4BR has been informed that Les Webb has left the Eccles Band after five years as MD.

Fortunate

Les told 4BR: "I’ve left to take up playing again, which I really missed after 5 years of conducting. I’ve been fortunate to take the band from the Fourth to the Third Section, which was my main objective when joining the band. I feel it’s the right time to give someone else the opportunity to take the band to the next level."

Butlins winners

Under his direction Eccles twice won the Butlins Mineworkers Championship, were runner up at Pontins twice and qualified for the National Finals.

I feel it’s the right time to give someone else the opportunity to take the band to the next levelLes Webb

Playing again

Les added: "I had the opportunity to resume my playing career by joining the Fairey (Geneva) Band on solo trombone, a couple of months before Christmas, but I would consider conducting again should the right opportunity present itself at a later date and wish Eccles every success for the future."