East Devon DayTime Band is hoping to attract 'lapsed' brass players to join its ranks.

People who used to enjoy playing but fear they have lost their musical skills are welcome to make a comeback with the band, who welcome players of all abilities from the Exeter and East Devon area.

They're an independent, informal group of enthusiastic, friendly and supportive brass players who play and perform popular and traditional brass band arrangements. 

They now have a new venue for their weekly rehearsals on Wednesday mornings:  Sidmouth Rugby Football Club Pavilion, Byes Close, Sidford, from 10.15am until 12.15pm. Their first rehearsal of 2024 will be next Wednesday, January 10.

They have also appointed Roger Riggs, the well known and respected Musical Leader at the successful Lympstone Academy Brass, as their permanent Conductor.

The band have just completed their busiest ever Christmas carolling season, with well-received performances at IKEA Exeter store, Sundial Care Home in Tipton St John; Newton Poppleford Primary School, Lockyer Lodge in Sidford, Dalwood Carol Service and the Exmouth Stroke Club.

During the IKEA visit they gave out some leaflets inviting lapsed brass players to join them and this attracted several enquiries.

The band's chairman Trevor Heynes said: "Interestingly a couple of lapsed players have told us this is a great opportunity to 'give my brain something to do', which links in to Government recommendations about the mental health and wellbeing benefits around playing a musical instrument."

Anyone interested in joining the East Devon DayTime Band can contact Trevor on 01395 708766. For more information visit http://eastdevondaytimeband.weebly.com