My interest in music started at primary school when I joined the school choir and later the Girls Choir which competed in music festivals all over the country, winning prizes .The highlight was competing at the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod. I continued singing in St Cuthbert's Church Choir and am due to receive my 40-year Provosts award in the new year. I have grade 8 in singing. Although I don't do solo work any more, singing nursery rhymes for 40 years takes its toll on the voice, as does teaching under 5s.

I began my banding career by learning to play a baritone at the ripe old age of 40, after sitting in the Blackburn with Darwen junior band rehearsals listening to my son.

I attended Oxford Summer Schools and had the great privilege of playing under the baton of Harry Mortimer. I then moved to the tenor horn and struggled with the pitching (Still do) but I enjoy playing with Darwen Brass and am very proud of the achievements made in the short time we have been together.

In my spare time of which I do not have a lot I am also the band librarian and contest secretary.

I do not know which is most difficult of the three tasks, but I know which I prefer.

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