2013 has seen three milestone achievements for 160 year old Woodhouse Prize Band.

Survive and thrive

Gemma Grayson, Secretary of the proud Sheffield based community organisation told 4BR: "Village bands like ours rely heavily on volunteers to survive and thrive.

At Woodhouse we are privileged to have loyal and committed members and there is none more so than Graham Cook, who this year celebrates his own milestone of 70 years of service as both a player and conductor."

Great grandfather

Graham’s family connection with the band goes back to his great grandfather and today he plays baritone after conducting them for 35 years.

He told 4BR: "Conducting the band was a huge privilege, especially as I was only the seventh conductor in its history. Being involved with such a long running organisation is very rewarding."

Graham is also part of a family of nine brass players — all members of Woodhouse Prize Band.

Conducting the band was a huge privilege, especially as I was only the seventh conductor in its historyGraham Cook

Long service

At the band’s recent 160th anniversary concert, Graham was presented with a long service award in recognition of his 70 years of loyal commitment.

Gemma added: "We are only aware of one other bandsman with longer service in a neighbouring band. This achievement is something we are all proud of and I can only hope we have more and more members emulating Graham in years to come."

CD and march

The other milestone reached in 2013 sees the band recording their first ever CD which will include a much earlier celebratory march entitled, ‘WPB’ by Tom Cook, Graham’s grandfather.