The United Co-op Yorkshire Brass Band has announced that it will be reverting back to its former name of the Yorkshire Co-op Band with immediate effect.

The change of name falls in-line with the merger of its sponsor United Co-op with the Co-operative Group in late 2007.

Co-op

"The band is delighted to return to the name Yorkshire Co-op, not only as it follows the trend of its sponsor, but most importantly as the band has always been affectionately known as Yorkshire Co-op to its members and the public," said the band’s manager Tabby Clegg.

10th anniversary

The return to its old identity in 2008 coincides with the band’s 10th anniversary and in celebration the band will be performing a special concert on 15 March which will be conducted by Yorkshire Co-op’s original Musical Director, John Roberts.

“The concert will celebrate the last 10 years and the future as well as paying tribute to those who are no longer with us such as close friends and band members Joanne Almack and Adrian Davison who both tragically lost their lives at a young age. The concert will be especially poignant as John will be conducting and several ex Co-op members will join us on stage," explained Tabby.

Yorkshire Co-op’s anniversary year has got off to a flying start with a second place at the annual Butlins Mineworkers Open Brass Band Contest where it was conducted by Michael Fowles.

The band is delighted to return to the name Yorkshire Co-op, not only as it follows the trend of its sponsor, but most importantly as the band has always been affectionately known as Yorkshire Co-op to its members and the publicTabby Clegg

Thrilling result

Tabby added: "We are thrilled with the result and I personally wish to thank Michael and all the band members for their hard work as well as the organisers of the Butlins contest. Like many bands, the last few months have been testing but we have received much encouragement from many banding friends.

Yorkshire Co-op extends its congratulations to the Skelmanthorpe Band and conductor John Roberts for the fantastic win at Butlins, but most of all wishes to thank everyone at Skelmanthorpe for the amazing support and humbleness in victory they demonstrated to Co-op."

Looking forward

The band is now looking forward to the Regional Championships where it will be conducted by Michael Fowles as well as inviting applications for a new musical director, details of which can be found on the band’s new website at www.yorkshirecoopband.co.uk.