There will be no Whit Friday appearance for Alan Wycherley this year, following the news that despite his best intentions to return with his former band Fairey for the contest, his doctors have advised him to take a bit more time off before he returns to top class banding.

Pushed a bit much

Speaking to 4BR, Alan revealed that he may have pushed himself a little too far in his desire to get back in time for the march extravaganza.

"I’ve been practicing without any problems now for the past two months," he said. "...but after telling the doctors about the amount of marching I had to do on Whit Friday, they told me to take it easy for now. The treadmill at the hospital is one thing – up to 13 villages around Tameside and Saddleworth is quite another!"

I was happy when it didn’t decide to hit the rate of the finale of 'William Tell', but the Doc insisted that it had to get back to 'Nimrod' proportions before they would sanction me getting the all clear for Whit FridayAlan Wycherley

Heart rate

The decision was taken after Alan returned to hospital on Wednesday after his heart rate decided to keep on the presto side of things.

Alan’s well known black humour summed up his attitude though to the minor set back.

"I had to return to hospital after my heart rate started off at a nice leisurely ‘Imperial Echoes’ swagger march, but soon went up to ‘Quarter Deck’ pace, then ‘Knight Templar’ and on to ‘Prince Igor’ territory," he said with a wry smile, before adding; "I was happy when it didn’t decide to hit the rate of the finale of ‘William Tell’, but the Doc insisted that it had to get back to ‘Nimrod’ proportions before they would sanction me getting the all clear for Whit Friday."

Won't deter

The blow though won’t deter Alan from returning as soon as he can persuade his doctor of the benefits of playing the soprano.

"He’s a bit sceptical at the moment, but amazed at my lung capacity. It was disappointing as I was looking forward to the day, but it just means a bit more rest before I get back in the saddle."