Guy James, who has been the Musical Director of the Yarnton Band for over 25 years has been honoured by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire for his outstanding contribution to the community.

Great and valuable service

The focus of the annual awards this year was on youth projects associated with Music, Arts and Education, with Guy's outstanding work recognised with the presentation of a specially engraved certificate that came with the citation outlining his "great and valuable service to the people of Oxfordshire".

The band, which was formed in 1959 and is based in the small village about 4 miles northwest of Oxford, also benefitted with an award of £250.

Although they are a non-contesting ensemble (having last competed at the London Area in the early 1980s), Yarnton does take part in some events, and is the current Unregistered Section Oxfordshire & District BBA Winter Contest champion.

Guy's outstanding work was recognised with the presentation of a specially engraved certificate that came with the citation outlining his "great and valuable service to the people of Oxfordshire"4BR

Player goodbyes

They recently said goodbye to three talented young players who have gone on to enjoy university life: Solo horn Anna Hipkiss will head to Pembroke College in Cambridge, soprano Daniel Taylor will head to Sheffield and bass trombone Ciaran Bird will study in Bristol.

A band spokesperson said: "All three will be missed and we hope they return in the future."