AFTER more than four decades of making 'fab music with wonderful people', the musical director and founder of the Okehampton Choral Society is stepping down from the hot seat.

John Holland moved to the town after getting a job as head of music at Okehampton College in 1971. As part of the role, the college wanted him to set up a college orchestra and choir and a community choral group.

The community choir started as an evening group with around 20 people in attendance on the first night and has grown in popularity and numbers from that day.

Mr Holland said: 'When I retired from the college 20 years ago, the community group became independent from the college and we get, on average, between 60 to 80 people attending now.'

Mr Holland is now retiring as director of the society after 43 years in the post.

He played his final concert last Friday at Fairplace Church.

He said: 'It has been an amazing journey. I have loads of fond memories having made fab music with some wonderful people over the years.

'We have been lucky enough to have done concerts with some famous soloists and choirs. Across the 43 years, I have seen a lot — it has been a very exciting ride.'

There will be no slowing down for Mr Holland, however, as he said his spare time will be filled with spending time with his grandchildren, continuing with musical activity at Fairplace Church and being involved in a number of projects at Okehampton College.

Choir member Bill Sutton-Coulson said the choral society was hugely grateful to john's commitment over the years.

He said: 'John Holland had the skill on piano and organ which could have led him to concert halls or to TV and radio.

'But his passion has always been to teach the love of music to young and old, and to inspire them with the joy of making music.

'At his two farewell concerts, the hall was packed with former members all anxious to show their support and appreciation for John's work over the past 43 years.

'Some of the members sing with church choirs across West Devon. The others would probably never have a sung a note after they left school if John had not formed OCS and worked so hard to keep it going.'

At his final concert , as he retired from being musical director, the members voted him honorary life president and gave him a presentation document to record their affection and gratitude for what he has done over so many years.

In an unscheduled presentation, two former pupils of Okehampton College, who are now active members of OCS, gave John a presentation glass bowl engraved with words: 'John, thank you for the music'.

Okehampton Choral Society starts the new year on January 19 with Richard Edwards as the new musical director. Richard also directs the Bondleigh Barn Band. Another retired schoolmaster, Richard sang for many years with the Queen's special choir at the Chapel Royal.

Now retired to North Tawton, he works closely with Roger Cleverdon —formerly of Westminster Abbey — with Sampford Courtenay and the Chagford church choirs.