Grimethorpe Colliery Band has announced that they have appointed Iain Culross as their new principal cornet.

Debut

The current Leyland top man will officially join the band at the end of December and will make his concert debut in Brighton early next year.

Sought after

Speaking to 4BR, Band Manager Nigel Dixon said that Grimethorpe was delighted to have secured the services of one of the most sought after principal cornet players in the business.

"We have been admirers of Iain’s talents for some time now, and we are delighted that he has agreed to join us as our new principal cornet.

It’s a signing that shows our determination to build a Grimethorpe Band that is the envy of the banding movement on both the contest and concert stage — and in Iain we believe we have signed a superb performer."

We have been admirers of Iain’s talents for some time now, and we are delighted that he has agreed to join us as our new principal cornetGrimethorpe Colliery Band

Webster role

Nigel also confirmed that the signing will allow Roger Webster to reduce his role with the Grimethorpe organisation, whilst still enabling him to expand his other playing and business commitments, whilst assistant principal cornet Greg Timmins has stepped down due to family commitments.

"Roger is delighted by the news, especially as it will allow him time to devote his energies to his other playing and business opportunities," Nigel added.

"Unfortunately Greg has had to step down, but we wish him well and thank him for his superb contribution to the band."

Right player

Roger Webster has since told 4BR that the decision to appoint a new principal cornet is one that he feels has come at the right time.

"I think Grimethorpe has appointed the right player at the right time," he said.

"I will not be involved directly with the band from now on due to the increase in my other commitments, but I wish them well and know they have appointed a very fine player to lead them as principal cornet."