Dad and son’s tuba trek

A brass band enthusiast is making a 400-mile nostalgic trip to Saddleworth for the annual brass band contests this weekend.

Graham Capper grew up in Mossley and played in Ashtonian Brass, based at the former Ashton Grammar School, now Sixth Form College, returning from university to join the Whit Friday celebrations.

He played in the Whit Friday contests for the last time in 1984.

Graham now lives in Andover, Hampshire, and after two decades without picking up his tuba, is now a member of Test Valley Brass, alongside his son Tom (17) who also plays tuba.

This week, Test Valley Brass are making the 400-mile round trip to join the contests, or as many of them as they can manage.

Graham said: “This is a return I am so much looking forward to. Banding was an important part of my youth, and Whit Friday was the annual highlight.

“To return as a player, alongside Tom, is bound to induce a bout of nostalgia. I’m hoping that we can demonstrate that some southern bands can hold their own among those from Lancashire and Yorkshire.”