Rob Westacott returns to B&R

The Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band has announced Rob Westacott as its new Chairman and assistant principal cornet.

Rob is a former principal cornet of Brighouse and Rastrick, a position he also held with Grimethorpe Colliery Band. However, for the past 4 years he has conducted the Slaithwaite Band, having previously enjoyed a succesful period as assistant principal cornet to Richard Marshall at Black Dyke.

During Brighouse's recent AGM, Rob's support for the Band resulted in a unanimous vote for him to become the Band's new Chairman, and an invitation to become a permanent member of the cornet section. 

Commenting on his return to Brighouse, Rob told BBW, "It is an honour to accept the position of Chairman of Brighouse and Rastrick. I have had a long association with the band as a player and it is a great opportunity to share my years of experience with a great back-room team. 

"To be offered a playing position alongside my chairman duties was an unexpected bonus. It was a tough decision to leave my conducting position at Slaithwaite - but playing at the Europeans this year with Brighouse proved to me how much I miss playing at the highest level. 

"I would like to thank Slaithwaite for taking me on as a rookie Musical Director and believing in me for 4 years. I would also like to give thanks to Professor David King, for his continued support, backing my appointment as chairman and inviting me to rejoin as a player."

B&R spokesman, Ryan Watkins told BBW: "To officially sign Rob is an extremely exciting addition to the band. He is already influencing the younger players through his skill, experience and wisdom, whilst his attitude and mentality enhance a consistently progressing committee."


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