Trumpet thief leaves owner feeling flat

AMUSICIAN has launched an appeal after his beloved trumpet, which he has played for the likes of The Queen and Al Pacino, was stolen after a concert.

Neale Hobson took to social media to call for the trumpet to be returned after it was taken following one of The Jager Maestros Oompah Band’s two sell-out concerts at Littleborough Coach House last weekend.

The 51-year-old, of Smithy Bridge, who has also performed for Prince Charles, Lady Diana, Harrison Ford and Luciano Pavarotti, has had the instrument for 36 years.

He said: “The trumpet is of no monetary value whatsoever, but is of enormous sentimental value to me. It has been all over the world with me.

“It’s certainly taken the gloss off two fabulous weekends. It’s a great feeling entertaining people from your home village.

“I’m asking the culprit to do the right thing and return the instrument.”

Neale grew up in Whitworth and moved to London aged 18, where he studied the trumpet at the Royal College of Music under David Mason, who played the instrument on The Beatles’ hit single Penny Lane.

He returned to Rochdale in 1987 to launch an illustrious career as a freelance musician, appearing in hit musicals in Manchester’s theatres and working regularly with the Halle, BBC Philharmonic and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras, performing in front of celebrities and members of the Royal Family.

He was also a teacher at Wardle High School for 17 years, before taking voluntary

‘I’m asking the culprit to do the right thing and return the trumpet’

Redundancy to continue his freelance career. The Jager Maestros, formed in Littleborough, have enjoyed huge success with their German oompah sound, recently appearing on TV show 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown. The trumpet was at the back of the Lodge Str ●●Neale Hobson playing the stolen trumpet on TV show 8 Out of 10 Cats does Countdown earlier this year