A Huge thank you to everyone who put forward a nomination, we have received 40 nominations in total which is great to see.
We will work through the nominations and will look to announce the winner on 1st January 2026
The British Bandsman is delighted to share with you all the wonderful nominations for Bands Person on the Year for 2025.
The remit for the nominations was as follows:
‘Here is your chance to nominate your Bands Person of the Year for 2025, there are so many wonderful people who go above and beyond for banding and this is your chance to say thank you.’
With 40 nominations the task of choosing the winning entry was very difficult, but I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the wonderful comments made in these nominations.
I hope that all of those nominated get to read what has been said about them and thank you to everyone who sent in a nomination.
The nominees will be shown in last name alphabetical order, some nominations are quite short and some are very long, some individuals get more that one nomination. The video will stay on the longer nominations for longer, but if you don’t have time to read it all then please ether replay the video, pause the video or head to The British Bandsman Website and all of the nominations are available to see.
The music accompanying the entries are both from BrassFestUK projects and were recorded by the wonderful Cory Band and the sheet music can be purchased from the Brass Band Music Shop www.brassband.co.uk the pieces are titled ‘The Spirit of Brass’ and ‘Essence of Brass’ by Gavin Somerset.
Annan, George
I would like to nominate George Annan, as Bands Person 2025, as someone who goes above and beyond in every possible way. George embodies the very spirit of community music-making in a way that has enriched both the band and the wider Perthshire banding community and his dedication, leadership and enthusiasm has shaped Perthshire Brass.
Perthshire Brass has a proud and unique history, one that cannot be told without the Annan family at its heart. The band was founded in 1978 by the late George Annan (Snr), a respected local teacher whose vision for a community brass band flourished for nearly half a century.
In 2010, leadership passed to George, who has continued the same traditions of mentorship, musicianship, and community spirit. Under his direction, Perthshire Brass has maintained, and expanded, its reputation for quality, warmth and civic engagement. This continuity is not simply a passing of roles, but a continuation of a legacy. George honours his father’s foundations while adding his own strengths, values, and vision to the band’s ongoing journey.
Perthshire Brass is widely recognised for its contribution to civic life: performing regularly at local events, supporting charitable organisations and acting as an ambassador for Perth at home and abroad. The band’s tours, most recently to Aschaffenburg, Perth’s German twin city, reflect not only musical excellence but the goodwill and fellowship that George and the band cultivate.
Their performances abroad strengthen international links and continue long-standing relationships with many of Perth’s twin cities. This sense of pride, representation, and cultural exchange is made possible by George’s organisation, energy, and the welcoming atmosphere he fosters within the band.
Alongside his musical responsibilities, George works professionally as a Youth Work Manager, dedicating himself to supporting young people and the youth workers who guide them. His passion for youth work is deep and unmistakably intertwined with his musical leadership. He brings the same patience, encouragement and care to Perthshire Brass, ensuring younger members feel welcomed, valued, and supported. Many young players credit George with giving them confidence, opportunities, and a space where they feel part of something meaningful. His dual commitment to music and to young people is one of his most defining strengths.
George goes far beyond the duties traditionally associated with a Musical Director. His contributions include:
• Investing countless hours outside rehearsals to organise events, tours and logistics
• Providing personal support to members, offering guidance, reassurance and encouragement
• Building a positive culture grounded in respect, humour and belonging
• Actively supporting the community, ensuring the band contributes meaningfully to civic life
• Sustaining Perthshire Brass through change and challenge, always with optimism and determination
His leadership is steady, kind, and unassuming, qualities that can’t be measured but are felt by everyone who has the pleasure of working with him. George’s influence reaches far beyond the rehearsal room. His commitment to Perthshire Brass, to young people, and to the wider banding community is remarkable. The band is stronger, more cohesive, and more community minded because of him.
Austin, Adrian
Adrian Austin - our new conductor since March 2025.
