As 2011 gets underway there are a number of changes at Thoresby Colliery.

Goodbye

Unfortunately the band said goodbye to solo baritone Dave Buckley after almost 20 years of paying with the band. Dave has recently become a father for the second time and has taken on new responsibilities at work so has decided to take a much earned break.

Furniture

Band chairman George Kennedy told 4BR: "Losing Dave is a big loss as he has almost become part of the furniture. A finer, more dedicated bandsman you could not wish for."

Band Manager

Meanwhile as one door closes another opens and the band welcomes Nick Harris to the role of Band Manager.

Nick has enjoyed a long association with the band and brings a wealth of experience with him following his highly successful long term spell Brighouse & Rastrick.

Gold

Band sergeant Andrew Bevan told 4BR: "A non-playing manager in any brass band is worth his weight in gold and this particular one is second to none!

Nick brings lots of fresh ideas to the table and we are very much looking forward to working together to put them into action."