New signings at Blidworth

Blidworth Welfare Band are delighted to welcome two experienced players to their ranks in the form of Stephen Bennett who joins the band as Assistant Principal Cornet and Janice Gregory who joins the band on First Horn.

Stephen Bennett is a Corporal in the Royal Air Force working as a professional musician in the RAF College Cranwell Band and joins Blidworth to complete the front row line up of players as the band looks to move forward and build on its recent fifth place in the Midlands Regional Championships.

(Pictured: Billy Beafeater and Cpl Stephen Bennett)

Stephen joins during a very busy period as he is engaged during many celebration concerts celebrating the Royal Air Force's centenary year.

Janice Gregory is no stranger to the band having previously occupied the Solo Horn seat at Blidworth and returns to the band following her spell with Hatfield Colliery Band and enjoying the experience of Championship Section playing in Yorkshire.

Musical Director, Simon Oates commented "Both Stephen and Janice are highly accomplished musicians and having players of this quality sitting in supportive seats such as Assistant Principal and First Horn provides the strength and depth to the band and exemplifies our commitment in driving Blidworth Welfare Band forward".

"We are also blessed to have others in the band that have welcomed these players by moving seats for the good of the band and I must place on record my sincere gratitude for their commitment to the band".

Blidworth Welfare Band can next be heard in concert at St. Andrew's Church, Swanwick in Derbyshire on 23rd June from 7pm.