East Yorkshire Motor Services Band has said a fond farewell to two of its most popular players, whilst welcoming a new recruit to their Hull home.

Farewells

As announced, Miles Davison, has accepted an invitation to join Grimethorpe on solo horn, while bass trombone player Alistair Shipman has decided to concentrate on his conducting career.

A permanent switch to Eb bass for long-serving John Mathews has allowed Bob Morton to move from Yorkshire Imperial to take up the solo baritone chair in East Yorkshire.

Miles’s final performance saw him help the band gain an impressive podium finish at the recent Butlins Mineworkers Championship in Skegness.

Unfortunately, Alistair has finally succumbed to the pressures of juggling a busy job, travelling, family life, playing and conducting, and has decided to focus on directing Easingwold Town Band, a little closer to his home.

Singing

Meanwhile, Bob has been signed after enjoying a long and distinguished career both as a player and conductor, and joined EYMS straight after the Butlins contest.

In addition, he is also perhaps the only qualified wine judge in the brass band movement, so will be able to recommend the right vintage champagne to drink if the band can add to recent success by winning the forthcoming North of England Regional title.

Also returning to the band is 2nd euphonium Sam Ringrose, who has been unable to play since late October due to a work accident. EYMS have thanked Trevor Bedford for his valued help in recent contests and over the busy Christmas period.

We have had a very happy and stable band for several years now, so it is somewhat strange to see two players leaving at the same timeChairman, Tony Newiss

Stable

Chairman Tony Newiss told 4BR: "We have had a very happy and stable band for several years now, so it is somewhat strange to see two players leaving at the same time.

However, we thank both Miles and Alistair for their contribution and wish them every success in the future, and at the same time welcome Bob."