Ireland Colliery Chesterfield has welcomed percussionists Gavin Somerset and Martyn Beckett to the ranks in time for their third consecutive trip to the National Finals in Cheltenham in a few weeks time.

Experience

Gavin joins after recently playing with Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) whilst Martyn brings with him experience from playing with Shirland, Riddings and bands in the Midlands area.

Welcome

MD Ian Knapton told 4BR: "It’s great to welcome these talented and experienced players in time for the Finals. They will be joining a strong section and will add that bit of spark that ‘Penlee’ requires."

Cheltenham goodbye

Meanwhile the band will say goodbye to soprano player Dr Owen Wedgewood and principal cornet George Newbould after their Cheltenham appearance.

Owen will be making his 17th trip to the finals this year and the band wish him well for the future, whilst George has been in the band since the age of 12 starting on cornet. After moving up the ranks he has been principal cornet for the last 16 months.

It’s great to welcome these talented and experienced players in time for the Finals. They will be joining a strong section and will add that bit of spark that ‘Penlee’ requiresMD, Ian Knapton

Sad

Ian Knapton added: "It’s always sad to see players leave. Owen joined us when we were in need of a soprano cornet and has done a great job supporting us. We have seen George grow into a fine young man and we’re the band that gave him the platform to develop his talent."