Mel started the Tenor Horn with the water Band in 1977 .In 1982 she moved to the Goodshaw Band which at the time was conducted by Bert Howarth. In 1985 she moved to the Stackstead (Bacup) Band. Whilst she was there she met her husband Phil, who plays Solo Euphonium with the band. They married in 1992.

In 2001 she returned to the BMP Europe Goodshaw Band after helping the band out at a concert. Mel is fund Raising Co-ordinator for the band and has been responsible for several grants which the band have received.

She has been employed at St. Anselms Primary School since 2002.