Renfrew Burgh soprano player George Mullin recently enjoyed a surprise party, where he received a medal from the Scottish Brass Band Association in recognition of 50 years of outstanding dedication to the band and the wider movement.

During his half century he has played under no less than 15 MDs — enjoying a rollercoaster of banding life that has brought spells of success interspersed with leaner periods. Highlights include numerous competition victories including wins at the Scottish Championships, and playing with the band at the National Finals.

He continues to be regularly featured as a soloist and often performs 'The Last Post' on Remembrance Sunday.

Dedication

George's dedication to the band has been such that as a youngster he took three buses to get to practice and then back home and more latterly has seen him become a hard working Band Manager — all supported by his wife Jean.

He told 4BR: "The evening came as a total surprise. My wife, Jean, was in on it from the beginning and hadn't said a word. I can't believe it's 50 years. Things have changed quite a lot in that time but I still enjoy it so I'll keep working hard for the band on and off stage."

George decided to take up playing after hearing a friend play the trumpet, and decided he wanted in on the action.

As a youngster, he played with Glasgow Schools Band, becoming its principal cornet player before joining Renfrew Burgh on third cornet in 1968 as a fresh-faced 14-year-old and working his way up the section. Soon he settled on soprano, where he has remained ever since.

Outstanding

Band Chairman, David Hoey told 4BR: "George embodies all that is great about the brass band movement. A talented musician, his playing has been a key part of Renfrew's success over the past five decades.

Off stage, his contribution has been enormous, carrying out many of the tasks which are crucial to the continued existence of any amateur organisation. George is a true gentleman, an outstanding bandsman and Renfrew through and through."

George is a true gentleman, an outstanding bandsman and Renfrew through and throughBand Chairman, David Hoey

Privilege

Meanwhile, Tom Allan, Secretary of the Scottish Brass Band Association, added: "It was a privilege to present George with his Life Membership Medal for 50 years of service to brass banding — and all of it to the same band, a somewhat unique achievement these days.

The number of players and former players at the presentation was a clear sign of their appreciation for his unwavering commitment to Renfrew Burgh Band over the decades."

With thanks to Mark Good