Phil is in his second spell with the Helmshore and Haslingden Band.

Phil started playing with the Ebenezer Baptist Church Band on Baritone and then Tenor Horn aged 9.

At 10 he joined the Manchester Music Services Brass and Wind bands and shortly after saw the light and changed to the trombone wanting to play in the big bands and orchestras. Outside the Manchester Music Service Phil played with many bands including Bae [m/cr] and Mossley and a particularly memorable concert with the Band of the Kings own 14/20th Hussars at it was the regimental band of his Dad.

Following his move to Nottingham to Study Accountancy Phil played in the Nottingham Symphony Orchestra and Nottingham University Orchestras for 3 years, the personal highlight of which was performing the trombone solo in Mozart's Requiem.

In October 2004 Phil reluctantly decided to move on from H&H and was very pleased to accept the Solo Trombone seat with the BT Band During his time with the BT band he played three times in the Christmas Prom Season at the Royal Albert Hall and at the top of the BT tower in London, amongst others, along with many good contest performances including a winning performance of Philip Sparke's Harmony Music and his personal favourite Philip Wilby's Masquerade.

Phil has been married for a very long time to Rachel, his French Horn playing wife who is yet to be convinced of the merits of brass banding and they have 3 amazing children. Hannah, Robert and Lucas.

Phil with Hannah and Robert at the 2007 Bultlins Mineworks Brass Band Concert taking part in the world record breaking big blow for Brass Band Aid.

Taken by Douglas Yeo, bass trombonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.