IN a drive to recruit new members Holsworthy Town Band is offering free tuition and free instruments to anyone who would like to have a go at learning to play.

The band has recently been fortunate in acquiring the services of Tony Jones, who has come to live in the area and has been appointed as director of training.

Tony hails from Ebbw Vale in South Wales. In 1988 he joined the Army as a musician and both studied and taught at the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall. He has a music degree and plays the trombone, euphonium and harp and was a regimental harpist at a number of prestigious occasions.

He is sharing conducting with Derek Kidby, who has served the band since he joined in 1982. Derek said: “Currently Tony is training players of all ages and abilities and I hope more people will take advantage of the opportunity we are offering and join them. It’s a wonderful hobby for all the family.”

Anyone interested is asked to contact the band’s secretary Derek Moorley on 01409 241033 or email info@holsworthytownband.co.uk

Among events for which the band is preparing is a Battle of Britain concert in conjunction with the Royal British Legion. This will be in the Memorial Hall on October 30 and will include both music and imagery. In December there will be a new style Christmas concert jointly with HATS.