It was a privilege to be invited by Amanda Bolderson to play at the Queens Hall to raise money for the ‘Mark Bolderson Foundation’s set up in memory of her brother Mark.

This joint gig with the Tyne Valley Junior Jazz Ensemble and the Tyne Valley Youth Big Band was hosted by local comedy star Steffan Peddie, AKA big Keith in Hebburn, who entertained us all.

TVBB had the honour of playing with two of the regions top trumpeters, Mark Webb and Darren Irwin who joined us in honour of Mark.

Mask is sadly missed by us all. In March he was finally laid to rest by his family and friends in a moving boat trip on the Tyne, his ashes being scattered opposite the Sage, a place he loved.

Friend and fellow percussionist Jack Ruddick donated one of his drum sticks to be floated down the Tyne with Marks ashes.RIP Mark.