Langholm Town Band recently celebrated the outstanding lifetime of service of two of their stalwart members with a surprise party with friends and family.

Over 65 years service

Ian Hotson and David Calvert have each played with the Scottish band for over 65 years, with Ian only 'semi-retiring' from active playing service in 2017 as the bass drum player on marches.

Meanwhile, David continues to play and will once again take his seat in the ranks for the forthcoming Scottish Championships in Perth in March.

it was remarked that it was unlikely that there will too many others like them in the banding world — although both replied that they are hoping to make it to 75 years and more!4BR

SBBA presentations

Tom Allan and Peter Fraser of the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) presented certificates and ties to recognise the duo's outstanding commitment to Langholm and the wider Scottish brass banding movement, and remarked that it was unlikely that there will too many others like them in the banding world — although both replied that they are hoping to make it to 75 years and more!

The band also presented Ian and David with canvas collages of their time with the band on what was a wonderful evening of celebration in honour two of Scottish banding's most popular people.