Player marks 50 years with bands across Durham and Darlington

Janet Walach is originally from Bishop Auckland but spends most of her time at the holiday home she shares with partner, Debra, at Bradley Burn, near Wolsingham.

The 61-year-old first took up the trombone when she started secondary school, encouraged by music teacher Alf Liddle.

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She said: “He took one look at me and said, ‘trombone player’ and I replied, ‘no way’ but the very next day, I started to play at the age of 11.

“We had a great school brass band and I progressed to play for Durham County Youth Band on a weekend at Gilesgate.

"Mr Liddle was a massive influence in my life as it turns out, he encouraged me when family and friends mocked me: ‘a girl playing a trombone? You will get laughed at – they said.”

Janet (far right) in the school band with music teacher, Alf Liddle

Before Janet left school, Mr Liddle encouraged her to join Brancepeth Brass Band which practised at Willington.

She later joined West Auckland band, where she discovered her great grandfather had played trombone too, and has also helped out Middleton-in-Teesdale Band.

She went on to join Cockerton Band in Darlington where she made lots of good friends including the late Dickie Harrison whom she admired as a ‘fantastic’ trombone player.

“He was my hero,” she said.

“He also wanted me to play 1st Trombone but I was happy being second. Cockerton was in a different league – very good and very professional and I stayed there for many years.”

Janet Walach has been playing trombone for 50 years, and is finally 1st Trombone with Stanhope Silver Band

At Cockerton, Janet and the band competed in many contests and took part in town events including Santa parades and Remembrance parades.

But travelling to Darlington became too much so she joined Stanhope Silver Band.

Debra also joined and, at the age of 64, has begun learning to play the cornet.

Janet said: “Debra is doing brilliantly. I think, until you actually join a band, you don’t realise how the band is like a second family and the pleasure you get from entertaining others.

"It’s just second nature to me but Debra highlighted how proud she is when I play and is in awe of me.”

Janet Walach has been playing trombone for 50 years, and is finally 1st Trombone with Stanhope Silver Band

Janet first played for Stanhope at the Christmas lights switch-on last December. When Covid put a stop to band practises, they met via the internet before moving into the barn on Stanhope show field for socially-distanced rehearsals.

“It was the first time I had played with a tractor beside me,” Janet said.

“I’ve had lots of firsts and another was just last week when we played in the bull ring at the auction mart in Darlington.”

Janet marked the 50th anniversary of her musical career at last playing 1st trombone with the almost 200-year-old Stanhope Silver Band.

“Dickie and Mr Liddle would be so pleased and proud,” she said.

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