There have been some personnel changes at the recently crowned Pontins Third Section champions Uppermill.

Retirements

Eb bass player Brian Gledhill has decided to retire from competitive banding whilst 2nd trombone player Michelle Kowalski has made the difficult decision to step down, due to the pressures of her promotion at work.

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "Both these players have been integral to the success of the band over the last few years and will be sorely missed. The band thanks both of them for their contributions during their time with us, although they will no doubt be high on the deps list in the future!"

The band thanks both of them for their contributions during their time with us, although they will no doubt be high on the deps list in the futureUppermill Band

Swelled

Meanwhile, the band's percussion section has been swelled by the signing of Richard Blythe from Dobcross Youth Band, who claimed the 'Youngest Player' award at Pontins in his first contest with the band in October.

Bass trombonist Paul Mooney has moved onto the 2nd trombone seat whilst his position has been filled by Paul Applegarth who joins following a holiday in Australia. Tom Gibb has returned to Uppermill after a brief spell with Hepworth and has filled the vacant flugel horn seat.