Yorkshire Championship Section contenders City of Bradford have announced a number of important signings as they look forward to their debut top flight appearance at St George’s Hall in March.

Signings

Tuba player Alan Winn joins the bass section from Castleford Salvation Army Band, whilst Dave Karran takes on the principal cornet role after joining from Brighouse & Rastrick. Completing the line up is Sian Linney who comes in on flugel horn.

Lasting impression

MD Lee Skipsey told 4BR that the new signings show the band’s determination to make a significant and lasting impression on top section contesting — starting at Bradford in March.

“These are great signings for the band — and shows that we want to give things a real go on Torchbearer and beyond,” he said. “I’ve known Alan for a long time and he brings such musicality and experience to us.

Dave is a superb young player who has benefited enormously from the experience of playing top man at Skelmanthorpe and repiano at Brighouse, and Sian is also a fabulous player who was such a star with Skelmanthorpe.”

Reshuffle

The new signings have meant a reshuffle in the ranks — with Rob Westacott moving from principal cornet to soprano, and with Lee’s wife Claire moving onto the front row. Rob’s wife Claire takes the opportunity following the recent arrival of their baby to become a ‘super sub’.

Lee added: “It’s says so much for these players and friends that they have done this for the band.

Rob’s brilliant qualities are well known throughout the banding world, so Claire has told me that she can now start enjoying playing on the contest stage again on cornet without having me demanding so much of her! I’m sure we will also be asking Rob’s Claire to step back in when she is a little less busy!”

These are great signings for the band — and shows that we want to give things a real go on Torchbearer and beyondMD, Lee Skipsey

Fourth Section debuts

Lee concluded: “2015 is such an exciting time for the City of Bradford organisation. Not only are we looking forward to our top section debuts, but our City of Bradford 1 Band will also be making their Fourth Section debuts at St George’s Hall with a full line up of players.”