When Marcus Jones discovered that the date for his young daughter’s major surgery was scheduled for the day after the North West areas, he placed an advert calling for help from a BBb Bass player who could help for the contest — and he was astounded to receive a number of responses offering help.

5 hour roud trip

The band gratefully accepted the services of Ian Hamilton, who offered to undertake the contest and a number of rehearsals, with an astounding 5 hour round journey from the Scottish borders.

Thankfully Marcus’ daughter surgery was very successful and she is well on the road to recovery, and Stockport Brass and Marcus Jones have takent the opportunity to extend their sincere thanks to Ian for his true banding spirit and selfless commitment.

Meritorious Service Award

At the North West Area contest the meritorious service to brass bands award was presented to Eric Crosthwaite, one of the founding members of Stockport Brass. The band has undergone many changes in its history since its formation as the Stockport Telephone Band in 1967, and one ever present feature of the past 41 years has been Eric.

Tireless

Eric has never been a playing member of the band but has been a member of, and headed up the back room staff, during all this period. He has worked tirelessly to strive to improve the band, and he was a key member of the team who set up the sponsorship with BT, a sponsorship that lasted for 20 years.

Like all good things however, they come to an end, and Eric has decided it is time to retire from day to day involvement with management of the band.

Eric's commitment, hard work and above all professional approach to it all has been much appreciatedStockport Brass

Voluntary work

As well as involvement with Stockport Brass, Eric also carries out voluntary work with numerous organisations, and it was very appropriate that he was officiating on the day of the North West Areas.

Arrangements were made for Eric to be located back stage so that he could be surprised with the presentation of the award, and members of the band were in the audience to give him a standing ovation and show their gratitude for all the work he has put into the band over the years.

Thank You

A spokesperson for Stockport Brass told 4BR: "Stockport Brass would like to recognise the huge contribution Eric has made to the band and the brass band world. It is unusual these days to see such involvement for so long in the running of an organisation. His commitment, hard work and above all professional approach to it all has been much appreciated. Thank you Eric!"