Brass bands around the world are trying to come up with different ways to ensure that players can keep in practice as the Coronavirus pandemic stops rehearsals, concerts and contests.

One which has taken a good humoured way to do just that has been the recently crowned North West Area First Section Champion Robert's Bakery Band.

Pack of music

Before the increased restrictions on travel movements MD Paul Lovatt-Cooper and librarian Dougie McKechnie made sure each player was presented with a folder of music, packed with concert and test-piece repertoire, so that they could play at home.

The duo donned protective clothing and asked the players to come along to the bandroom where they waited with their engines running in their cars as Paul and Dougie presented them with their music from a safe distance (throwing it through the window in some cases!).

Not lose momentum

Paul told 4BR: "Before the greater restrictions came into force we thought we had better get ahead of things. The result at the Areas has given everyone such a boost so we didn't want to lose any momentum.

Dougie and I managed with to put together the packs together by also maintaining social distancing and then the players came along in their cars to pick them up. The masks and outfits are used in the bakery business, so we put a bit of a smile on the face of the players when they turned up!

We know things have become very serious for everyone, so please follow the official advice, keep safe and healthy. Banding will be backPaul Lovatt-Cooper

Keep safe

He added: "I also told the that there was enough music in the packs to keep their lips in trim for a few months, so we should have a concert programme in great shape when we finally get to rehearsals and a few test-pieces ready for action too.

We know things have become very serious for everyone, so please follow the official advice, keep safe and healthy. Banding will be back."