THE END OF AN ERA

WEST YORKSHIRE BRASS ANNOUNCES THE RETIREMENT OF

CHARLES ‘CHIC’ SUTTON

Chic has decided to retire from banding due to personal reasons, having served WY Brass faithfully for almost 30 years, but has promised to stay in touch with the band. He will, no doubt, together with his wife Eileen, enjoy a day or two at the seaside whenever the band visits the east coast.

Chic started his playing career in Scotland at the age of 9 when he started playing the horn with Blacklaw School Band, Dunfermline. He then joined Lochgelly Junior band and by the age of 13 yrs he was playing with Lochgelly Senior Band, Lochgelly Junior Band, a Boys Brigade bugle band and Woodmill High School Band.

At 14 yrs of age he was accepted into the Scottish National Youth Brass band and also played with a local dance band.

At 16 years of age Chic and his family moved from Scotland to Hampshire and he played for a while with a local dance band there. At the age of 23 yrs he became a founder member of the Gosport Silver Band but some 2 years later he saw sense and moved to God’s Country (Yorkshire) where he played with Lindley Band, Wetherby Band and Horsforth Leeds City Band.

However, in 1994 he was approached to play for West Yorkshire Brass on a full time basis.

During his time in banding Chic recalls playing ‘Air from the Suite in D’ for The Queen Mother and playing at a contest with Lochgelly Band, winning all.

All members of West Yorkshie Brass wish him a long and happy retirement.

Chic, you leave a huge hole in the back row!!!