The brass band world’s most experienced judge, David Read MBE (above left), has announced that he has taken the decision to retire from contest adjudication after completing his current list of commitments.

Over 600 appointments

It will mean the end to a career both in and out of the box that has spanned five decades and over 600 appointments – from the European Championships to youth contests, as well as countless solo, festival and ensembles engagements.

Right time

Speaking to 4BR, David said that he felt that the time was right to bow out whilst still in demand throughout the banding world at the very top level of contesting.

"I have decided to call it a day," he said. "After much thought I have decided that after I have fulfilled my outstanding commitments in 2014 I will retire as an adjudicator."

He added: "There is no ulterior motive in this decision, only that I will then have completed 40 years adjudicating.

I think it better to go when I am still in demand for my services and still adjudicating at the top level, rather than wait until the phone stops ringing or until I am unable to do the job properly."

Respected

The decision will not mean however that he will not disappear from the contesting scene he loves so much and which he has enhanced with his respected decision making.

"I would like to thank all the promoters and organisers who have had faith in me to adjudicate at their contests over many years.

When I have finished my outstanding commitments, I will be around at the various contests hopefully for a long time yet, but as an interested observer, rather than as a participant."

I think it better to go when I am still in demand for my services and still adjudicating at the top level, rather than wait until the phone stops ringing or until I am unable to do the job properlyDavid Read MBE

Incredible record

In total David Read will notch up well over 600 adjudication appointments by the time he finally takes his leave of the adjudication box, with his incredible record testament to the respect and expertise that has been recognised by promoters as well as bands over the past 40 years.

Top level

He will make the last of 23 Royal Albert Hall National Final adjudications this October, whilst he can also boast no less than 20 British Open appearances, 21 All England Masters appointments, although strangely, only the one European appearance in the box in London in 1997.

In addition he appeared 25 times as a player at the National Finals, once as a conductor and was principal cornet of the GUS Footwear Band when they won the World Championship in 1971. In total his top level involvement in banding both as a player and adjudicator spans over 60 years.

World's best

As one leading conductor told 4BR after the British Open in Birmingham on the weekend: "You felt you were always in with a chance with David in the box. He always rewarded good musical playing.

That was why everyone has regarded him as the world’s best."