The Poulton-le-Fylde Band has announced the departure of MD Gareth Westwood.

Enhancing

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Gareth has conducted the band for the past three years and has directed the band to contest success as well as enhancing it’s prestige within the regional concert circuit."

Gareth’s departure, planned for late November this year, comes as a result of his decision to pursue a career in the military.

Hard decision

He added: "It has been a hard decision for me. By realising my dream and joining the Army, I have to leave a life behind. A big part of that life was the Poulton-le-Fylde Band and I will miss them all greatly. I will of course keep in touch and you never know, they might let me come and ‘have a blow’ when I’m on leave!"

It has been a hard decision for me. By realising my dream and joining the Army, I have to leave a life behindGareth Westwood.

Final challenge

Gareth’s final challenge will be to defend the band’s current championship title at the forthcoming Fleetwood Contest.

Meanwhile the band has announced the arrival of four new players.

Janet Taylor joins on solo horn with Amy Horridge coming in on fluegl. The experienced Phil Symonds joins on soprano and Martin Scragg coming in on trombone.

Thanks

The spokeserson added: "The band would also like to thank Tom Lane for the great year he gave us as Assistant Principal Cornet, as he moves back to university for his final year."