The Dereham Band has recently celebrated a rare milestone in its history.

Incredible achievement

Derrick Woods has just notched up 60 years as a playing member and the incredible achievement was celebrated by the presentation of an engraved tankard at a recent concert.

In June 1951 a fresh faced Derrick Woods walked through the door of the band room and hasn’t stopped coming since.

Top class bandsman

Through his 60 years of service Derrick has been under the baton of 13 conductors and many other players have come and gone. Supported and encourage by his late wife Margaret, the tuba player has always been regarded as a top class bandsman.

Derrick has always enjoyed the social aspects of banding, considering the band to be part of his familyDereham Band

Enjoyed

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Derrick has always enjoyed the social aspects of banding, considering the band to be part of his family. He has been an enthusiastic supporter of the bands’ links with Ruthen in Germany."