4BR has been informed that one of the great stalwarts of the banding scene in the West of England will not be making an appearance with his band this year.

Foot problem

Wesley Garner has been in hospital since January this year with a diabetic related foot problem, and will not be able to take Solent Concert at the Contest in the Second Section.

He has now had several operations but he should be back in front of the band in the near futureHayden Garner

Ideal replacement

However, he seems to have got the ideal replacement in, as his son Hayden takes over the baton until his father is able to return.

Will be back

Hayden told 4BR: "We were hoping that he was going to make a full recovery and be in front of the band at Torquay, but unfortunately this is not going to be the case. He has now had several operations but he should be back in front of the band in the near future."

Battle

He added: "In the meantime, I will be taking over the baton on a temporary basis. As you quite rightly point out, we are involved in a relegation battle but everyone at Solent has been working really hard to try and avoid the drop."