The departure of Principal Cornet Roger Webster and Assistant Principal Cornet Ian Shires from Grimethorpe Colliery Band has been confirmed.

Sad day

Speaking to 4BR, Band Manager Terry Webster reiterated the official statement issued earlier today, although he did say that he felt it was ‘a sad day for the band’:

Terminate

"The trustees of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band have decided to terminate Roger Webster’s services and also those of Ian Shires. We thank Roger for his services over the last three years and Ian for the past ten years at Grimethorpe."

As it is not apparently a musical decision and they were afforded no explanation whatsoever, they can only speculate as to the reasons for the decisionRoger Webster & Ian Shires statement

Abrupt end

A joint statement Roger Webster and Ian Shires read: "Ian and Roger are disappointed that their time with Grimethorpe Colliery has come to an abrupt end without any warning from any party.

"As it is not apparently a musical decision and they were afforded no explanation whatsoever, they can only speculate as to the reasons for the decision. They have already been given great support from other members of the band, who have offered to tender their resignations in response to the trustees’ actions."

Busy period

The decision ends a busy period of personnel activity at the English National Champions with the announcement recently of the appointment of James Gourlay to team up with Philip McCann and Alan Withington as the bands new conducting team.

A source close to the band told 4BR: "It’s come as a complete surprise. Some people have been grumbling, but everyone holds Roger and Ian in high regard."