Ashworth makes welcome return to conducting rostrum

After six months of recuperation after major surgery, one of the UK's most popular conductors makes a return to the podium.

David W Ashworth has returned to the conducting podium after what he called six horrible months

Sunday, 21 August 2016

One of the UK banding movement's most popular conductors has made a welcome return to the podium after a series of major operations and a long period of recuperation.

David W Ashworth recently picked up the baton for rehearsal with Stalybridge Old Band to mark a return after what he called 'six horrible months' of banding inactivity.

Major operations

Dave went through four major operations at North Manchester and Salford Royal Hospitals earlier this year, which resulted in him losing seven stone in weight and having to accept a complete turnaround in his lifestyle — although he told 4BR he was more concerned in having to miss his usual great banding day out at the Whit Friday march contest.

"It's been six horrible months — and although I've got another operation to come, the outlook is very good and I'm looking forward to enjoying myself and my brass banding once again.

I must thank everyone for their support and good wishes and it was great to be back in front of Stalybridge — the music making has been the best medicine of all, especially after missing out on Whit Friday."

I must thank everyone for their support and good wishes and it was great to be back in front of Stalybridge — the music making has been the best medicine of allDavid W Ashworth

Looking forward

Dave is also looking forward to renewing his association with the Felison Band in The Netherlands as well as taking to the stage with Stalybridge at the Rochdale contest later this year and then back to Butlins and the Area Championship.

"There is plenty to look forward to,"he added. "The wonderful people at Felsom will give me another boost for sure, but I've also got some adjudicating at the Leicester contest and my work as PR officer with the Association of Brass band Conductors.

It's great to be busy, active and putting something back into brass bands."

Dry humour

Dave's well known dry humour hasn't deserted him either. "My only gripe is that after losing seven stone in weight and more to come off I may have to start re-introducing myself to players at rehearsal all over again!"

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