After 17 outstanding years at the helm of Pemberton Old DW 'B' Band, Peter Ashley has announced his decision to step down as Musical Director and retire as conductor.

Peter set up the 'B' Band in 1998, as a means of bridging the gap between Pemberton's Youth and Senior musical ensembles.

Regional titles

They soon began to climb through the contest sections and within three years Peter had led them to the 2001 North West Area Fourth Section Regional title and on to the National Finals in Harrogate — a feat they repeated together in 2004.

After numerous podium finishes at local, regional and national competitions, the band gained promotion to the Third Section, where in 2008, they made their third Harrogate National Final appearance in ten years.

Butlins winners

The Third Section Butlins Mineworkers Championship was claimed in 2011, and in 2013 the band secured their place in the Second Section, where they remain as a solid, highly competitive contesting outfit and a robust bridge between the organisation's gap between Youth and Senior bands.

Regardless of Peter's excellent work on the contest stage, it is his dedication, patience and expertise that has aided a generation of young brass playersBand spokesperson

Dedication

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Regardless of Peter's excellent work on the contest stage, it is his dedication, patience and expertise that has aided a generation of young brass players in progressing through Pemberton's organisation — many on to the Senior Band and countless other top bands around the country.

We cannot thank him enough for his commitment over these many years, and wish him the very, very best for the future."