The Hatfield Band has announced a trio of experienced signings as they look towards their appearance in the top section at the Yorkshire Regional Championships next year.

Former Thoresby Colliery principal cornet Claire Taylor will take on the same role with immediate effect alongside another former Thoresby colleague Andrew Bevan on flugel horn.

Extremely pleased

Musical Director Stan Lippeat told 4BR: "I'm extremely pleased with the progress the band is making. The hard work over the last two years is definitely being rewarded as we are now able to attract such top class players."

Meanwhile the equally experienced Mike Kilmartin joins on soprano cornet from Unite the Union Band (Sheffield).

Accomplished

Stan added: "Mike is such an accomplished player and wonderful composer and arranger, so we have really got a double bonus. His playing and writing talent will definitely enhance our future concert programmes."

The band also took the opportunity to thank Tim Pratt who performed admirably on soprano on their Cheltenham National Finals appearance in September, and who now takes on the role as 'bumper-up'.

These are exciting times with the band making rapid progress in terms of its music making and its organisationHatfield Band

Calibre

Band Manager Robert Brown told 4BR: "I'm delighted that a trio of players of the calibre of Claire, Andrew and Mike have joined us at Hatfield and with Tim fitting in so well in his new role. These are exciting times with the band making rapid progress in terms of its music making and its organisation."