The Medway Band has welcomed new signings and returnees whilst saying goodbye to some long standing members.

Leaving

Soprano player David Cooper joins Redbridge having played with them at the Butlins Mineworkers Contest earlier this year (as well as Wingates at the last moment).

Also moving is long serving member, Ken Bonser-Ward, who joins Aveley & Newham Band — joining his friend David Daws on the euphonium bench.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "David has been a member of the band for many years and is regarded as one of the best soprano cornet players in the south- east. Ken, who lives north of the River Thames, will now find the commute to band somewhat easier.

We wish them good luck in their new ventures and thank them for their contribution during the band's recent progress."

New signings and returnees come in the form of Phil Neeve and Tina Hall, both from Aveley & Newham, Phil Carruthers-Smith from Betteshanger, Mervyn Andrew and Jon Reed4BR

Coming

New signings and returnees come in the form of Phil Neeve and Tina Hall, both from Aveley & Newham, Phil Carruthers-Smith from Betteshanger, Mervyn Andrew and Jon Reed.

Jon, a postgraduate of Trinity Laban Conservatoire rejoins the band having returned to the UK following a year teaching brass and music theory at the Edward Said National Conservatoire of Music in Palestine.