Ireland Colliery Chesterfield recently bade a fond farewell to their highly respected Eb tuba player Gary Willis, who has left the band due to work relocation.

Huge part

Band Chairperson, Carrie Knapton told 4BR: "Gary has been a huge part of the band since he joined, not only for his work as Chairman, but also as a team player. We wish him well for the future and he knows he is always welcome in the ICCB band room".

Another farewell was also given to one of the young players with front row cornet player, Kier Evans making a move to a new band.

Gary has been a huge part of the band since he joined, not only for his work as Chairman, but also as a team playerBand Chairperson, Carrie Knapton

New recruit

However, there have also been new recruits too, with percussionist Brian Luke joining the band after recently moving into the area from Durham and after hearing the band play at Queens Park in Chesterfield.

Carrie Knapton added: "It's great to welcome Brian. He has shown in only a few rehearsals that he is a great player and fits in well with the rest of the team."