At the recent AGM of the South West Brass Band Association, member bands unanimously elected Sue Richards to the role of Association President.

Delighted

Sue takes over this office previously held for 27 years by her late husband Goff, and told 4BR: "What an honour to be made President of possibly the leading Brass Band Association in the UK, something which I never expected but was delighted to accept! I will try to help the Association in any way I can."

The AGM reluctantly accepted the resignation of Vivian Willcock as Vice-chairman, due to personal health problems of both himself and his wife Wendy.

Missed

SWBBA Secretary, Bran Elliott told 4BR: "Vivian had held office for the past 7 years, and was also the leader of the Association’s music panel which selects the test-pieces for the Annual Championships. His experience and input will be solely missed."

The newly elected Vice-chairman is John Woods, well known in many areas of brass banding, through his administrator of the popular Weston-super-Mare Contest and as a trustee of the Brass in Concert Championship.

What an honour to be made President of possibly the leading Brass Band Association in the UKSue Richards

Committee

There were no changes to the other Officers and Executive Committee which were elected as follows:

Chairman: Ray Kingdon: Secretary: Brian Elliott: Treasurer: Keith Gibbs: Trophy Officer: Fran Calver: Minute Secretary: John Croker: Elected Members: Alan Gears, Anne Luxton, Gil Taylor and Robin Teague.