Dobcross Silver Band has announced a number of new signings for the area contest.

After a turbulent year in 2006 nearly culminating in the band having no members at all, 2007 has seen the band rebuild significantly. Only one player, Susan Whitby, a member for the last 30 years, remains from the Championship Band that were ranked fifth in the North West from 2003 – 2007.

All ages

The band is now made up of people of all ages from Rhys Taylor, percussionist aged 8 and brother Kieran, 3rd cornet, aged 9 to members in their 50s who wish to remain nameless!

We are very proud of the way things have turned out over previous months. The focus was to get Dobcross Silver back on an even keel and attending this years area contestsMD Dennis Hadfield

Recent signings

Recent signings include the entire Taylor family, the two boys mentioned earlier and their mum Janet, bumper up and Dad, Howard on BBb Bass.

Sop player, 14 year old Ben Halstead from Oldham Music Centre, 2nd Cornets Rachel Hall and Liz Black from Stockport Schools and Diggle B band respectively and Kieran, mentioned above and Hannah Harrison from Littleborough Band, along with Susan Whitby and Tom Haslam make up the cornet section.

Horns

Jodie Senior from Dobcross Youth has joined on flugel horn after a 12 month absence from playing, whilst the tenor horn section is Kate Stevenson who joined from Dobcross Youth early last year along with Helen Frost who has returned to playing after a seven year break.

Baritone brothers

The baritones are brothers Steven and Michael Cavanagh who play for Stockport Schools Brass Band as well, whilst euphonioums are George Adamson, a previous member of Soham Old Comrades Band and James Brooks from Diggle B Band.

Troms

Solo trombone, Rob Sankey arrived from Oldham Brass after an absence from playing and has been joined by Georgina Wright from Littleborough Band on 2nd trombone.

Bass team

The Bass team are Paul Conchie EEb and Howard Taylor BBb and percussionist Rhys Taylor make the line-up of permanent members.

MD Dennis Hadfield told 4BR: "We would like to express our thanks to several people who have come out of retirement or are willing to help the band go to the area contest, Jack Gardner, Alan Ball, Steve Bradnum, Rob Savage, Neil Hewson, Simon Pymm and Eleanor Chester."

Proud

Dennis added: "We are very proud of the way things have turned out over previous months. The focus was to get Dobcross Silver back on an even keel and attending this years area contests.

"An amazing amount of hard work has gone in to achieve this and we hope that we can continue this after the area contest and we’re looking forward to a brighter future. I would personally like to thank everyone involved in keeping this incredible band going."