TIME has crept up on a long-established brass band that now seems on the verge of crisis.

And so, the Barton Street Mission Band (originally St Helens Church Army Band) is putting out an SOS for any instrumentalists to enlist with them.

A spokesman, whose family have been local bandsmen for more than 80 years, tells me: "There are now half-a-dozen old-stagers left, though for concerts we can muster about 14, including part-timers."

One of the mainstays up to now has been their only solo cornet player, who, at 65, has been struck by arthritis in the fingers.

"We would very much appreciate help from one or two good solo cornettists," adds the anxious spokesman, "though any other kind of instrumentalist would be made very welcome."

Anyone interested is invited to turn up at the Friday evening practice sessions (7.30pm) held in St Thomas and St Mary's school, nextdoor to the Asda supermarket.

SO, if any musicians would like to join in, then just tootle along...

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