The Thornton-Cleveleys Band has said a fond farewell to their hardworking conductor Stephen Craig and his wife Katie as they start a new chapter in their lives.

Stephen (above) has led the band since 2015, leading them to a number of successes including consecutive appearances at the Cheltenham National Finals.

The band won the Fourth Section North West Regional title under his baton in 2016 and 2017 (above) as well as Brass at the Guild Hall.

Best wishes

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We wish both Stephen and his wife Katie all the very best on their move to Catterick.

We also wish trombonists Pat and Billy Porter as well as Beth Marston, who together with her new husband Ashley, also move to Catterick as part of the change to the Army Music Corps.

We are also said to say goodbye to Kelly Strachan who has moved with her husband Paul and family to Kingston upon Thames, where Paul will play with the Scots Guards."

We wish both Stephen and his wife Katie all the very best on their move to CatterickBand spokesperson

Welcomes

However, the band also announced moves in the opposite direction, with the experienced Dave Houghton taking on the MD role and his partner Nichola Gates coming in as principal cornet.

The spokesperson added: "Dave has widespread experience as both a player and conductor and is also an excellent arranger and composer.

Nichola also brings a great deal of top level playing experience to us, so we are delighted to welcome them both."