York Railway Institute has re-appointed a new principal cornet — half a century after the player first occupied the end chair of the band.

Graham Walker returns 50 years after he first occupied the 'top man' role back in 1966, a position he took up after his student studies to pursue a career in teaching in the area.

Imps

He joined with Margaret his wife and played with the band until 1969 when he became Principal Cornet of Yorkshire Imperial Metals Band during a time when they were regarded as one of the finest bands in the world.

Graham's return to York Railway Institute could not be better timed, with his birthday coinciding with the North of England Championship Section taking place in Durham on Sunday 12th March.

It will also see him reacquainted with the test-piece 'Pageantry' on which he won the British Open in 1970 with 'Imps' and the Yorkshire Area contest in 1977.

Memories

Graham told 4BR: "Lots of memories will abound at the Area Contest this year — a lifetime of enjoyable banding, over sixty years. I'm grateful to the band for giving me this opportunity to create even more happy memories."

Another coincidence will see Graham and Margaret's son Alexander and granddaughter Georgia also playing 'Pageantry' — although they will be playing with Newstead Band at the Midlands Area Championships.

Lots of memories will abound at the Area Contest this year — a lifetime of enjoyable banding, over sixty years. I'm grateful to the band for giving me this opportunity to create even more happy memoriesGraham Walker

Wealth of experience

York RI Musical Director David Lancaster told 4BR: "Graham brings a wealth of experience and it's an enormous pleasure to have him lead our cornet section.

I look forward to every rehearsal because there are always magical moments when he is involved, particularly in the lyrical cornet solos of the second movement.

Graham is an inspirational musician and his support in helping to rebuild the playing strength of the band is much appreciated."