Silk Brass has announced that Hugh Megarrell has come out of retirement to help them out with rehearsals and engagements whilst their conductor Jim Cant takes a break from conducting due to illness.

15 year break

Hugh, who led Stocksbridge and Berisfords-Cardway to banding success, last picked up a baton 15 years ago, but was only too delighted to be of assistance to his local band in its hour of need.

During the coming months Silk will also be helped out by a couple of old friends, with Paul Andrews taking the them at Whit Friday.

We’re all hoping that Jim is back on his feet soon, but in the meantime we are immensely grateful to have such talented conductors helping us out in Jim’s absenceSilk Brass

Back soon

Silk’s Bandmaster, Bob Goodwin, told 4BR: "We’re all hoping that Jim is back on his feet soon, but in the meantime we are immensely grateful to have such talented conductors helping us out in Jim’s absence."

He added: "Hugh is doing an excellent job of starting to prepare the band for the musical challenges of the next twelve months, including competing in the National Finals at Harrogate and our expected promotion to the Championship section on 2011."