4BR has been informed that after three and a half years in the Besses o’ th’ Barn' 'top chair', Jim Murray has relinquished his position as principal cornet.

Jim has taken the decision to dedicate more time to his wife who is due to undergo surgery in the near future.

Association

Jim's association with Besses stretches to close on 60 years — from a young cornet player with the famous Besses Boys Band through to the present day.

Band Chairman Matt Bailey told 4BR: "To describe Jim as a stalwart of the band would do him incredible injustice. Jim has dedicated his life to banding, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. For once though banding must come second to his family."

Jim has dedicated his life to banding, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. For once though banding must come second to his familyBesses o'th' Barn Band

Final performance

Jim's final performance as principal cornet will be at the band's concert at Radcliffe Civic Suite on the 5th July, where he will perform one of his favourite solos, ‘I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen’.

Return

News of the band's new principal cornet will be announced soon, and Jim has already given his approval and blessing to his replacement. He hopes to return to the band once all is settled.