When I sold my ice cream business I was left with considerable sized premises in which I was able to accommodate Fred Croft of Pro Brass, who brought with him a large collection of brass instrument repair tools, and importantly a number of trade connections.

After about two years Fred went on to other things and I bought all his tools and lots of spares. During this two years with Fred’s connections I had acquired many second hand instruments, mostly American, on which to hone my repairing skills. Since then I have been seriously involved with repair work with local music shops, colleges and brass bands.

Above all this I have been largely interested in the design aspect of instruments, and in keeping, building prototypes of various instruments including a left handed trumpet, a left handed cornet for Chez Chesterman, my version of a Holton Superbone, some input into the Geneva trumpet and now my own design of trumpet, the BGR NIGHTINGALE.

In my desire to get into professional brass repair I would like to acknowledge the help and advice given to me by consumate professionals such as Paul Rygel, Granvil Rhodes, Gerry Birch, Andy Taylor, Mike Rath etc. There are others, who if only during ordinary conversation were helpful, and I hope by not necessarily naming names they will not be offended.