The Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West (formerly the Co-operative Band Crewe) has been busy in the transfer market of late.

Following their good result at the Spring Festival in Blackpool, the band has announced the signing of Mike Jones on principal cornet and Andrea Egginton on repiano.

Experienced

The experienced duo recently played for the now defunct Wire Brass and join former colleague, soprano player Billy Parkinson in the Co-op ranks.

The band was also recently enhanced by the signings of Andy Wood on solo euphonium from Timperley and Kim French and Emma Clarke on horn and percussion.

Fantastic

MD Jef Sparkes, told 4BR: "It’s fantastic that we are welcoming such talented musicians and these changes are very positive. A couple of our stalwarts have retired or taken a break from banding, whilst Alan Smart, has also come out of retirement onto Bb Bass, bringing added quality and experience to our bass section."

It’s fantastic that we are welcoming such talented musicians and these changes are very positiveMD, Jef Sparkes

Optimistic

Band Chairman, Kevin Mowbray (added: "We have the luxury of full rehearsals for much of the time. With a strong committee and a steady influx of quality musicians who want to be part of our band, plus of course our recently announced new sponsorship deal, I'm very optimistic about the band’s future."