THE conductor of Okehampton Excelsior Band has retired, after more than 30 years with the group.
Reg Beardon, 69, was also director of music with the band. He was presented with a gold pocket watch in recognition of his services at the band?s Christmas dinner, held in the function room of the Plume of Feathers recently.
Reg said: ?I joined this band in 1949 ? before that I was with the Okehampton Borough Band, that was a council-run band.
?Thirty-one years is a long time to be a musical director ? I think it?s one of the longest in the county actually.
?It?s a lot of commitment ? not that I mind that ? but I think it?s time for someone younger to have a go.?
Reg, who started playing the cornet when he was just nine years old, said he will continue to play with the band, with which he has shared many happy memories, particularly the twinning visits with the Stuttgart Wesseling Band.
Des Lawe, who is also the band?s chairman, will take on the role of conductor until the band?s annual meeting in April.
He paid tribute to Reg?s hard work on behalf of the band during the last 31 years.
Des said: ?He has been such a dedicated person ? it?s all voluntary and he?s done all the training. He must have trained hundreds of children over the years, he?s given his life to the band really.?
Des said Okehampton Excelsior Band is always keen to hear from people who would like to join the group, which at present has about 30 players.
The band practises on Monday and Thursdays at 7.30pm in the band room in Market Street.
Des said: ?We do concerts and other events, carnivals, competitions ? we?re quite busy at times and up to Christmas it?s been very busy.?
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the band should contact Des Lawe on 01837 52067 or pop along on a practice night.