The Leyland Band recently held a surprise social evening for their two longest serving playing members.

30 years

Cornet players Andy Blackledge and Gary Westwood turned 50 this year, and have both racked up a 30 year playing association with the North West Area champions.

Andy joined Leyland in 1977 when it was still the Leyland Motor Company works band, and has only had a brief spell away from them ever since. Gary joined from local band Lostock Hall in 1981, and has remained a permanent fixture ever since.

They duo’s connection with the band has included many highlights – from tours to Japan and America to a number of major championship wins.

Behind the scenes

In addition, both have been stalwart administrators and behind the scene workers, with Andy taking a progressive role in promoting the band and Gary adding his musical expertise with many fine arrangements.

It was therefore appropriate that MD Emeritus Richard Evans was on hand to present both men with mementoes of their sterling service.

Fighting back tears, both said how humbled they were to be given such recognition for something which they always saw as merely enjoying their hobby!Band spokesperson

Modest

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "Both players, who had been tricked into attending the event by their wives and families, modestly gave brief speeches in appreciation of the recognition awarded them — due to a mixture of surprise and emotion.

Fighting back tears, both said how humbled they were to be given such recognition for something which they always saw as merely enjoying their hobby!"