Paul Woodward, Black Dyke's long standing co-principal trombone has reluctantly called time on his 16 year musical connection with the Queensbury band.

Tribute

Paying tribute, Director of Music, Prof Nicholas Childs told 4BR: "Paul has been such a valued member of the band for the past 16 years but has decided to give more time to his ever increasing freelance career.

He has been a great team player, always on hand and the perfect fit for the section, especially at the European Championships. We all wish him the very best for the future and thank him for all his dedication and talent."

Great player

His fellow top trom, Brett Baker also paid his own tribute: "Paul has been a wonderful colleague and performer. His role with us has given the section a great balance and flexibility — and not just because he is such a great player.

It's a role he has undertaken with such professionalism and made life very easy for me over the years!"

His role with us has given the section a great balance and flexibility — and not just because he is such a great playerBrett Baker

Privilege

In response, Paul said: "It's been a wonderful privilege to have served such a band as co-principal Trombone. I look back and am grateful for the experiences this has brought me and will cherish so many happy memories.

I would like to especially thank close friends Brett, Garry and Adrian for making this such a great chapter in my playing career. I wish them and the band all the best for the future."