Linda started her brass playing adventure at secondary school. Her music teacher was a tuba player in Kettering Salvation Army and thought it would be a good instrument for her to learn. She then progressed to Daventry Brass Band and the Northamptonshire County Youth Brass Band conducted by John Berryman.

After leaving school in 1980, Linda became one of the first women to gain a place at the Royal College of Music in London to study tuba, and was taught by John Jenkins. Whilst a student she played for the Hanwell Band in west London conducted by Ian Johnson.

After graduating, Linda moved back to Northamptonshire and became a primary school teacher. She then spent many happy years playing for bands in the Midlands including Jaguar Cars (City of Coventry), Kibworth Band, GUS, Jaguar Land Rover and William Davis Construction Group. During this period Linda had the opportunity to work with notable conductors including Ray Farr, Major Peter Parkes, Ian Scott and again John Berryman. This time included many contest performances including at the National Finals, The British Open and The All England Masters as well as broadcasts on Radio 2 and Radio 3 and memorable concerts.

Upon retiring from work Linda and her partner Bob, who she met through banding, moved to North Yorkshire and was delighted to be able to join Easington Colliery. When asked why she is prepared to travel so far to band she said, 'Playing in a band is such a great joy and a privilege. Easington is a fabulous band with a proud history, ambition, excellent players and conductors. Why wouldn't you want to be a part of that'.

Linda Hobbs

Eb Bass