Brian Eggleshaw, one of the great servants of Midlands banding has retired as General Secretary of the North East Midlands Brass Band Association after 53 years of active participation in the organisation.
Outstanding
Brian’s outstanding contribution as a committee member and General Secretary for nearly 40 years saw him receive numerous accolades and thanks.
Brian had been instrumental in organising numerous banding events and contests as well as being the ongoing driving force behind the resurgence of the Butlins Mineworkers Championship in Skegness.
Vice President
Also retiring after many years of invaluable service was Assistant Secretary Peter Pimperton. Both men graciously accepted invitations to become honorary Vice Presidents of the Association.
Honour
Brian told 4BR that he regarded his half a century with the organisation as an honour in itself: "I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It has been an honour to represent the Association and its member bands and it has been a privilege to have been able to serve banding in this way."
I’m happy to be able to see younger people come on board at NEMBBA but I’m still working hard for the Butlins Mineworkers Contest and I will be sending out details for the 2012 event in the very near futureBrian Eggleshaw
Not retiring completely
Brian has no intentions of retiring completely – not with his on-going commitment to the Butlins contest.
"I’m happy to be able to see younger people come on board at NEMBBA but I’m still working hard for the Butlins Mineworkers Contest and I will be sending out details for the 2012 event in the very near future."
Brian is also hoping to keep his local hand in too: "I will still be looking after the Long Service Awards for the Association and if I can be of any assistance I will be. Banding is in my blood."
New members
Two new committee members have stepped into new NEMBBA organisational roles, with Adam Whittle and Antony Hodgkinson taking the opportunity to follow both Brain and Peter’s fine example of giving something back to the banding movement.