Pleasley Colliery Band has been given a helping hand as they prepare for the Midlands Regional Contest, by conductor Ian Porthouse.

Devon Fantasy

The Tredegar MD has agreed to take the band under his wing as they prepare for Bedworth and Eric Ball’s Fourth Section set work, ‘Devon Fantasy’.

Pleasley MD Keith Buxton is delighted to secure Ian’s services "Everyone is hoping to learn so much from Ian,” he said. “It’s fantastic that such an in demand conductor can take time out to come and spend time with us."

Build

The band is hoping that Ian can help them build on their recent run of 2nd place finishes and hopefully claim their first Area victory since 1988.

Keith added: "We are playing well and confidence is running high. The band will give it their best shot. We hope Ian can just add that extra icing on our contest cake."

We are playing well and confidence is running high. The band will give it their best shot. We hope Ian can just add that extra icing on our contest cakeMD, Keith Buxton

Open rehearsal

Ian will join the band in an open rehearsal on Wednesday (27th) at The Fairways public house which is on the A60 just north of Mansfield.