In 1958-59 I started playing at Swinton & Pendlebury borough band, and then Bury Silver.

In 1960 I joined the army as a junior bandsman. In 1962 in joined the band of Lancashire Fusiliers 1st battalion in Germany. I followed this with a year at the Military School of Music, Kneller Hall in 1963 and was then back performing with the band (in England and Hong Kong) until I left the army in 1969 due to re-organisation at which time I joined Walkden Band for a short time but left due to a lack of players round the stand. I then didn't play for 33 years.

I started playing again 2002 with Timperley Band, after hearing a Salvation Army band in our road, until disbandment. I am now playing for Sale Brass, and enjoying playing again.