Tunes just the tonic for brassed-off Philip

Photo: Picture Tim France

IN tune . . . members of Delph Band and Phil’s wife Jacqui and daughter Rebecca at the conductor's bedside

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A kind-hearted brass band recreated a poignant moment from a smash-hit film to lift the spirits of their conductor.

Philip Goodwin, who has led Delph Band for more than 30 years, had been taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital for tests.

But the bandsmen and women, including his wife, Jacqui, and daughter, Rebecca, who had appeared in the stage version of the film “Brassed Off,” dreamed up the idea of re-enacting a scene from the film.

In the film, the band gave a touching rendition of “Danny Boy” under the hospital window of their conductor, Danny, played by actor Pete Postlethwaite.

And, as a special surprise for Mr Goodwin, 15 members of Delph Band turned up in full uniform with their instruments at his hospital ward.

Phil Shaw (47), who plays B-flat bass and is manager of a sports trust, said: “It was a real team effort and a big surprise. We kept it a closely guarded secret.

“Phil has been in hospital for three weeks. He’s a great man and we all really missed him.

“I cleared the idea with the hospital of bringing the band along to cheer him up and they gave us permission to play.”

He went on: “Phil’s wife, went on to ward and sat at his bedside while we all stood outside so he couldn’t see us.

“We played ‘Danny Boy’ outside the door to the ward and he had a very bemused look on his face. Then Jacqui asked him to come to the door and we played another tune.

“It was all a bit emotional but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. And Phil didn’t miss the chance to give us some advice over our playing too! ”

Some members of Delph Band appeared as extras in the comedy film and others have performed to rave reviews in the stage production of “Brassed Off” at Oldham Coliseum and the Playhouse 2, Shaw.

Mr Goodwin’s daughter, Rebecca (25), plays cornet and his wife is a trombonist in the band.

Rebecca said: “Dad was surprised. He came to door after we’d played our first number to see what was happening. He thanked everyone and said the visit meant so much to him.”

Ward sister Lynne Kendrick said: “It was a marvellous tonic for Mr Goodwin and all the patients.”

The 1996 comedy film, which also started Tara Fitzgerald and Ewan McGregor, told the story of a colliery band’s troubles after their pit closed. Some scenes were shot in Delph.