Parkinson ends show in Blackpool

When of the best sop players in the North West will make his final appearance in the sop chair at the Winter Gardens this weekend.

Thursday, 06 March 2014

The Co-operative Funeralcare Band North West will bid farewell to soprano player Billy Parkinson after his final contest appearance at the North West Area Championships in Blackpool on the weekend.

Wainwright Walks

Billy is retiring from playing and plans to spend more time with his wife, Laura, and one year-old daughter Emma. Keen walkers, the couple are part-way through the Wainwright Walks across 214 Lake District Fells.

Loyal

MD Jef Sparkes told 4BR: "Billy has been a committed and loyal member, and we are sorry to see him go.

We are fortunate that our deputy principal cornet player Colin Moody played soprano at the 2013 Area whilst Billy took paternity leave, and will take over after the contest."

Jef continued: "Billy is a great musician. I know he will go out on a high and put in a brilliant performance on ‘St Magnus’ before he leaves us this weekend."

Billy is a great musician. I know he will go out on a high and put in a brilliant performance on ‘St Magnus’ before he leaves us this weekendMD, Jef Sparkes

New signing

The vacant deputy principal cornet position has been filled by the appointment of Will Earl. Will joined in January from Felling Band after he relocated to Cheshire.

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