My grandfather (Ernest Watson) played Flugel Horn with Eccles Borough Band when they won the British Open Championship in the 1930's. He later became their conductor, keeping a band of youngsters together during difficult times, and he was my first and only teacher.

My first instrument was the cornet and I joined Eccles Salvation Army Junior Band when I was seven years old, moving to the senior band at age 16. I later played in Barton Hall Works Band for about ten years before returning to the Salvation Army where I continued to play cornet and later tenor horn. Due to a shortage of players, I eventually moved to Eb Bass and really enjoy playing this instrument.

I still attend the Salvation Army Church in Eccles and as we no longer have a band, I play with Sale Salvation Army Band whenever I can, and the North Divisional Band of the Salvation Army.

Some years ago, the Salvation Army relaxed its rules and allowed band members to play with non Salvation Army bands and, since then, I have helped a number of bands out, but never been an official member of any other band.

During the summer of 2008, I attended rehearsals at Sale Brass and enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and musical direction of John Dickinson so much, that I felt I would like to join the band. I look forward to happy music making and becoming a better player as the band move forward under John's leadership and training.