2009's first resolution (of sorts) is my decision to finish playing. After the Skegness contest on 17th Jan, I will hang up my mouthpiece.

It was a shame but I do not have the time to play to any standard anymore - my only playing committment in 2008 was tuba at New Tyneside Orchestra and even that was becoming too hard to fit in.

I don't know how people play AND conduct in bands - either they have no other committments or are obsessed to the point of nothing else mattering. I doft my hat to them.

This decision will give me more time to spend with my family and more time to write music - something I have sadly abandoned in the last few years.

So no more noisy bass trombone solos!