The highly respected Brighouse & Rastrick cornet player Rob Westacott (far right) has announced that he will be calling time on his competitive playing career following the West Riding band's forthcoming appearance at the Brass in Concert Championship.

Exceptional career

Rob has enjoyed an exceptional playing career — rising from being a humble second horn player with Pencoed Silver Band near Porthcawl in his native south Wales, to becoming one of the band world's elite cornet and soprano performers with the likes of Hepworth, Black Dyke, Tredegar, Grimethorpe and latterly, Brighouse & Rastrick.

Right time

However he told 4BR that he felt the time was now right to bow out — especially after enjoying helping Brighouse to claim the National title at the Royal Albert Hall last month.

"It's perhaps the ideal time to step down,"he said. "Looking back I've been very fortunate to have played with some great bands under outstanding conductors and with wonderful friends and colleagues.

It's totted up to 40 years now, so I would like to concentrate on my other role as a very proud Chairman of Brighouse & Rastrick and enjoy concert playing with the likes of Tubular Brass."

Looking back I've been very fortunate to have played with some great bands under outstanding conductors and with wonderful friends and colleaguesRob Westacott

Musical journey

He added: "Winning the National title completed the musical journey as a player for me. I can now concentrate on helping developing the worldwide profile of Brighouse & Rastrick at such an exciting time for the organisation.

My thanks go to everyone who has helped me throughout my playing career. Stepping away now after Brass in Concert opens up a new banding chapter for me."