Phoenix Brass has always been proud of it's loyal supporters, true "Friends of Phoenix", many of whom live some distance away from our area.    We are immensely proud of Ted and Val Jackson who live the furthest away, in Melbourne, Australia, Ted having been a close supporter since the formation of Phoenix Brass.

David Watson, Phoenix Brass' musical director, first met Ted one evening in Hungerford and found out he was a trombone player, staying at the Three Swans for one night and was on his way back to Australia the next day.   The following year, Ted and his wife Val came back to England for a long holiday and rented a cottage near Hungerford. He again met up with David and during that holiday he attended all rehearsals and engagements.

Ted is also a very keen cricket fan and is a qualified umpire. He shares the same birth date as Don Bradman, something he's always been proud of, and celebrated his eightieth birthday on August 27th 2004.

Unfortunately Ted has not been in good health for the last two years but Val has recently informed David that he has gained a bit more weight, and eats and sleeps well and that is good news.

Ted and Val send their best wishes to all who remember them and they love receiving the Flame. We too send our best wishes to Ted and Val and hope they will be receiving the Flame for some time to come.

Photo is of Ted, Val and grandson Derek