Fresh from their Whit Friday success, Brighouse & Rastrick has announced the appointment of Rob Westacott as their new assistant principal cornet and Band Chairman.

One of the most respected players of this generation, the former Grimethorpe, Tredegar, Leyland, City of Bradford and Hepworth principal cornet player also enjoyed a short spell as top man and soprano at the West Riding band as well as a period as bumper-up at Black Dyke. For the past four years, he also conducted the Slaithwaite Band.

Approach

During the recent band AGM, his support and experience was noted, with a subsequent approach made to secure his services as both a player and leading administrator.

Rob told 4BR: "It's an honour to accept the position of Chairman. I've had a long association with the band as a player and it's a great opportunity to share my years of experience with a hard working backroom team.

To be offered a playing position was an unexpected bonus, and it was a tough decision to leave my conducting role at Slaithwaite. However, playing at the Europeans proved to me how much I miss performing and being involved at the highest level."

Rob has regularly helped us over the years on the contest and concert stage and so we are delighted to welcome him back in these vitally important rolesBand spokesperson Ryan Watkins

Thanks

He added: "I would like to thank Slaithwaite for taking me on as a rookie Musical Director and believing in me for four years. Thanks also go to Prof David King, for his continued support, backing my appointment as chairman and inviting me to rejoin as a player."

Band spokesperson Ryan Watkins added: "Rob has regularly helped us over the years on the contest and concert stage and so we are delighted to welcome him back in these vitally important roles. His professional skills and playing ability are already benefitting the band."