Following on from their success on 'James Cook' in the First Section at the weekend the Ipswich and Norwich Co-op Band are looking forward to ‘circumnavigating’ their way to Harrogate in September — their first trip to the National Finals in over ten years.

The result at the weekend proved that Butlins was no fluke and we look forward to Harrogate in September followed by a return to the Championship Section in 2009Robin Norman

Grow stronger

Musical Director, Robin Norman told 4BR: "Two years ago the band was ‘knocked for six’ when we were demoted to the First Section. However, with hindsight, this has given us some breathing space and a chance to re-build and work together to grow stronger.

"Butlins this year was a fantastic result for us against some top class national competition but all the members worked hard giving us our first step on the ladder to where we want to be. The result at the weekend proved that Butlins was no fluke and we look forward to Harrogate in September followed by a return to the Championship Section in 2009."

New signing

In addition to the great result the band also announced the signing of Steve Alexander on soprano from the Wigston Band.

Robin commented: "Steve is a first class player who has been a regular ‘dep’ for us over the last twelve months. He was part of our Butlins ‘team’ and we are thrilled that he has agreed to ‘sign’ with the band in a full-time capacity well in advance of our finals appearance.

"I would also like to publicly thank Paul Varney for jumping into the sop seat for the area where he did a great job whilst Steve fulfilled his commitments for the area to Wigston. Paul will now return to his favoured cornet slot."

Final thanks

Finally the band has thanked all the people who have sent them congratulations and good wishes for the result at the weekend as well as the organisers and fellow qualifiers.