Adrian has joined the Skipton Brass whilst studying at Huddersfield uni. He started with us back in March and has made a huge impact on the band. Developing the confidence of players and the standard of our music. During his short time with us so far he has managed to push the band and bring the lesser experienced players on by selecting music to suit and challenge all abilities as well as rewriting arrangements along the way. He arranged the music for the band to play in the final scene of All Creatures Great and Small and also worked with a local composer to bring his newly written piece to fruition - which was then played at Remembrance Day in Skipton this year. We recently played to a sellout audience in a joint concert in the town hall and again he used his skills to adapt music so the choir and band could sing together and conducted the choir and band together - making sure both groups shone within the arrangement. His first formal concert was a huge success and his dedication to the far goes far beyond the rehearsal room. He also volunteers to fetch and take players home from time to time when necessary and nothing is too much. As well as playing himself with Hammonds, he has juggled rehearsals, uni work and Skipton Brass and for someone so young in years, his experience is way beyond what you would expect and he is a true bandsman through and through. The band have made massive progress in the short time he has been with us and we hope to continue this journey into 2026 and see where he can take us.
Barton, Stuart
I’m nominating Stuart Barton. The driving force behind 3 new contests in the brass band calendar and the conductor of Red Admiral Brass. Stuart works tirelessly organising the three contests hosted by Red Admiral Brass and Leyland Band, Reds Entertainment, Reds March and Hymn and Fleetwood Contest. These three new events have been really popular and with more to come to help the grass roots and banding community in the fields of adjudication and performance he is a massive advocate for excellence and inclusion. He also conducts Red Admiral Brass who in its 10th year this time qualified for its first nationals and came 4th representing our local community. On top of all that Stuart is a talented corner player and member of the Leyland Band. If Brass Banding had more Stuart Barton’s. The whole movement would be amazing! He deserves all the praise possible.
Bennet, Shirley
(Nomination 1)
I'd like to nominate Shirley Bennett, Secretary and Principal Euphonium of the Arbroath and Carnoustie Band and a life member of SBBA with 44 years commitment to the band - following in her father's footsteps (our honorary president), with her daughter Holly one of our baritone players. It has been a hugely successful year for the band, which almost folded after Covid. Due to the exceptional hard work of many people, including Neill our new MD, the band has been transformed to now being regional and British 4th section champions, and 4th section band of the year for the SBBA. Shirley has been at the heart of this. I joined the committee last year and got a new insight into the huge amount of work Shirley puts in to keep the band running smoothly, making sure information is communicated clearly, ensuring a full band is in place for each event, and becoming our de facto contest secretary as well; with her main contact for the Nationals expressing to me at the draw in Cheltenham that he wished every band secretary was like Shirley! Though she works tirelessly, she's not trying to do everything and has also been overseeing the process of drawing new people into different roles, supporting them as they take on new responsibilities. She is also the go-to person if anyone in the band is struggling with anything, effectively acting as a welfare officer, and I've seen how much confidence the players - and committee members - have in her as someone who will listen and support where she can.
She is also very keen to ensure that everyone who contributes in and around the band is acknowledged and appreciated. We have a small training band, with some younger players who are also being integrated into the main band - my own son (now 13) has been welcomed in as one of the bass players for all of our contests this year, and Shirley has been exceptional in encouraging him and the other younger players, helping them feel welcome and comfortable in the band, and giving parents real confidence that the kids will be well looked after, backed up by her diligence as Safeguarding Officer; in a year when the Safeguarding regulations in Scotland have changed, she has dealt with the additional work extremely well. On top of all this, as our principal euphonium Shirley has played beautifully in both our major contests this year, nailing the solo euph parts! But as well as being a wonderful contest player, she is one of those players who will turn up at every event, no matter how small an ensemble or how low profile it is. It's no surprise that in our own band awards she won Player of the Year, Player's Player of the Year, and led the euphs and baris to Section of the Year - she deserves all the recognition she gets for her extraordinary work this year.
