OKEHAMPTON Excelsior Silver Band is seeing a change at the helm, with musical director Richard Beardon retiring and a new director appointed.

Richard, who has recently announced his retirement, has worked tirelessly over the years as the man in charge. He has not only improved the standard of the band at contest level but has also managed to maintain that standard.

A well-respected conductor within the brass band movement, he will be greatly missed in that role. The band are very excited to welcome Richard back as a playing member though, taking up a seat on the front row cornet.

His place as musical director is being taken by Bob Julian, who has a wealth of experience to share. He is also an eminent conductor, who earlier this year conducted Saltash Band in the 4th section at the West of England Championships and came 2nd, winning the band a place in the National Brass Band finals in September along with promotion to the 3rd section next year.

There are other changes, too, with the band having reluctantly accepted the resignation of their treasurer and solo horn player Val Isaac.

Val has been a stalwart for many years and has always held Okehampton Excelsior very close to her heart. She will be very much missed as a player and as a friend. The band has thanked her for all the hard work and dedication she has given the band and wish her every success for the future.

They are also pleased to announce Lauren Oliver as their new solo horn player. Lauren played for Mount Charles band and is a very accomplished horn player.  And trombonist Mary Rose has been welcomed back to the band after a few years’ break.

‘New players are always welcome,’ said a band spokesman. ‘One hundred per cent attendance is not necessary as we understand sometimes life gets in the way. We are very much ‘come when you can’ but we do like 100 per cent commitment when you can manage to come.’ For further details on joining the band contact Julie Hood at [email protected]