My introduction to music was at school where I learnt to play the French horn.

I became a member of the county orchestra and after leaving school, played with several amateur orchestras around North London.

The first involvement I had with brass bands, was in 1981, when I played trombone for a while with the Waltham Forest Co-op Band. It was there I was offered the opportunity to conduct.

From 1983 till 2000 I was the musical director of the Waltham Forest Co-op Band, (now East London Brass) and during those 17 years we achieved many contest successes.

Whilst with WFCB I was often called upon to go as a guest conductor with several bands in the south east, including the Tilbury Band.

Since my move to Northumberland, I have enjoyed my association with Dunston Silver band, playing EEb bass and trombone, whilst acting as assistant conductor when required.

The band has gone from strength to strength in the last few years and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.