I played B flat trumpet (badly) in my school band 40 years ago. I may not have been much good for those 3 years, but it gave me an abiding love of music and an appreciation of the skills needed to play well (or at all in some cases!).

I live on the edge of the Saddleworth Moors in Northern England and in recent years have been drawn to brass band activities of the area. In particular, the world famous(I believe) Saddleworth Band Contests.

Being a member of a brass band requires a level of commitment that I cannot provide, but feel a desire to take up music again. So my trumpet, sadly now with siezed slides, can stay in the loft a little longer.

I`m tinkering with tin whistles at the moment and enjoying the learning opportunity that this gives. More about reading music I guess.

I`m attracted to the clarinet as a beginner and possibly only ever for my own pleasure. I have no plans (yet) to join with others to play. I would probably favour learning blues like numbers, but a more classical grounding would be just fine.

I may need plenty of advice.....