(Nomination 2)
Shirley has been, and is, the backbone of Arbroath and Carnoustie Band. She brings a real sense of joy and reassurance to the organisation, always putting others before herself. She provides a friendly face and welcoming environment to which everyone in the organisation benefits from, including players and their families.
The band nearly folded a couple of years ago due to the detrimental effect of the pandemic, however Shirley (secretary and solo euphonium of the band) put her all into keeping the organisation running.
She is a well-rounded person who deserves this award for her hard work, dedication and commitment to our band.
(Nomination 3)
I would like to nominate Shirley Bennett from Arbroath and Carnoustie Band. Shirley is the Secretary and principal euphonium player for the band. She goes above and beyond daily for the band and players. She supports every player individually and provides a platform for their well-being. I feel Shirley should be recognised for the amazing work she does without question. Thank you.
Caldwell, Graham
I'd like to nominate Graham Caldwell. Solo Horn with Clackmannan District Brass Band. Graham has played now for approx. 45 years - always with the same band. Originally Alloa Burgh band (later Clackmannan District Brass Band after the amalgamation with Alva Town Band) Graham has been on the committee for many years, along with being band librarian and registration secretary. He is now the overall secretary too- doing an absolutely amazing job - especially at this time of year! Along with managing a very busy paid job!
We do hold our own band awards - where he's been awarded player of the year, as well as his section (the horns) picking up best section a couple of times. However, he has never had the recognition for all his hard work with the 'band management ' and I know he'd be absolutely chuffed if he were to achieve the accolade of British Bandsman 'bands person of the year' as he is the epitome of a true bands person!
Coquoz, Jeremy
Jeremy Coquoz is the most down-to-earth and nicest person there is. He is the best soprano cornet player in the world. The control, the finesse, the technique... there is nothing he cannot play. And... he is an absolute team player. He plays with you and not for himself.
Crockford, Kevin
Kevin Crockford a great soprano, top class player for so long and still winning prizes. Also a lovely guy who encourages lots of players.
Curren, Margaret
(Nomination 1)
I wish to nominate Margaret Curren she is always thinking of others plays whenever she can also plays whatever is required she has been a member of the Hayfield band as long as i can remember and was heavily involved with the merge of Hatfield and Askern colliery band to keep music alive in Doncaster.
(Nomination 2)
Margaret Curran member of Hatfield and Askern band all her banding life which is about 65yrs Margaret will fill any empty seat to help and her dedication unmeasurable.
Dickie, Ian
Ian Dickie
My dad, who is retired bandmaster of Bellshill Salvation Army!
After 25 years conducting Bellshill he has since helped a struggling and aging band at Hamilton conducting and training the band for the last 8 years.
9 years ago he setup a Christian band open to everyone over the summer months when traditional Salvation Army bands stop for summer break.
Numbers of this has reach an incredible 70 players at times, ranging from beginners to people who haven’t played an instrument in years to current championship section champion players.
The encouragement and impact this band has had on many is incredible.
Douglas, Alan
(Nomination 1)
On behalf of the cooperation band I would like to nominate our band manager, Alan Douglas. Over the last few years Alan has been the beating heart of the band. He is ever present at all band engagements on and off the stage. He has been the driving force on so many projects that the band has been involved in. Our ever increasing and successful Youth Band - and inspiring the next generation of musicians, securing new percussion equipment with Adams musical instruments, constantly working on funding applications - some of which have been used to commission new music for Brass in Concert, recently relocating to a new band hall, supporting our new 1st baritone player - Grant Henderson, organising exciting projects with the Wallace Collection and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and ensuring that band members are where they need to be at the right time and have everything they need. He also contributes musically in the 2nd baritone seat with consistency at the highest level of contesting and performance. His communication and organisation skills have added to a period of growth and success on the contest platform - notably our recent win at Brass in Concert. His selfless commitment to our band is truly inspiring and has added to a culture where all band members understand and respect the work that goes on behind the scenes. He has built strong relationships with other elite bands in Europe where best practices are shared to ensure we reach our goals.
