The Hat Band are making a come back at The Courtyard, Hereford. (From Hereford Times)

The Hat Band are making a come back at The Courtyard, Hereford.

8:00am Monday 14th September 2009

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ALL the top bands are doing it – and now Hereford’s “daft band” are following suit.

They haven’t played together for more than 20 years but The Hat Band, who entertained in the city and county back in the 80s are staging a comeback.

They are planning and rehearsing for two concerts at The Courtyard in January and hope to raise more than £12,000 for St Michael’s Hospice.

George Cooper, a former local vet, is happy to recall being a member of what he calls a “daft band” all those years ago – but is sad about the reason for getting together again.

He lost his wife Sally to cancer in June and says he can never fully express his gratitude to St Michael’s Hospice for its care during her last weeks, allowing her and the family to deal with her passing with dignity.

Fellow band member Charles Sanders lost his wife Nic, of Greenbank Riding School fame, in 1992 and she too received the same compassionate care at the hospice.

“Her stay was made notorious when her horse, Irish, paid her a visit, and promptly contributed handsomely to the care of the roses,” said George.

The Hat Band, who played folk music with a beat, laced with infectious humour, commanded fees of up to £500 a night during their heyday.

George Cooper played the guitar, Rob Williams, from Kilpeck, the bass guitar, Charles Sanders the fiddle and Michael Mullens provided the vocals.

The band got its name because the players often wore, and changed hats, to fit the music.

The two 2010 concerts are on January 22 and 23 and for those attending there is a proviso – wear your own hats and bring a torch.

The band were famous for their audience participation and want to carry on doing the same.

George said the band had no intention of a national tour.

“We’re just too old, all of us, to be trekking round the country,” he said, admitting that even starting rehearsing again was tough.

South Hereford Garages have pledged to underwrite the costs of staging the two concerts and other businesses have agreed to sponsor the programme.

For those who can’t go, there is a website at justgiving.com/georgecooper for donations.

“Although we would prefer to have bums on seats at the two-and-a-half hour shows,” said George.

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