Stan Lippeatt has resigned from his position as the Chairman of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators via a message posted on his personal Facebook page.

Resign

On it he stated: "I am posting this on my domain as I know this is my words and not an interpretation presented via the media.

I will not be attending a disciplinary meeting on Monday 15th October with the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators as they have failed to collate any of the implied complaints made against me, which I was entitled to in writing 4 working days before the meeting.

However, to prevent to the Adjudicators association having to make a decision on “perception” or “hear-say” (which no jury in the country would undertake) and to prevent further denigration for all parties concerned I today resign from the post of Chairman of ABBA with immediate effect.

I thank all the musicians that have worked with me and supported me over the years.

A final word from me is that certain people within the movement I have had tireless passion for over 52 years have eventually killed the passion in me."

Decision

The decision comes after the flugel player admitted to wearing a golliwog type mask and dancing during a performance of ‘Hello Dolly’, with the Hatfield Band conducted by Graham O’Connor at the recent Bolsover Festival of Brass entertainment contest.

It was reported that at its conclusion he retorted that, ‘If I‘ve offended anyone then I’m not bothered’.

Apologies

After being contacted by 4BR, both Stan Lippeatt and Graham O’Connor issued unreserved public apologies for their part in the incident.

Subsequent reports appeared on national on-line news outlets and media publications including the BBC and the Independent newspaper.

Political correctness gone too far

However, in a subsequent statement to British Bandsman magazine, Stan Lippeatt was quoted directly as saying: "I admit that I may have got it wrong this time, but why should I be castigated to the level I have? It was a small part of a self deprecating routine between myself and the conductor, while there was also verbal interplay with the adjudicator.

I can’t undo what I did, but what I would say to many of those who have criticised is ‘were you there and did you see it?’

People are making a mountain out of a molehill and it is another case of political correctness gone too far."

A final word from me is that certain people within the movement I have had tireless passion for over 52 years have eventually killed the passion in meStan Lippeatt

Suspended

Following the publication of the initial news story, Stan Lippeatt was suspended from his position as ABBA Chairman by its Secretary, C Brian Buckley, pending an investigation into the matter by a disciplinary sub-committee which was to have taken place on Monday 15th October.

Panel to meet

Despite the resignation, 4BR understands that the group consisting of Kevin Wadsworth, John Roberts, Mike Kilroy and Simone Rebello, will still meet on Monday to consider appropriate disciplinary recommendations.

These, which it is understood will include scrutiny of the continued membership status of both Stan Lippeatt and Graham O’Connor, will be given to the full ABBA Executive later the same day for consideration for their formal decision.