Cory MD Bob Childs is to lead his old band EYMS at the North of England Regional Championships in March.

Having received a phone call from his brother in law Stewart Kennedy (Principal Cornet of EYMS) Bob has agreed to return to conduct the band he founded at the regional qualifying competition.

Couldn't turn them down

Bob told 4BR: "I couldn't turn them down. I've still got family and friends in the band and with the departure of Jim Davies with immediate effect it has left them short of time and with a limited list of suitable replacements."

Bob will be working with Duncan Beckley preparing for the contest.

Bob added: "I'm really looking forward to working with Duncan. He's a super musician and it will renew a friendship of many years ago as we were both members of the NYBBGB in the 1970s!"

I don't intend treating EYMS any differently than Cory. My standards are high and I expect them to raise their game significantly and aim for victoryBob Childs

Brothers head to head

Bob's agreement to conduct EYMS means that he and his brother Nick will go head to head again, as his younger sibling will be fronting reigning regional champion Reg Vardy.

Bob's only disappointment is that his niece Vicky has recently left EYMS to join Rothwell.

He added: "It would have been great to have conducted the band with Vicky in the ranks, but I'm looking forward to visiting Hull again. I have a lot of friends and fantastic memories there."

Nostalgia ends

The nostalgia trip will end as soon as he enters the bandroom though. "I've also warned the band that with limited time for rehearsals they all need to be practicing hard now. I don't intend treating EYMS any differently than Cory. My standards are high and I expect them to raise their game significantly and aim for victory."