4BR has spoken to Stephen Wilkinson following the news that he has left Brighouse & Rastrick Band as principal cornet with immediate effect.

Reasons

Stephen told 4BR that the amount of travelling from his home in South Shields to West Riding is the reason behind his difficult decision to leave the band.

"I have taken the decision to leave Brighouse after three-and-a-half years, as making the 250 mile round trip to each band rehearsal has become too much," Stephen said.

Fantastic time

He added: "I’ve had a fantastic time with the band, with experiences I will never forget, but since Brian Tait left at Christmas, who I used to share the driving with, and with added responsibilities with my teaching job, it has become increasingly difficult to give the type of commitment that I would wish."

I’ve had a fantastic time with the band, with experiences I will never forgetStephen Wilkinson

Break

During his tenure as principal cornet Steven played an integral part in two Yorkshire Regional wins and a brace of Brass in Concert titles successes.

Stephen hopes to be able to enjoy a bit of a break from banding, but will be honouring a commitment to play at the New Zealand National Championships in a couple of months time with his old friend Steven Miles at St Kilda.

Looking forward

"I’m really looking forward to making the trip," Stephen said.

"Steve’s done a great job at St Kilda and I couldn’t let him down. After that who knows? I want to carry on playing at the highest level, but perhaps with a bit less travelling."