4BR has been informed that Stan Lippeatt has been suspended from his position as Chairman of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators with immediate effect, pending the outcome of ABBA disciplinary sub-committee and full Executive meetings to be held in Barnsley on Monday 15th October.

Golliwog

The suspension follows the revelation that the flugel player wore a golliwog type mask, danced and retorted that he was ‘not bothered’ if he had offended anyone, following a performance of ‘Hello Dolly’ with the Hatfield Band at the recent Bolsover Festival of Brass contest.

Immediate course of action

Speaking to 4BR, ABBA Secretary C Brian Buckley confirmed that he had undertaken the action, and that Stan Lippeatt has since been invited to attend the sub-committee meeting which will be chaired by Kevin Wadsworth along with ABBA members Simone Rebello, Mike Kilroy and John Roberts.

"This was the immediate course of action that had to be taken," Brian said.

"Stan Lippeatt has been invited to attend the meeting to discuss what occurred and the issues which have arisen. The sub-committee will make their recommendations and report to the full Executive Committee of ABBA on Monday, when a formal decision will be made."

The sub-committee will make their recommendations and report to the full Executive Committee of ABBA on Monday, when a formal decision will be madeC Brian Buckley

Scrutiny

Brian confirmed that ABBA would refer to its professional code of practice and that Stan Lippeatt’s role both as Chairman and as a member of the Association will therefore be under scrutiny.

He also confirmed that the same invitation and discussions will apply to the membership of Graham O’Connor, who conducted the Hatfield Band at the contest.