He allows visiting conductors to stay in his home (free of charge) and is constantly offering lifts to and from band who may have difficulties with transport. Alan has also implemented a structure where others are empowered (and supported by him) to take control of certain events, concerts and other responsibilities within the band. We are truly blessed to have such a hardworking, committed, skilled, knowledgeable and proactive leader within our organisation and we look forward to an exciting future with Alan as our band manager.
(Nomination 2)
I would like to nominate the Cooperation Bands, Band Manager and 2nd Baritone player Alan Douglas. The Cooperation band has had a significant overhaul in terms of management and governance since Alan took over. His work ethic and commitment are truly inspirational but his leadership and management skills are second to none. It is no surprise that our recent levels of performance have significantly improved since Alan took over the management position.
He has also kicked off the youth band, a project that was long overdue and spoken about for many years.
The band manager position is not one that traditionally gets awarded however in Alan’s case he deserves public praise. It’s exciting to see where the band can go to under his tenure.
Dunn, Christine
Christine Dunn is East Riding of Yorkshire Bands treasurer. CJ as she's known to the band does all the bands rehearsal room organising, she organises all the concerts, she sorts out all the music, she helps organise deps for concerts and all this on top of her role as treasurer.
Edmond, Angus
Angus Edmond. Solo Cornet, Newtongrange Band. Services to Scottish Brass Band Association for over 50 years. Still playing as well as ever!
Elliot, Robin
Robin Elliot goes above and beyond for Bratton’s silver Band and the Bratton community brass bands organisation. This year he has stood in as chairman after ours was injured in an accident, and he has been one of a small hardworking team that helped us successfully achieve charity status. He is the man who has created the ”BCBB brand” and thanks to him we now have beautiful logos for all three bands and the organisation itself, smart clothing and beautiful banners. He has exceedingly high standards so anything we have branded with the logos he quality checks for perfection before it is accepted. He designs beautiful concert posters and also excels at advertising on social media. This winter he has spent hours painstakingly creating a full-length animation of the Snow Queen for our Christmas concerts and introduced even more lighting and special effects. He has designed merchandise to help to try and boost our funds, even designing and 3D printing sleighs to be pulled by chocolate reindeer to accompany our snow queen programme. Earlier in the year he created an entertaining video accompaniment for our Music from the Movies concert. He is a dedicated trombone player who travels quite a distance to have trombone lessons from a teacher who he feels is most suited to him and is always helpful and encouraging to everyone in the band. BCBB would not be the success it is without Robin.
Goodall, Alisdair
I would like to Alisdair Goodall. Alisdair is a member of kings lynn town band and has for over 65 years been a member of Dereham band too before he left this year. Alisdair runs our learner’s class and he attends every week without fail to take the youngsters through their paces He never fails. He delivers lessons with patience and a style that puts everyone at ease. The band has had 3 new members this year as a result of the learner’s class. He maintains our band room too
With impeccable cleanliness (including keeping the loo clean and tidy) he printed carol song sheets for us and is always ready with a helping hand. Every band needs an Alisdair. He will probably be very cross and won’t take any gifts so I thought this would be something I can do to say thank you Alisdair.
Grayson, Jeannette
Jeannette Grayson is one of those people who quietly holds the whole band together. She shows up, every single time, with commitment, patience, and a level of reliability the rest of us basically aspire to. Whether it’s rehearsals, concerts, last-minute emergencies, or the odd “can someone please sort this?” moment, Jeannette is already there doing it before anyone’s even asked.
She sets the tone with her work ethic, helps others without fuss, and brings a calm steadiness that makes the band better - not just musically, but as a community. She’s supportive, approachable, and always willing to put in the extra effort that nobody sees but everybody feels.
In short, Jeannette embodies what it means to be a true bandsman: dedicated, dependable, and absolutely integral to the heart of the band. That’s why she deserves this nomination.
