The Deepcar Band has announced a number of personnel changes.

The hard working Yorkshire band has said goodbye to principal cornet Catherine (Kit) Biggins (above), who along with boyfriend and BBb bass player Tim Freebury, have joined local Second Section Emley.

Principal return

However, the band was fortunate to see the return of Russell Cavanagh who rejoins from Strata Brass to fill the principal cornet seat. Russell’s first contest back saw him collect the ‘Best Soloist’ prize for his rendition of ‘Cry me a River’ at the recent Bolsover Entertainment Contest. Meanwhile, Will Fletcher comes in on BBb Bass.

Meanwhile, with solo horn player Paul Kirk off to study music at Huddersfield University, Bangor University graduate Ian McKay takes over the role.

Sad and happy

Band Chairman James Broadhead told 4BR: “We are always sad to see any player leave, but at the same time, we are happy that we have been able to allow these players to flourish with us.

They are all leaving to progress their playing at a higher level which is great, and it means Deepcar is still doing what Deepcar does best — producing good players.”

We are always sad to see any player leave, but at the same time, we are happy that we have been able to allow these players to flourish with usBand Chairman James Broadhead

Mature starter

The band have also said farewell to ‘mature’ starter Patrick Holder, who only started to play cornet last year, and has now moved on to challenge himself by joining Dodworth.

James added: “The band would like to thank Jonathan Beatty and Adam Bell who between them provided excellent direction at rehearsals, concerts and contests while Lindon Bolt, our regular conductor, recovered from a back operation.”

The band is now looking forward to a busy Christmas concert season.