Band secretary and co-founder member, Vik Heywood, said the band is the only one of its kind in the area and a perfect platform for aspiring and experienced musicians to showcase their talents.

"This is the only band of its kind for miles around," she said. "Others tend to be more selective and many take brass instruments only."
She said that although the band's members come from different musical backgrounds, they are all singing from the same songsheet when it comes to enjoying music performance.

Vik added: "The people who play with us are mainly people who have not played in bands before. Maybe they played in school and not since, or they have played on their own.

"We offer a place for them to play together which is a great help for them. It's very much a social activity."

The band, which has around 45 wind musicians divided into sections including the tenor sax, percussion and clarinet sections, are conducted by Vik's daughter, 29-year-old Becca Heywood.

The mother and daughter, who live in the Scarborough area, are accomplished musicians, Vik on the saxophone and Becca on the trumpet.
The band practices all types of music, including pop songs by the Beatles, John Williams' film tracks, songs from the shows and classical pieces.

Vik co-founded the band with her late husband, Malcolm, when they lived in Langtoft in early 2006. Malcolm died a couple of months later, leaving behind as part of his legacy two wind bands, one the Buckrose Band and another in South Yorkshire.

Vik said: "It was a heck of a blow but Becca said she would conduct. She had never done it before but she has a lot of talent."

The band, which took its name from the Buckrose District which included Driffield, Bridlington and Pocklington, perform at various fundraising events throughout the year.

Members range from age 10 up to senior citizens and new members are always welcome.

Keen musicians who enjoy playing woodwind such as the clarinet, oboe or flute, or brass instruments such as the trumpet, horns and trombone are accepted.

Members pay an annual fee of around £10 and practice sessions are held every Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm during school term time.

New members may need to provide their own white shirt which will be embroidered with the band's logo. Members usually need to bring their own instruments and music stands.

For more information contact Vik Heywood, tel (01723) 351778, or visit www.buckroseband.org