A DEDICATED musician who returned from a playing at a poignant memorial service in Belgium was devastated to find his car wrecked.
It was a double tragedy for tuba player, Philip Spencer, because the car was bought as a present for him by his dying father three years ago.
Now Dobcross Band and Social Club officials have launched an appeal to try and find who damaged the convertible Peugeot 307.
Mr Spencer, 56, a member of Dobcross Silver Band, joined them and the Brass Monkeys on a commemoration visit to the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres.
The touching journey by 43 band members and officials included playing The Last Post and laying a wreath at the shrine to the fallen of the First World War.
Mr Spencer, who lives at Normanton, near Wakefield, makes a 70-mile round trip from his home to rehearse and play at the band club on Platt Lane, Dobcross.
He only joined the band three months ago and left his car in the club’s car park when he travelled with colleagues by coach to Belgium.
But he said sadly: “It looks like the car will have to be written off. Someone ploughed into the boot, so it won’t actually open.
“Engineers say it would cost more than a thousand pounds to repair and in addition, the boot itself is severely damaged.
“Things would not be so bad if the car had not got such special memories for me. My father Kenneth bought it for me four months before he died.”
And the band chairman, Andy Black said: “Our players were shocked and very upset to hear of the significant damage to Phil’s car.
“A memorable few days for the bands and our village has ended on a rather sour note with this incident.
“I would appeal to anyone who has any information regarding the incident to make contact with the Band Club as soon as possible.”
The bands visit to Belgium had been boosted by massive efforts from supporters who had organised a series of fundraising events to help towards the trip.
Speaking of the trip, Mr Black said: “It was an incredible experience and a proud and poignant moment for the band and Dobcross.
“Wreaths were laid on behalf of the village, the bands and the Saddleworth branch of the Royal British Legion.
“We would like to record our appreciation for the wonderful support from the Dobcross community in helping us to raise almost £15,000 towards the venture.
“Without their unstinting support the visit would not have been possible. These funds helped mitigate individual costs for players and officials and helped to finance a significant investment in additional uniform.”
During a busy weekend Belgium the band were taken on a short tour of WW1 battlefield sites, including a visit to the famous Tyn Cot cemetery and played concerts in Ypres Market Square and on the bandstand in Ostend.
Saddleworth Parish Council Chair, Neil Allsopp said: “I’m really saddened to hear of the band man’s plight. It’s a terrible thing to happen.
“But I’m delighted and proud Dobcross Silver Band and Dobcross Brass Monkeys were able to participate in the Last Post ceremony.
“Thanks to all who travelled to Ypres and represented Saddleworth at this very important event and those who raised the substantial funds to make it possible.”
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