The Freckleton Band recently received some had some bad news when conductor Paul Dalton broke both bones in his conducting arm in a cycling accident.

Rescue

With the band playing a concert that night, Richard Evans came to the rescue, and despite him having to miss his favourite football team Everton win through to the FA Cup Final, he stepped in to help the band out in their hour of need.

2 months out

With Paul out of action for 2 months or more, the band contacted Gareth Pritchard and at short notice Gareth agreed to take Freckleton to the Grand Shield.

I’m excited about working with Freckleton again especially with a contest performance at the endGareth Pritchard

Rapport

Gareth told 4BR: "I worked with the band at the end of last year and there was obviously an immediate rapport. I’m excited about working with Freckleton again especially with a contest performance at the end."

Gareth has an enviable record on Wilfred Heaton’s ‘Contest Music’, having gained a British Open victory on the piece when Principal Cornet of the Rigid Containers Band in 1988 and two third places with Ransome and Brodsworth at the Areas and the London Finals.

Unashamed

He added: "It will be good to now conduct the piece and I will unashamedly incorporate some of their very different and personal interpretations as well as my own into my work with Freckleton."

Andy Cattanach, Chairman told 4BR: "Rehearsals have begun with Gareth, and the band looks forward to the contest, as well as sending Paul Dalton best wishes for a speedy recovery!"