but I’ve enjoyed it. The £1,000 will go a long way, so I am very pleased.”

The cost of the visit is expected to exceed £20,000, of which the band has now raised over £8,000.

For information on the bands’ fundraising efforts, contact: Cathy Heaven 07554 116787, Phil Cumberworth 07841 326505 or Andy Black 07799 072459.