The Pleasley Colliery Welfare Band will be competing at the Midlands Regional Championships this weekend.

Young debut

And making his debut at the contest will be the band’s youngest member Samuel Cutting, aged 5, son of conductor David and principal cornet Helen.

He will be assisting on the percussion section and is very excited but nervous about the whole event. He has been playing in the band since the age of 4 and continues to play a major part in all the band’s concert.

...making his debut at the contest will be the band’s youngest member Samuel Cutting, aged 5, son of conductor David and principal cornet HelenPlesley Colliery Band

Sadder note

On a sad note however, the contest will also be the last for three of the players — Denise Clarke, 1st horn and Mick Moody Eb bass as they will be emigrating to Australia, and to percussionists Zed Garagan who is going back to the his home country the Philippines to set up a school for children.

Help

The band has also been helped by the South Midlands Co-operative Band, Shirebrook and Worksop, who have loaned them their basses to compete.

Exciting time

Secretary Helen Varley told 4BR: "Without the good nature of these bands we would have been unable to compete. Thanks also go to the band’s welfare for supporting the band during rehearsals and providing a coach to travel."

Helen added: "This is a very exciting time for the band and they have put so much time and effort into the piece. I am sure we will do the Pleasley name proud."