Mexborough & Swinton Times – March 26, 1949

Mexboro Bandsman Follows Grandfather’s Lead

For in any years the ambition of Alan Wood, 17-year-old pharmacist’s apprentice of 1, South ‘View, Mexborough, has been to play in a brass band, and at last his hope has been realised.

When he heard ast summer that the Mexborough Military Band was to be re-formed, he determined to master the playing of the tuba, thus following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who played that instrument in the Denaby Ambulance Band many years ago. He immediately applied to join the band, but could not obtain an instrument until December.

His enthusiasm, however was in no way diminished by his long wait, and he is now a fully fledged member of the Mexborough Military Band. Having played the piano for a number of years, Alan quickly picked up the rudiments of tuba-playing and is now practising conscientiously to      master the necessary complicated fingering.

There is only one other regular tuba player among the 35 members of the band. Alan has made a few noble attempts with the trumpet, but so far has only been able to produce what he describes as ” some very weird noises ‘

No doubt his skill with the tuba is largely due to heredity !