I studied French Horn as a teenager and played with Salford Youth Orchestra. Then I played with D'oyly Cart Opera company and BBC Northern Radio Orchestra (for money!) for a short while. Both folded soon after I left!

I worked as civil servant and had twins but managed to keep my music going playing for Local Amateur Operatic Societies.

At Easter 2007, I was at the Pumphouse and got talking to Gerry who was on duty. He coerced me into joining Sale Brass telling me that "the French Horn was just like the Cornet and we were short of cornets". His persuasion worked and I was soon playing Repiano and then shortly after moved on to the Flugel.