Ian started playing Cornet in the early 60's with Bloomfield Amatuers. Whilst competing in the 3rd and 4th sections, the band scored a Hat Trick of wins in the NIBA contests of 1966, 67 and 68.

During his time with Bloomfield, they made annual trips to Manchester to compete in the Bellevue competition, stopping over, of course, in Blackpool to buy a Kiss Me Quick hat and a stick of rock. During one of these contests, they had some success being placed 3rd in a section of 20 bands.

1977 saw Ian moving to Strandtown as Solo Cornet initally but moved to Flugel a few years later. Playing under the batons of Jim Burch, Harry Brittain and Stephen Barnett, the band had sucess in competitions by winning the 1977 and 1978 NIBA contests.

The late 80's saw Ian taking over the the vacant Principal Cornet position where he stayed until he moved to Templemore in 1993.

Now with Templemore, he played Solo Horn for 12 years under Jean Savage, Richard Douglas and currently Jack Burch, until 2005 when he moved to his current position of Eb Bass.

Ian has toured the States extensively, playing in many great venues. ...........Eh??? OOPS thats a typo . It should read 'toured many ESTATES extensively, and played in Ballybean and Tullycarnet.

From Cornet to Flugal to Horn to Bass. So what next... Perhaps Percussion and then shown the door? Dont worry lads, he's very happy playing Bass.