It’s not only Manchester United who has lost the services of one of the longest serving managers in the business, following the news that after 40 years as Musical Director, the widley respected Colin Cranson is hanging up his baton.

Fourth Section

A former solo euphonium of Foden's, Colin began conducting the then Middlewich Town Band in 1972, when they were languishing in the Fourth Section.

Less than a decade later and after securing long term sponsorship from the Northwich based Roberts Bakery, Colin led the band to the Championship Section and to second place finishes at the Grand Shield and the top section at the Pontin's contest in Southport.

Recordings

Under his passionate and dedicated leadership, Roberts Bakery Band has also established themselves as one of the most entertaining concert bands in the North West, making 11 recordings in addition to numerous broadcasts and representing Great Britain at the European Blasmusikfestival in Germany on ten occasions.

Due to his remarkable leadership, the band has maintained a Championship/First Section status for 28 of the last 30 years.

40 years as conductor is a magnificent achievement, a record almost unheard of in the brass band movementRoberts Bakery Band

Magnificent

Band spokesman Tom Hancock told 4BR: “Roberts Bakery band members past and present are enormously grateful to Colin for his role in their musical development. 40 years as conductor is a magnificent achievement, a record almost unheard of in the brass band movement.

While we are sad to see Colin go, he leaves us in a very strong position, and we are pleased he will maintain a relationship with the band as honorary President."

An announcement will be made shortly regarding Colin's successor as Musical Director.