Griffin, Hannah
Hannah Griffin developed the idea of a course for adult beginner brass players. In September 2024 she launched the first course with 9 beginners. The course ran for 8 weeks with the help of some of Hannah's experienced brass playing friends. At the end of the course this developed into Egham Community Band, with those Hannah had enlisted to help teach either continuing to support the beginners or picking up a new instrument themselves. Egham Community Band continued to grow, drawing in brass players from other bands who have taken up a new instrument and people returning to brass playing after many years. Through Hannah's guidance and enthusiasm Egham Community Band now has 33 members, some who joined following Hannah's second adult brass course which she ran in September 2025. The band rehearse weekly and have put on concerts and performed in local parks and events.
This is a unique project in our area, I am not aware of another band locally that has such a scheme running.
Groombridge, Nathan
Nathan Groombridge embodies the heartbeat of our band and in so much deserves to be named The British Bandsman’s, bands person of the year.
Joining The Langley Band in June 2014 he has worked tirelessly both as an instrumentalist (moving from the cornet bench to become one of our finest featured soloists on Flugelhorn) where his performances capture and captivate our audiences and as treasurer, steering the band’s finances. Nathan has been instrumental (pardon the pun) in gaining grants and sponsorships which have helped the band to keep going in the leanest of times and seeing our bands thrive again post COVID. Add to this, his talent for building the programmes and creating the accompanying visual presentations for our concerts and entertainment contests, I’m sure you’ll agree, Nathan is invaluable to our band family.
Nathan is also a dedicated supporter of our thriving Community Band who welcome players of all ages and standards to the band room and who are conducted by the inimitable Saphran Ali.
A true bandsman at heart, Nathan selflessly makes himself available to support other local bands ensuring that bands in our area continue to grow and thrive.
Nathan Groombridge: Bands person of the year? We certainly think so!
Harrison, Sam
I’d like to nominate Sam Harrison from Elland Silver Band.
Her dedication to the cause of faultless. Every single week over 150 musicians come through the door and she knows all of them.
Without her Elland wouldn’t happen and I think she’s 100% worth a mention
Johns, Sarah
I would like to nominate Redruths very own Sarah Johns. So hugely dedicated, moved instruments to support in other areas, a long-standing committee member always there for pretty much every gig, supportive and even supports where needed to collect. An all-round incredible member of the band and we are so lucky to have her.
Lewis, John
I would like to nominate John Lewis for Bandsman of the Year in recognition of his exceptional dedication, enthusiasm, and tireless commitment to Parc and Dare Band.
John goes far beyond what could reasonably be expected of any individual. He constantly searches for grants and funding opportunities to ensure the long-term future of the band, working relentlessly behind the scenes to keep Parc and Dare thriving as a charity. Without his determination and persistence, many opportunities for young musicians simply would not exist.
At the heart of everything John does is a genuine belief in giving young people a chance. He runs the Parc and Dare Training Band with passion and care, creating a welcoming and supportive environment where young players can develop not only their musical ability, but also their confidence, friendships, and sense of belonging. Through his leadership, young musicians are able to progress, perform, and compete alongside their friends—experiences that leave a lasting impact well beyond the band room.
John’s enthusiasm is infectious. He inspires players of all ages, brings people together, and fosters a strong sense of community and teamwork throughout the organisation. His commitment has made it possible for generations of young players to grow within the band, ensuring its success both now and for the future.
For his unwavering dedication, selfless service, and profound impact on Parc and Dare Band and its members, John Lewis is a truly deserving recipient of the Bandsman of the Year award.
Marshall, Rebecca
I would like to nominate Rebecca Marshall. Today the Hatfield & Askern Colliery Band have performed for the first time three performances of The Snowman. Becca from start to first her organisation was phenomenal. She is a great bands person.
Marshall, Richard
Richard Marshall- The Goat, truly inspiring on so many levels, a gentleman and a legend.
