AS every Christmas for almost a quarter of a century now, may I once again thank the kind people of Bolton for their generosity in support of the Smithills School Senior Brass Band and myself throughout the month of December.

The band and I have played outside the Deansgate Marks and Spencer’s store every Saturday and Sunday in the run up to Christmas for well over two decades and by performing our concert repertoire as well as seasonal music, we not only entertain hundreds of Bolton shoppers every weekend but help to provide a much appreciated, uplifting atmosphere across the whole town.

The wonderful compliments we continue to receive are as gratifying as ever and to have so many Bolton people wish us well provides a tonic which is sincerely appreciated by all of the players, the many parent helpers and myself. The commitment and attitude of the pupils and everyone involved in making music at Smithills remains phenomenal and never ceases to make me as proud as ever to conduct them all, both in public and in daily rehearsals.

On behalf of us all at Smithills, may I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and, above all, peaceful Christmas and New Year. We are all excited to be performing on behalf of Bolton Hospice once again at the Victoria Hall on Saturday March 14 at our Sinatra Centenary Gala Concert.

Chris Wormald

Assistant Headteacher

Smithills