We have sadly said goodbye to 4 players who are off to study this academic year, or with career changes involving a move. Ellen Palmer (Trombone) has gained at place at the RNCM, Lloyd McWalters (BBb Bass) is off to Loughborough to study engineering, Karen Rawcliffe (Horn) is moving “down south” and Katie Spencer (Cornet) is training to work the disabled.

Fortunately, all these positions have been swiftly filled with quality players to strengthen the ranks. We welcome John Mather (2^nd Trombone), formerly of Hammonds, Darwen and Intrada Brass, Sarah Hindley (3^rd Cornet) from Tyldesley Band, Gareth Maybury (BBb Bass), percussionist and brass player with pop band “The Earlies” and formerly of Skipton and Greggs, and finally Marge Walsh (1^st Horn) formerly Solo Horn with the Poulton-le-Fylde Band.

Along with other major signings before the summer including former British Open Champion Alex Thomas (Principal Cornet), Jonathan Hall (Eb Bass) and Rob Tomlinson (Solo Horn) we are now looking forward to the year ahead and imminent appearances at Fleetwood Contest and the Scottish Open, as well as major concerts including Preston’s Guild Hall and Lytham’s Lowther Pavillion.