The TCTC Group Band has announced the retirement of one of its stalwart players, Alan Smart.
The tuba star recently reached his 60th birthday — playing for a half century of them in bands.

Alan has been a cornerstone of several well-known North West ensembles after an early career in the RAF, and has played cornet, euphonium and tuba, winning numerous solo awards and being an integral part in the administration of every organisation he has been a part of.

Central to success

For the past 20 years he has been central to TCTC's success in his roles as Band Manager and Contest Secretary, alongside his wife Jane.

Musical Director Jef Sparkes told 4BR: "Alan has simply been outstanding. He is one of my closest friends, a fantastic sounding board to my thoughts and a solid bandsman. We really could not have asked for more and I hope that his involvement with the band will continue behind the scenes for many years to come."

The band also announced that Alan's replacement will be the experienced Ian Betteridge. The former RNCM graduate, used to play with Foden's before a move to the USA.