The band are delighted to announce the birth of our newest little member, Thomas Arthur Rowell. Solo horn player Lindsey and Dave on Percussion welcomed their son on the 23rd September weighing just 4lb 7oz. Mother and baby are doing really well. Coming a month early we were lucky he let Lindsey and Dave compete at the National Finals before his imminent arrival after. Congratulations from all the band and we look forward to meeting him soon.

This weekend saw the band compete in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain in the 3rd Section at Cheltenham, this being the third time this decade (the other years being 2015 and 2016). After an early start with the first pickup at 7:00am, the band got down to the hotel at 3:00pm and got straight into the final rehearsal. 

After a chilled Saturday afternoon of using the spa/swimming pool and a lovely evening meal, we headed to Cheltenham Racecourse and found out we were drawn 10th. After giving it our all, the band are pleased to be the 10th best 3rd Section band in the country and very proud to have represented the North East. We even got mentioned as having a real viking in the band (well done Iain, our bass trombone player - you made the big screen).

Well done to the winners Uppermill, and also to the other representative of the North of England, Trimdon Brass who were placed just below us in 11th place. 

A massive thank you goes to all of our followers who have supported us this weekend and everyone who has donated financially to raise money to get us to the National Finals, we really appreciate it. Now it's time to resume playing normal music for our next concerts and embarking on the 2nd section in January. 

To view the photos from the weekend, press read more.