Lydney Town Band has announced the retirement of their long serving Eb bass player, Des Yeates.

Des has played with a number of bands in the Forest of Dean area for 65 years, mainly on tuba, and whilst having notably played for Cinderford and Lydbrook in his career, the large majority of his playing has been with Lydney Town Band.

Time to relax

Band Chairman, Kevin Ford, told 4BR: “Now aged well over 80, Des felt it was time to relax and enjoy the music making from an audience’s perspective. Des has been a mainstay of the band for many years and it will be strange to not have him sitting in his usual chair.”

During his tenure Des has enjoyed many successes, including promotion to the Championship Section on a number of occasions, and sitting next to the great Lyndon Baglin, when the iconic euphonium player enjoyed a brief spell on tuba.

He is also known locally as a fine singer, and has been a member of the successful Forest Of Dean Male Voice Choir.

Now aged well over 80, Des felt it was time to relax and enjoy the music making from an audience’s perspectiveBand Chairman, Kevin Ford

Helping youngsters

Kevin added: “In recent years he also turned his attention to helping the youngsters in the band's new Training Band by coming to their rehearsals and playing at concerts and contests for them. They will miss his genuine smile and support.

His other interests include golf and photography so he has plenty to keep him busy. However, he enjoys a glass of good wine so the obvious gift was a set of wine glasses for him and his partner, Jenny!”