The Wadhurst Band from East Sussex is celebrating the news that their founder and Musical Director Edward Hoare has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Great success

‘Algy’, as he is affectionately known, formed a school band in Wadhurst, where he was a woodwork teacher in the late 1950’s, later developing it into an adult non-contesting band with great success.

They current organisation is now an integral part of community life in the village which has a population of around 5,000, performing numerous concerts — including one on the very day the announcement was made.

Life long dedication

Band Manager John Whitehead told 4BR that the award reflects the conductor’s life-long dedication to music making in the East Sussex area and beyond.

"He’s a wonderful man who has done so much for the community through his passion for music for well over 50 years. He has conducted the band almost continually since its formation and through his dedication and passion we also enjoy wonderful support from the village.

Everyone associated with the band and the in local community is delighted that he has been given this deserved honour."

Hundreds of people have enjoyed making music because of Algy over the years – and the BEM is a wonderful way that his outstanding contribution to community life has been recognisedJohn Whitehead

Typical

John added that it was typical of the man that even on the day of the announcement he was conducting the band at a local event.

"Nothing stops Algy – and it was only until the announcement came over the tannoy from that the whole of the village knew about it. He was more concerned about conducting the next piece!"

He concluded: "Hundreds of people have enjoyed making music because of Algy over the years – and the BEM is a wonderful way that his outstanding contribution to community life has been recognised."