Mark started to play the cornet aged 9 with the Wetherby Silver Band. Joining the Yorkshire and Humberside Youth Band when he was 12 brought him into contact with the late great George Thompson. Mark went to Grimethorpe every week for lessons with Mr Thompson for a number of years, and became the principal cornet of the Y&HBB.

Mark also played on the slow melody circuit culminating in winning the under 14 slow melody champion of Great Britain. He also became the Butlins slow melody champion.

At this time Mark also became the principal cornet of the Yorkshire Schools Band under Major Peter Parkes. He also became principal cornet of the Kippax Band, particularly enjoying the massed bands concert s at Sheffield City Hall with Grimethorpe Colliery Band.

During University in Sheffield Mark played with the Brodsworth Colliery Band under David James. In 1989 Mark picked up the Flugal Horn playing for ten years with the Wallace Arnold Rothwell Band winning the Grand Shield, and qualifying for the National finals in London, and featuring as the bands soloist at spennymoor brass in concert. This is also where he met his wife Michelle.

1999 saw Mark returning to the cornet joining Black Dyke for 5 years, travelling to Canada, America, Bermuda and winning the Nationals on Albion in 2001. In 2004 Mark joined the Brighouse and Rastrick band for the Open and the Nationals.

Following a break from playing Mark joined his wife Michelle playing with the Cory Band in Wales. The Band won the British Open in 2007, and the European in 2008.

Nearly 30 years on from travelling to Grimethorpe for cornet lessons. Mark has finally realised his early childhood dream of joining the Grimethorpe Colliery Band, and is looking forward to a long and successful association with this great band.

Mark has been married to Michelle for 10 years and has 2 children - Oliver 8 and Charlotte 4.