Simon first broke into the Marching Band activity in 1985 after watching the Leek Commodore Cadets performing at a local carnival. Simon knew some of the band members from school where he was learning the Eb Tenor Horn, and they encouraged him to join. Consequently, towards the end of 1985 he became a member.

Simon kicked-off on Baritone and marched the 86 and 87 seasons initially in the BYBA Contest Class then advancing to Championship Class. In 1987 the corps also competed in the new Drum Corps competitive circuit controlled by the British Drum Corps Federation.

In 1988 the Corps Director decided it would be a smart move to take half the Corps to march with the Beacon Sunrisers, and, being a young uneducated banding person, Simon went along with the idea.
Needless to say, this petered out, and after the 89 and 90 seasons, he decided along with a few friends to Join Stoke Boys' Brigade in 1991. Simon marched 1991 on Baritone and 1992 on Contra.

In 1993 Simon was one of the founder members of SK and it is here where he has remained to date. The following shows how he has spent his time here...

1993 to 1996 inc. - Contra (ageing-out in 96)
1997 BYBA Contra age spot
1998 thru 2005 inc. - Visual Staff Member

2005 - Contra age spot

2006 - Contra age spot

Musically, his favourite SK show was the 1994 production of 'Crazy for You' and the best overall SK package was the 1999 show, followed closely by 1998.

Favourite US corps are Blue Devils, SCV and Phantom Regiment, his all-time favourite shows being 1988/89 SCV (playing Phantom of the Opera), 1989 Phantom Regiment and Blue Devils in 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2003.