Dave began playing the cornet in his local band, Bolsover Colliery, aged about 9. His first move came when he joined the Shirebrook Miners Welfare band where he stayed for some 15 years, most of that time on top man!

In 1987 opportunity knocked for Dave, and he joined the up and coming Rhodian Brass, also on top man. In fact, Dave blames meeting his best mate, Martin Swann, on this band who was Principal Cornet at the time. However, as Dave was bigger than Martin, Martin had to move!

During his time at Rhodian, the band appeared in the National Finals four times, as well as the Masters and the British Open. He joined Ransomes for a short time in 2000, which included him taking his talents to the European stage where he played Repiano at the European Championships held in Switzerland.  However, this wasn’t enough of a challenge for Dave, so he moved to Thoresby Colliery Band on Principal Cornet in 2002. Once again he showed off his talents abroad as the band won the French Open and Uppermill Contests (bit of a difference between the two!). 

In 2007 Mr. Swann (the smaller one remember) made his move to the world famous Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, and as Dave is his personal stalker, had to follow! 

Outside banding, Dave has recently had to relinquish his title of ‘Southern Counties Thumb Wrestling Champion’ after sustaining a rather dangerous and rare form of cuticle damage in a freak training accident!; now most of his spare time is taken up by personal grooming.

On a serious note though (high F#), Dave is very much looking forward to the new challenges awaiting him at Carlton Main.