Bob is Regional manager with a nationwide driving school, responsible for recruitment and training of new driving instructors. He started playing age 9 on cornet with Dudley band under Harold Laycock, After coliiery closure he moved to nearby Backworth Band, where he played solo Euphonium for 17 years.

He then moved to Championship section Easington Colliery on solo Baritone, A relocation with work meant a transfer south to British Steel Tesside, where he spent 11 years on Solo Horn. Another work related move meant living in Yorkshire, after a short time with Carlton Main Frickley the Move to the Ransome Band saw a return to Baritone.

As well as playing for the last 40 years Bob has conducted with some success, notably with Pride valley brass, taking them from third to first section and winning many trophies along the way. Also winning the first section northern area title with Gateshead brass. and spending a year as resident of British steel Teesside band.