Marzella Wheeler, Katrina
Katrina Marzella Wheeler, Conductor
First Female Conductor of the European Brass Band Championship, with the Cooperation Band, she led the band to a wonderful and deserved 5th place, with an amazing 2nd place as the Test Piece (they may deserve the first place in my opinion), the best result of the band since 2004 (best result for Scotland too). She confirms her amazing work by winning the Brass In Concert, leading an outstanding program.
Masseu, Denise
In 2024 Denise celebrated 50 years of being a member of Driffield Silver Band. Denise was the first woman to join DSB. Today as a direct result Denise pioneering, over half of the band’s membership is made up female players. Denise dedicated her 51 years with the band to mentoring brass players within the DSB/ East Riding Youth band and the local area
Denise was a steward of DSB. Whenever I think of Denise she brings a smile and she had a profound impact on more lives than she’ll ever know.
Denise passed at the end on November 2025
McDonald, Neill
Neill McDonald
Conductor of Arbroath and Carnoustie Band.
He took over as MD in 2024 after we were down to 14 members.
His inspiration, talent, dedication and hard work gave us back our belief. In 2025 he led the band to win the Scottish Championship 4th Section.
We had been unable to compete the Year before.
Neill also plays in Unite the Union Kinneil Band as well as The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
He leads a A Scratch Band at Whit Friday each year.
This year he has also become a father of twins this year. Not content with all that we also became National Champions in Cheltenham in September and beat all 2nd section bands in November at the Challenge Shield.
We are Scottish Brass Band of the Year 2025 and none of that would be possible without him
He painstakingly produced practice notes for each player on their own parts for all contests and works tirelessly for perfection.
He is an inspiration.
McLeary, Matthew
I’m nominating Matthew McLeary of the City of Chester Bluecoat Band, for his contribution he does for the main band , the Academy band and the Junior band, he goes out of his way to pick players up and brings them home, he sets up stands and takes percussion in his car when they play in concerts and fetes, he’s a stalwart of the band, never misses practise and works full time, he would be the perfect candidate for Band person of the year.
Nordli, Vidar
I would like to nominate Vidar Nordli, solo trombonist in the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag. The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra has been ranked among the world’s best orchestras, and for many years Vidar Nordli has been regarded as one of the finest solo trombonists in the brass band movement.
O’Reilly, Kathleen
I wish to nominate Kathleen O’Reilly of Footscray Yarraville City Band and Footscray Yarraville Western Brass (Australia).
It is something special to be nominated bands person of the year with one band, but an incredible feat to be voted by your peers in two bands as the Bands person of the year as Kathleen was at the 2025 AGM. Kathleen is a champion of community banding, not only as a musician as Principal Cornet with Western Brass and backrow cornet with FYCB, but also as a committee member and social media aficionado. Kathleen lifts both bands by example with a penchant for community values, unwavering patience and musical excellence. Both bands have celebrated contesting and performance success because of Kathleen’s commitment to the organisation.
Parkinson, James
My nomination is for James Parkinson from KNDS Fairey Band.
On top of being an excellent horn player, he is the inspiration behind the Wallace & Gromit (Wrong trousers & Grand day out) film productions which have now been adopted by other Championship section bands following in Faireys footsteps.
On top of this, he has produced the incredibly difficult Shaun the sheep "The Flight Before Christmas" film soundtrack incorporating the “click track” to ensure all sound effects are in synch to the film.
James has also produced video effects to our Acid Brass project using clips from 808 state and other Acid house groups as well as self-produced effects and lighting.
Another one of his projects was acquiring the film accompaniment to the “Pictures at an exhibition” where each movement is accompanied by a themed film effect.
James is constantly creating new innovative projects for the band and is expanding the bands repertoire and portfolio which is being adopted by other bands and enhancing the brass band audience spectrum, attracting new “non brass band” audiences to our gigs and productions.
His work is inspiring children to take up playing a brass instrument with our interactive W&G concerts and “Space themed” concerts where he produced an interactive game for children to play on their mobiles alongside the band playing “Space Invaders”.
James is an inspiration and is constantly thinking of new and innovative ways of developing the brass band movement and making it more attractive to audiences and children.
