John Bell, one of the most respected players in north east banding has announced that he is to leave the NASUWT Riverside Band.

"I feel it's the correct time to go and comes after talking about it at some length with the band management.

NASUWT is such a fantastic band. All the players work so hard and recent contest results have proved how that pays off. I leave the band in great shape and they are without doubt the premier band in the north east with the promise of even greater things to come.

I wish the band all the very best for the future and thank them for the opportunities they gave meJohn Bell

Thanks

He added: My thanks go to everyone — they were both great players and great friends and the memories of the Grand Shield victory and our first appearance at Brass in Concert this year will remain with me for a very long time.

All that and there were memorable trips and performances at the National Finals and Area Championships as well as working under conductors such as Ian Robinson, Ray Farr, David Roberts and Prof Nicholas Childs.

There comes a time though when you need to spend a little more time with your family especially grand-children. I wish the band all the very best for the future and thank them for the opportunities they gave me."