The Flowers Band has announced that it will be joining forces with the University of Gloucestershire in an innovative partnership to bring music to the ears of academics, students and the local community.

Variety

The current Butlins, Yeovil and West of England Area champions will provide concerts, workshops and a range of student internships on projects ranging from recording, radio and video production, to digital marketing, event management and academic research.

Excited

Band Manager Lee Downie told 4BR: "We are very excited about this partnership and look forward to working with the university on a number of pioneering projects. This association is truly unique and will bring real value to our work in the community."

Meanwhile, the band has announced the signing of Tony Pemberton (Eb bass) from Wantage Silver, Chris Richards (repiano) from Brunel Brass and David Barnard who comes in on 2nd trombone.

We are very excited about this partnership and look forward to working with the university on a number of pioneering projects. This association is truly unique and will bring real value to our work in the communityLee Downie

Reluctant goodbye

Lee also added: "Unfortunately we have had to say a reluctant goodbye to Tim Malpas, who has endured a torrid time this year in his personal life, but we are all very glad that he is on the mend and hopefully one day will return to playing with us."

17 year old Will Norman, who started on 3rd cornet just three years ago, takes over the role, whilst Ralph Rowden (cornet) and Becky Cale, who recently started her studies at the Royal Welsh College in Cardiff, also join the ranks.