Hi everyone, my name is Stuart Hardcastle, and I have just taken up the trombone again at the age of 66/67 after a 37 year gap. Cutting the story short as I can, I started in1961 with Besses boys Band, and after lots of different bands and orchestras joined the world famous CWS Manchester band in late 1969 sitting next to none other than Ian Richards. He was a great lad, taught me so much, and I was in awe of his ability to make his music talk or sing, dependant on his mood of the day. I have many many very fond memories of my time there, and was therefore absolutely gutted to hear of the Bands’ demise as I left in ‘82 and moved to work in London and had stopped playing. What an idiot I was. Moved back to the Manchester area Feb last year, met an old Besses boy who persuaded me to give it another go. My God, it’s so hard trying to get started again. I’m getting there with 6 days a week practising, but help from some of you guys and gals as to building stamina and the embouchure would be great. When all this Covid stuff is done with, I want to be part of a band (if I’m worthy).
Thank you.



Thank you.



