MEMBERS of Astley Youth Band gave a concert to a packed audience at the Bedford Methodist Church, Leigh.

The appearance completed a busy month in which the band performed three concerts and competed in one competition.

These included appearances at St Paul's Church, Walkden, St John's Church, Wingates, and the North West Counties Brass Band Championships in Fleetwood, in which the band was placed fourth.

Solo

The latest concert featured solo performances from principal cornet player, Scott Broadhurst, 14, bass trombone player Simon Minshall, 10, solo horn player Katy Cronnolley, 14, flugel horn player Helen Fahey, 15, and solo trombone player Rhea Foster, 15.

After a half-term break, the band's next performance will be at the Lowry Centre, Salford, on Friday, November 30, when members take part in a gala concert with Fred Longworth High School band, and the famous Leyland Vehicles Band. Tickets are from the Lowry Centre.

The Christmas schedule includes concerts at Swinton Masonic Hall on December 7, Worsley Golf Club on December 15, St Paul's Church, Walkden on December 16, and Atherton Baptist Church on December 20.

In addition the band will be playing carols at Asda in Leigh on December 21, 22, and 23, aimed at raising funds for the band's forthcoming international tour to Germany's Rhineland in July 2002.

The band has a training section for children who are complete beginners, up to Grade Two standard. The age range of the young musicians is seven to 11 years. Instruments are available for children to borrow free of charge.

Training band rehearsals are at St Stephen's Primary School, Astley on Thursday evenings. Further details are from musical director, Helen Minshall on 01942 875626 or band secretary, Debbie Broadhurst, on 0161 799 3391.