At their recent ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert at their local Rosliston Forestry Centre, the Newhall Band were delighted to be able to present to its Chairman, Peter Woodings, a specially commissioned portrait by local artist Heather Horsley, to commemorate his 50 years of outstanding service to the band.

1964

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Peter joined Newhall in 1964 on 3rd cornet and by 1969 had become a highly respected principal cornet player — a position he held for 26 years."

Victories

During his tenure the band gained promotion to the Championship Section, winning the Second Section National Finals in 1970 and the Grand Shield in 1971, whilst Peter also proudly led the band at a number of British Open and National Final appearances.

Although in the 1990’s the band ceased to contest, with Peter’s immense help it returned in the Fourth Section in 1997 where it managed to qualify for the National Finals in 2004, 2008, 2012 and again this year.

As well as the portrait Peter was also presented with a book of the band’s and his achievements over the past 50 years which included many messages from past members.

To give 50 years service to banding is a great achievement but to give 50 years service to the same band is simply outstanding. He is a huge inspiration to everyone at NewhallMD, Kevin Holdgate

Huge inspiration

Present Musical Director, Kevin Holdgate told 4BR: "To give 50 years service to banding is a great achievement but to give 50 years service to the same band is simply outstanding. He is a huge inspiration to everyone at Newhall."