Celebration time for Co-op

Duncan McCluskie, of Co-op Funeralcare Band, with adjudicator Robert Childs. (Image courtesy of Steve Jack).

THE Co-op Funeralcare Band has celebrated after coming out on top at the 2016 Dr Martin Wainstone’s Cup.

Under the baton of Allan Ramsay, the Glasgow band claimed the £4,000 first prize and £250 for best march at the event in Princess Alexander Auditorium at Yarm School near Stockton on Tees on Sunday, September 11.

The victory capped off a fine weekend for the band, which also came eighth amid a strong field of 19 bands at the British Open in Birmingham the previous day. It came as Co-op Funeralcare found itself looking for a new home after leaving its regular rehearsal venue.

Martin Stack, band manager of Co-op Funeralcare Band, said: “The band is in good form just now, and although we have had a lot of logistical issues with band rooms the players have responded magnificently and been very receptive to our MD's requests.”

Martin added: “We would like to place on record our absolute gratitude to Johnstone, Whitburn and King’s Park bands for the use of their premises at various times.”

The band is now turning its attentions to preparations for the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain at London’s Royal Albert Hall on October 8, where it will perform set work, Journey of the Lone Wolf, by Simon Dobson.