The dedicated service and amazing contribution of one of the great female pioneers of the brass band movement has been recognised with the presentation of a 50 year Long Service Award from the National Association of Brass Band Conductors to the inspirational Betty Anderson

Birthday surprise

The award was made by another long serving member of the Association, Sydney Swancott, who travelled down from Doncaster to present Betty with her award at the Care Home in Oadby where she now lives, and to coincide with her 84th birthday.

As a surprise, members of Ratby and Hathern Bands played several pieces and Betty conducted, still showing she hasn’t lost her touch! She remains a revered President of the Leicestershire Brass Band Association.

Betty made history in 1978, when she directed the Ratby Band to win the Grand Shield and subsequently become the first woman ever to conduct at the British Open Championships4BR

History

Betty made history in 1978, when she directed the Ratby Band to win the Grand Shield and subsequently become the first woman ever to conduct at the British Open Championships.