Raunds Temperance Band has announced the departure of principal cornet, Christian Overhead, after 13 years with the band.

He will make his final appearance with the band at the Midlands Regional Contest in Bedworth next month.

Trumpet playing

Christian joined Raunds on 3rd cornet in 2000 and was a member throughout their rise to the Championship Section. He is an award-winning composer and wants to spend time concentrating on this and other trumpet-playing commitments.

Right time

Christian told 4BR: "I have always put Raunds ahead of everything else and have had a fantastic 13 years with some great memories and some great friends.

However, I feel now is the right time to develop my playing in other areas away from the brass band movement and to work more on my compositions."

I feel now is the right time to develop my playing in other areas away from the brass band movement and to work more on my compositionsChristian Overhead

Huge loss

MD Robin Norman added: "Christian will be a huge loss and has been a true bandsman giving every performance his all.

We are obviously very sad that he has made this decision but appreciate and respect his reasons. We have benefited greatly from his playing prowess and his award-winning compositions so support him completely in this. We wish him the very best with his future."

No announcement to a replacement has been made as yet.