“I first picked up a brass instrument at around the age of 8 or 9 and that was the trombone. At the time, the instrument was bigger than I was, but I enjoyed experimenting with the sounds that I could make and I improvised alongside my Mum who played ragtime piano.

 

I soon started individual trombone lessons and in my school days played in assorted youth bands and orchestras in Barnet, North London and in Hertfordshire. I experienced the joy of playing pieces such as ‘Symphonietta’ by Gorgon Langford, ‘Three Brass Cats’ by Chris Hazell and ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’ by Aaron Copland. These early experiences were instrumental in building my life-long love of music-making.

 

In 1991, I founded the University of Warwick Brass Society which is an inclusive society consisting of many different brass ensembles and bands. In my day, one ensemble was a trombone dectet! It is still a thriving society today and has had hundreds of members over the years. In 2017, I was a founder member of, and the first Chair of Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band. For this, I was listed on the Roll of Honour by the Mayor of Wandsworth.

 

Playing in orchestras and bands has given me the opportunity to tour Paris, Prague, The Netherlands, Germany and Portugal. I have enjoyed contesting with Putney & Wimbledon Brass Band and Epsom & Ewell Silver Band in the UK. My television performances include ‘Harry Hill’s Teatime’ and ‘Barging Around Britain with John Sargeant’.

 

I am fond of traditional hymns and contemporary music by composers such as Alan Fernie, Paul Lovatt-Cooper and Cornwall’s own Christopher Bond.

 

I moved to Cornwall in 2024 to have a quiet life, but it hasn’t stayed quiet for very long! I am very enthusiastic about directing Callington Town Band and Training Band, with a focus on playing for enjoyment and engaging with audiences.”

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