Born on 22nd Jan1955, Ian (Acer), was always destined to follow his father into the wonderful world of Brass Bands. He spent 31 years with the Berisfords Band through thick and thin until their demise in 1999. During his period with Berisfords, Acer spent time with the Cheshire Youth Band [ 3years], National Youth Band of Great Britain [2 years ] and the North West Area Youth Band [ 2 years]. During his Banding career, he toured abroad with Berisfords to Austria 4 times, Germany once, and Holland twice. With the Roberts Bakery Band, Acer visited Bad Schlema in southern Germany to participate in the Blasmusikfestival. He also toured the Isle of Man with with Walkden Band. Acer loves the contesting scene, competing all over the UK, including the Edinburgh contest [Tattoo weekend], and also the very last Belle-Vue contest. He's also performed at a night club in London, and also for a magazine shoot, cat walk models, which, to use Acers words "The Trommers loved it!". He's no stranger to the camera either, appearing on TV with Berisfords on the hit show "Opportunity Knocks" in the seventies, and later the children's show "Blue Peter", "The clothes show", and "Its a Knockout". He's also helped Fodens a couple of times with concerts at Winsford and Leek. 2001 saw Acer move to Silk Brass until 2005, and following a short break, he returned to the ranks to join Andy, Deborah and Scooby.

"Now in my 40th year of banding, made hundreds of friends in the band movement ,adore contesting, and helping out whenever I can. Lasting memory was the trombone section at Berisfords. Myself on solo trom, my father on 2nd trom, and George Walker on Bass Trom. 19 years unbroken service together with a wonderful understanding. Also playing along with the band at my fathers funeral, with band members carrying my father to be buried, I shall never forget it. back now with silk and loving every moment. I am a brassband fanatic and have to thank my father and Charlie Cook of fodens for not only teaching me, but giving me the brassband bug. To me, music is the food of life, and may we go on to great things with silk and win many contests in the future with Jim Cant at the helm."