The East Yorkshire Motor Services Band has been busy during the transfer window with four new signings to strengthen the ranks ahead of the Nationals.

Moves

The relocation of Kevin and Jayne Moxon left vacancies on soprano and 2nd cornet. These have been filled by John Belton who has helped the band out previously, playing The Spring Festival last year, and comes to EYMS from the Wakefield Metropolitan Band.

Thomas Kennedy comes in on cornet from the Powerfuel Hatfield Colliery Band, following in the footsteps of his brother Andrew and uncle Stewart, and considerably lowering the average age of the cornet section in doing so!

With 2nd Baritone Steve Ornsby standing down recently to spend more time with his family, the band have enlisted the talented Sarah Evans who has recently moved back to Hull having until recently, been playing 2nd Euphonium for Bournemouth Concert Brass.

We have operated without a permanent principal cornet for almost a year as we were looking to add that to enhance the talent already present in the bandroom to move the band forwardChairman Tony Newiss

Icing on the cake

The icing on the cake though is the filling of the principal cornet seat, which has remained vacant since Steve Rudhall returned to New Zealand.

After playing with the band at the Kippax Band Club Entertainments Contest Neil Day has accepted the position of “Top Man” with immediate effect, moving from the same position with the Thoresby Colliery Band and bringing with him a wealth of talent and experience.

Forward move

Band Chairman Tony Newiss told 4BR: "We have operated without a permanent principal cornet for almost a year as we were looking to add that to enhance the talent already present in the bandroom to move the band forward. We believe we have now found that."

All four players will make their contest debut at the Royal Albert Hall in October.