Registered Charity No. 1211514
BASSES
Eb Bass
Robin Wonnacott
Robin was born and bred in Hatherleigh and joined the band on 1st March 1966. During his 60 years with the band he has played most instruments (except trombone!) and has held various official positions – Treasurer, Secretary and Musical Director a position he held for 18 years; the highlight being conducting the band at the 1994 National Brass Band Championships at The Wembley Conference Centre in London.
He is currently an Eb Tuba player, deputy kit player and assists with the training band. He also enjoys playing with other bands when requested; having played with many of the local bands over the years.
Robin is now retired after spending the majority of his working life in the agricultural supply industry. He has 6 grandchildren – 3 of which are in the HSB training band and one of which has joined the senior band, has passed grade 4 cornet and played with the band on 3rd cornet at the area qualifiers in March 2026 – a very proud grandad!
Eb Bass
Grahame Hopkins
Bb Bass
Jason Doidge
Jason has been with the band for 43 years, joining when he was 10 years of age. Starting his banding life under the stick of my fellow bass player Robin Wonnacott who at the time was our Musical Director. In his time he has played front row, Principle Trombone and made his way back to the bass line, currently holding the Bb flat Tuba position. I also enjoy helping other local bands when asked.
Bb Bass
Mike Isaac
Mike joined Hatherleigh band at the age of 8, playing tenor horn. After two weeks he was offered an Eb bass which he has been playing ever since until he recently made the switch to BBb bass on which he makes an incredible sound. Mike is married to Val who plays 2nd Horn in the band and they have two grown-up daughters. Mike's other hobbies are his Koi Carp ponds, Bonsai trees and he loves to play computer games.
Bb Bass
Phill Middleton
Phill spent many years playing with several colliery bands ‘up country’ since 1972. Starting on bass trombone, and playing with HM Prison Service National Staff band ,he is now a proud member of Hatherleighs back row Besson boys playing BBb bass. A retired Prison Governor, of late he spends his time making bespoke fountain pens, carp fishing, writing murder mysteries and losing golf balls.