The Lydbrook Band's recent annual Christmas concert provided the opportunity to pay a 70th anniversary tribute to legendry euphonium player Lyndon Baglin BEM.

Lyndon was born in 1937 in the Forest of Dean village of Berry Hill. He joined the local band in 1949 on cornet before going on to become one of greatest euphonium players of his generation performing with the likes of CWS Manchester, Black Dyke, Brighouse & Rastrick, Stanshawe and Cory before returning to Lydbrook.

Name

He made his name with CWS Manchester under the baton of the quixotic Alex Mortimer, helping them to memorable major contest successes as well as becoming the Champion Soloist of Great Britain.

Work commitments moved Lyndon around the country, with his role as one of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Factories enabling him to enjoy tenures at Black Dyke and Brighouse and Rastrick where he helped them become World Champion.

Closer to home he joined the fledgling Stanshawe Band, being part of the band that enjoyed considerable major championship success, culminating in their win at the 1990 British Open.

In 1979 Lyndon became Musical Director of Lydbrook and in the next eight years helped inspire their rise from Third to Championship Section.

During his career he has been presented with many accolades, including the Insignia of Honour at the Royal Albert Hall in 1970 and in 2018, the British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours List4BR

Accolades

During his career he has been presented with many accolades, including the Insignia of Honour at the Royal Albert Hall in 1970 and in 2018, the British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for Services to Brass Band Music.

Tributes to Lyndon were paid by Lydbrook Band's Chairman Trevor Moss and Secretary Robert Morgan before two certificates were presented to him by his proud son Stuart, from the Gloucestershire Brass Band Association and Lydbrook Band.