Cadishead Public Band recently said goodbye to Musical Director Roy Hesford who retired this month after notching up 37 years at the helm.

Give it a year

Roy joined the band in 1974, at first stating that he would, ‘give it a year’ to see how it went. 37 years later, it seems to have gone very well indeed!

Roy started playing on trombone with the Irlam Band before moving to Cadishead as MD.

50 and 60 years

During his time with the band he celebrated both his 50 years and 60 years in brass banding and received recognition of each milestone from both the band and the North West Amateur Brass Band Association.

The band is indebted to Roy for all his valuable service and his work will live on in his arrangements and compositionsBand spokesperson, John Roach

Second to none

Band spokesperson John Roach, told 4BR: "Roy’s commitment was second to none, missing less than a handful of engagements and very few rehearsals in his 37 years of service. The band is indebted to Roy for all his valuable service and his work will live on in his arrangements and compositions. It is hoped a new MD will be appointed early in 2012."

Roy, and his wife Rita, were presented with a carriage clock and Waterford crystal photo frame, along with a recent photograph of all the band members and a special framed commemorative citation.