After a long and successful playing career with the City of Hull Band, Tony Newiss has decided it’s time to go!
Tony has been a playing member with the band for over 20 years after coming to “help out “the then EYMS Band at a London Parks job in 2000 and has been ever present since. Having been elected Chair in late 2001 he developed a close relationship with our President and longtime sponsor (as EYMS Band) Peter Shipp.
He has played under at least 10 different Musical Directors and at 12 National Finals. He has overseen several band room moves culminating in the conversion of an Industrial unit into the bands current rehearsal facility The Maurice Metcalf band room.
In more recent times he helped the band navigate the challenges of the COVID pandemic.
Over the past 4 years since “Born on the Tide” in 2019 he has strengthened the links between the band and Hull’s fishing community and heritage. A recent highlight for the band was playing at the dedication of the long awaited and hard fought for Lost Trawlermen`s Memorial on St Andrews Quay.
When asked “Why now?” He replied “all good things come to an end at some point, I have enjoyed some great performances, lots of highs, a couple of lows and I have made many good friends along the way”. “Having stepped down as Chair in June 2023 the time just seems right for me to go now”
He leaves behind many lifelong friends and all would like to wish him well in whatever he chooses to do next…. I suspect it may involve a fishing rod and bivouac tent.