You couldn’t see too many of these musicians, hidden behind their large instruments and music stands, but they produced a great sound.

Seventy-five members of a dozen local bands joined together for a concert at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford – in aid of the John Radcliffe.

When two leading members of the Oxford and District Brass Bands’ Association ended up in hospital beds at the same time, it gave them a good idea about where the funds from their next massed bands’ concert should go.

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The concert in 1984 raised £500 which was presented to the hospital’s League of Friends there and then.

The league had launched a major appeal to buy a laser and associated equipment for treating pre-cancerous conditions in women. The laser was already in use.

The idea of raising money for the hospital came up when association chairman Ron Sudworth and secretary David Martin both landed up in the hospital.

By a stroke of bad luck, Mr Martin was unable to attend the concert he had helped to organise - he had an accident and ended up back in the hospital.

He was in a ward a short distance away, so no doubt heard some of the music.

In the picture, you will see the orchestra being directed by Cliff Edmunds, well-known in the city as former conductor of the famous Morris Motors’ Band.

The League of Friends is a voluntary organisation which supports the work of the hospitals.

The League provides much-needed equipment and comforts for the benefit of patients and staff through the income raised by the work of volunteers.

Volunteers run cafeterias and tea bars for patients, visitors and hospital staff. Volunteers are always required to help.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.