Loxley Silver Band has announced the appointment of their new MD, Richard Windle.

It marks a significant boost to the fortunes of the north west Sheffield outfit following a period of uncertainty.

Team spirit

However, a fantastic team spirit led by soprano player Thomas Mercer, who conducted on an interim basis as well as guest conductors including Cathryn Rogers, Kevin Crockford and Pat Phillips, who kindly stepped in at the last minute to take the band for rehearsals as well as multiple concerts, has kept things going.

Richard, who has played with a number of elite Yorkshire bands and is the current Musical Director of the Woodhouse Prize Band, initially offered to take Loxley to the Regional Championships in Huddersfield, and following a highly encouraging performance has now agreed to take on the role full time.

Loxley is a young band with tremendous potential. It's also a welcoming, family friendly band with all seats filled. I'm looking forward to seeing how far we can go together in the futureRichard Windle

Tremendous potential

Richard told 4BR: "Loxley is a young band with tremendous potential. It's also a welcoming, family friendly band with all seats filled. I'm looking forward to seeing how far we can go together in the future."

In response, Band Chairman, Devon Hansen added: "We're happy to welcome Richard and I'm we're all looking forward to our future endeavours together."