Paul, Sarah
Sarah Paul - she is the secretary of Skipton Brass and works tirelessly to organise all the events we take part in throughout the year. She has been in position for years and we wouldn’t be able to do any of the things we do were it not for her. Sarah also plays horn in the band and has previously played cornet and flugel. She came to banding as she needed something to do while she brought her daughters to Skipton in the evenings and found the band to be a great distraction from her everyday life up on the family farm out in the Dales. In more recent years her farm appeared on All Creatures Great and Small which opened the door to the band being asked to appear on the last episode on series six where they played in an iconic scene on top of the hills are the beacons were being lit as well as appearing as extras in the village fete scene celebrating VJ Day. She is an amazing person and the band are so grateful to have her. As well as being the secretary, she is also the provider of chairs, transporter of the gazebo and also the general make it happen person. Every band needs a Sarah and we are so pleased she is ours.
Plumridge, Hannah
I nominate Hannah Plumridge of Cory Band. Her commitment, loyalty and willingness to play where asked are exemplary. Also her support of other band members both on and off stage.
Rayner, John
John has devoted scores of years to brass banding. He will be 87 years old in January. He has been an inspiration to many over the years, leading several different bands in his area of Hampshire including Downton Band in Wiltshire, Ringwood and Burley Band in Hampshire, The Royal British Legion Band in Wilton, Wiltshire (current) and Ferndown Brass on Dorset (also current). He still travels miles with his daughter (1st cornet) every week to his 2 bands, even when he's not well. Several of his adult children are accomplished brass players, inspired by their dad throughout their lifetime. It would be great to honour his lifetime of duty to brass banding.
Robertson, Chris
I would like to nominate Chris Robertson on Solo Euphonium from the Brighouse and Rastrick Band. He's a superb player and definitely deserves recognition this year for all the hard work he puts into solos and performances. Also the absolute fantastic talent he displays. I have been blown away with his Playing!!
Spence, Gregor
I am nominating Gregor Spence, band manager for Flowers Band.
Not only is he a great Eb Bass player but he works tirelessly for the band, sorting new concerts and venues, liaising with composers for potential new compositions, sorting rehearsal venues, implementing new fund raising initiatives, implementing tutor workshops and joint concerts with other bands of all abilities, presenting at and working alongside BBE but mostly (for Flowers band being able to represent England at the 2026 European championships and the World championships) found funding for the band through applying for grants and funds that no one else in the band would be able to do.
Plus many many other things - an absolute star and definitely worthy of this recognition
Flowers band are so lucky to be privileged to have Gregor in our band.
Toase, Rosalind
My nomination is to Mrs Rosalind Toase she is the MD of Hartland Town Band and does such amazing work. She has been the MD for 3 years and has taken the band from strength to strength. She works so hard in and out of the band room doing various things and we are all proud to call her our MD as well as our friend.
She also teaches our 'training band' and has brought them along so much this year as well. This is also a player who can switch from a Trombone to a cornet with no trouble at all. She really is a jack of all trades and truly deserves recognition for what she does. Well done Ros!!
Westbury Cook, Catherine
I am nominating Catherine Westbury Cook. She conducts our community band. She loves to have old and young playing together. She helps us play challenging pieces and fun pieces and she always makes us laugh. She likes to get us doing crazy things like wearing sombreros or being swanky whistles. At every gig we do we have a funky sock competition with a prize! She is great at sending messages letting us know that we should be practicing. She also is part of our safeguarding team giving up her time to make sure everyone in our band is safe. She likes to encourage people in the band to go and hear other bands playing too.
I would like to make special mention for some of the nominations that truly touched me, George Annan, Graham Caldwell, John Rayner and Denise Masseu
I have made the decision that the winning nomination and Bands Person of the Year for 2025 will be awarded to Shirley Bennett.
Well done to Shirley and many thanks to all the nominees for their hard work in keeping banding going.
I wish you all a wonderful 2026 and look forward to reading news of your bands across the year.
