About: I was born in London but moved to Durham when I was just 1 year old and lived there until I was 21. There was no way that I wasn’t going to play in a brass band and my secondary school had a well-regarded cornet player as a teacher and bandmaster. I played various instruments including baritone and Bb bass although I learnt to play on cornet and trumpet. Our band won the regional competition of the youth brass band championships of Great Britain and we played at the Royal Albert Hall in the national finals. It was an amazing experience. Our reputation spread and we recorded an LP and played along side the Black Dyke Mills Band (as they were known) in Durham Cathedral.
After leaving school I didn’t play again until into my 50’s. I was prompted to play after I heard a flugel playing on a track by Imelda May and having seen her and her band several times I thought I must play again. After a flirtation with an orchestra, I discovered Harlow Band and have felt at home ever since. I’m far from the best player in the band which has some very talented musicians, but I just enjoy playing and knowing the joy it brings to those who come to listen because I know how I feel when I listen to music.

Favourite Piece of Music: There are two pieces which stick out; Ceramic City Festival which we played at the Royal Albert Hall. A test piece which was rehearsed to death and therefore is imprinted on the brain forever. And All Through the Night. I played this in Durham Cathedral with the Black Dyke Band and the sound was immense and full and the acoustics were amazing and it almost brought tears to my eyes.