BBW Interview: Philip Harper

Leading from the front: Philip Harper is literally riding high with Cory and, despite recently relinquishing the ‘European’ trophy to Eikanger-Bjørsvik in Oostende, there’s no sign of the wheels falling off anytime soon. Mark Good finds out what makes the band’s MD tick

Kicking back on his sofa, Philip Harper was enjoying a rare moment of relaxation. Having just picked up his daughter from school and in the midst of his 44th birthday, he was taking full advantage of the brief lull in proceedings before embarking upon the well-trodden commute across the border to the village of Treorchy, situated in Rhondda Cynon Taf in the Rhondda Fawr valley, where a rehearsal with Cory Band was imminent.

The respite was all the more welcome given Philip’s exploits the previous day, which had seen him cycle 84 miles from his home in Gloucestershire to the band’s rehearsal, as part of a wider fundraising campaign to ensure Cory could participate at the European Brass Band Championships for the 17th consecutive occasion…

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