The Pemberton Old JJB Wigan Band has announced the resignation of its MD Mark Peacock.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Mark has not been feeling to well over the last couple on months and has been unable to attend rehearsals. He has therefore tendered his letter of resignation to the band."

Support

The MD informed that band in a letter in which he thanked them for all their support and commitement during the past four and a half years.

He stated: "It is with much regret that I wish to inform you of my intention to resign from the position of Musical Director with immediate effect. This has been a very difficult decision to make but I feel that it is in the best interests of my health, family and the band itself.

The band had many successes under Marks direction and in his first year they were crowned First Section National Champion Band of Great Britain4BR

Happy times

"I have had many happy times with the band during my four and a half years as Musical Director — the many contest successes; the promotion to the Championship Section; the CDs we have recorded; the many concert performances, and becoming part of the special ‘Pemberton family’. It is truly a unique organisation and I have been tremendously proud to have had the opportunity to lead the band.

Tribute

"I would like to pay tribute to the “back room” personnel who have helped in the day to day running of the band, and of course to all the players in the band who I have had the pleasure of conducting.

"I hope that the band continues to flourish and progress and that in the future we may have the opportunity to work together again.

"I sincerely hope that we are able to keep in touch and hope to see you all in the near future."

Successes

The band had many successes under Marks direction and in his first year they were crowned First Section National Champion Band of Great Britain. Other successes included promotion from the Senior Cup and Senior Trophy to the Grand Shield.

Exceptional

The band spokesperson added: "The work that Mark has put in to his concert programmes, in order that the audience were fully aware of the background to the music the band were playing, was exceptional.

"Over the years Mark has become a friend to all of the playing members of the band and we are all sorry to see him leave, he will however always remain a good friend of Pemberton Old Wigan JJB Band and the organisation."

They concluded: "We all wish him, his wife Alison and the boys well for the future. It is hoped that Mark does not stay away from brass bands too long as his talent would be a great loss to our movement."

New MD

The new man at the helm of the band is Mark Bentham, the former MD of the highly succesful Hepworth Band.

Mark told 4BR: "I have long been an admirer of the Pemberton Old JJB band and the organisation as a whole. I am very proud to be given the opportunity to continue the good work of my predecessor Mark Peacock."

New sponsorship deal

Meanwhile there was further good news for the band as JJB Sports has agreed to sponsor them for another three year period.