The Stalybridge Old Band has announced five new signings as they start their preparations for the forthcoming 2015 contesting season.

Cornets and flugel

Phil Cornell returns to take the assistant principal cornet seat after 10 years away, Geoff Hamilton joins on the front row and Luke Trudgeon comes in on second cornet from Dobcross Youth.

Following the departure of Nicola Murray, Mel Flynn moves from assistant principal to flugel.

Troms and tuba

In the engine room, Jordan Beswick joins the trombone ranks and Jordan Hayton comes in on EEb tuba. Both are students at West Hill School in Stalybridge, are taught by Jonathan Parkes and also come from Dobcross Youth Band.

The new signings boost a band that has just enjoyed a long overdue victory at the Rochdale Contest.

We are in the Fourth Section in 2015 but with David's leadership and direction we will be making every effort to gain promotion as quickly as possibleStalybridge Old Band

New approach

Band Manager, Audrey Greenwood told 4BR: “Since the arrival MD David W Ashworth this summer he has changed the whole work ethic within the rehearsal room, the approach to home practice and the standard of music we are playing."

Audrey added: "He introduced a very professional approach and the win at Rochdale Contest, our first in over 10 years was down to him.

We are in the Fourth Section in 2015 but with David's leadership and direction we will be making every effort to gain promotion as quickly as possible.”