The North Skelton Band has announced the welcome news that after two years of rebuilding following a move to a new rehearsal location, they are ready to return to competitive action in the North of England – and hopefully beyond.

New influx

A few years ago the band was competing successfully in the First Section, but due to increasing problems decided to move to Nunthorpe near Middlesbrough in a bid to encourage a new influx of players.

Determination

Now they are ready to make a welcome return under MD Dennis Noble, as band spokesperson Josie Coupland told 4BR: "After two years of hard work and determination we think we may have turned a corner and are ready to begin competing again. Over the past months quite a few new players have joined the ranks and most of the sections within the band are now full.

One of our newest recruits is David Bateman who was soprano cornet player with the Abergavenny Borough Band in South Wales."

They are looking towards the future and re certainly an ambitious, friendly band who are returning to contesting in 2013 with significant potentialDavid Bateman

Welsh addition

David, who has joined on flugel having re-located to the area for business reasons, told 4BR that he was delighted to be linking up with such an ambitious band.

"They are looking towards the future and re certainly an ambitious, friendly band who are returning to contesting in 2013 with significant potential."

Spring return

The band now intends to make their return at the Durham Brass Band Association and Northern Area Fourth Section contest next spring.