Following Mark Bentham’s recent departure to Grimethorpe Colliery Band, North West Area challengers Pemberton Old Wigan DW has announced that Stig Maersk, currently Resident Conductor of the Hepworth Band, will lead their Area assault at Blackpool.

Conducting

Stig is a native of Denmark and has come to England to further his conducting career.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "From Stig’s first rehearsal, we realised he is a good fit and is just what we are looking for in our challenge at the North West Area."

Looking forward

Stig, who refers to himself as 'the Stig's Danish cousin', added: "I am really looking forward to conducting Pemberton. They are a very good band, and having heard them at the English Nationals last year, I know just what they are capable of."

I am really looking forward to conducting Pemberton. They are a very good band, and having heard them at the English Nationals last year, I know just what they are capable ofStig Maersk

Player moves

Along with Stig’s appointment, the band has also welcomed Elsie Chadd on solo horn. Originally from Jersey, Elsie is currently studying at the RNCM in Manchester and joins from the Ashton-under-Lyne band.

A reshuffle in the band also means that Alec Banks is now on first horn, while Gareth Roberts moves from third cornet to the front row, following the departure of two long serving members Rebekah Caldwell and Richard Johnson.