4BR has been informed that the Shirley Band and MD Dave Lea have parted company.

Sad loss

Due to his personal circumstances Dave, who is also the Musical Director of Jaguar (Coventry), has had to relinquish the position as he is unable to take them to the Midlands Area Championships next March.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We are sad to lose Dave and we part on the very best of terms. He has considerately advised the band in ample time to give us the opportunity of finding a new conductor."

They added: "The band have enjoyed having Dave as Musical Director, and we are delighted that he will be more than happy to conduct the band as and when we need him in the future.

We would like to thank Dave for all his hard work and look forward to working with him again whenever the opportunity arises."

We would like to thank Dave for all his hard work and look forward to working with him again whenever the opportunity arisesThe Shirley Band

Service awards

At a recent concert as part of the Solihull Festival, the band honoured three of its longest serving members: David Stanley of the British Federation of Brass Bands presented certificates to Robin Mills, Philip Cooper and Band President, Don Hodesdon in recognition of their long and meritorious service to the brass band movement, and to the Shirley Band in particular.

Between them Robin, Phil and Don have clocked up over 160 years of service to the Shirley Band, with Don’s membership stretching back almost 70 years.

Joining the ranks

The band has also announced that four further players have joined the ranks over the past six months.

Tim Stock and Catherine Jarman have joined on back row cornet, Geoff Henning fills the bass trombone vacancy and Richard Nield has taken over on solo trombone.