Gresley Colliery Band has had some good and bad news to take in ahead of the forthcoming Midland Area contest.

The band's principal cornet Sheila Winter will not be playing at the contest due to health reasons. Thankfully, Sheila will be back with the band after the Area event.

The band are looking forward to playing 'James Cook — Circumnavigator' under the baton of David Hirst in a bid to retain the Midland Area title we won last yearIan Perks

Baritone move

Meanwhile the band has announced that Carole Crompton, who helped them out at the recent Mineworkers Contest will be joining on solo baritone.

Moves

Ian Perks moves to second baritone with Wendy Rix moving to horn and Debbie Smith moving up from repiano cornet to assistant principal. The band will welcome back Matt Kirkby on the back row cornet section.

Ian Perks told 4BR: "The band are looking forward to playing 'James Cook — Circumnavigator' under the baton of David Hirst in a bid to retain the Midland Area title we won last year."