Members and supporters of Shipston Town Band recently paid a visit to their local hospital to help their longest serving playing member celebrate his 83rd birthday.

Delight

Ken Roe joined the band on its re-formation 1949 and has been a stalwart ever since. The band made the trip to see him after they performed at their latest concert and Ken’s face was a delight as virtually the whole ensemble squeezed onto the ward to say hello.

There was no shortage of volunteers and the look on his face as virtually the entire band walked in said it allSecretary David Birch

No shortage

Band Secretary David Birch told 4BR: "With the band performing in the Jubilee ‘Songs of Praise’ on Sunday it seemed an ideal opportunity to pay Ken a surprise visit and wish him a Happy Birthday."

David added: "There was no shortage of volunteers and the look on his face as virtually the entire band walked in said it all. His beaming smile made it all worthwhile and we are all eager to see him back in the bandroom as soon as possible!"