Less than two years after being founded, the Folkestone-based Shepway Brass Academy has announced that its inspirational leader Christer Aberg has stepped down.

Homeward bound

Christer and his wife Karin have decided to return to their homeland in Sweden due to Karin's ill-health, which unfortunately saw her unable to attend the band's recent farewell concert.

Held at the bandstand on The Leas, it proved to be a fine celebration of the progress made by the young players under Christer's direction, with pieces such as 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Bare Necessities' forming part of the charity event by local schools and youth groups in aid of the Nepal earthquake appeal.

Dream

Members of the band and their families had met earlier for their usual Saturday morning rehearsal and took time out to thank Christer for his inspirational work and perseverance in realising a dream to nurture young brass-playing talent within Shepway and the neighbouring Canterbury and Ashford areas.

The MD was presented with a framed declaration of his new office, along with two scenes from Folkestone and two conductor's batons — for himself and his wife who has also acted as a valued musician and mentor to many of the youngest SBA members.

ll the best

Band members also gave him a signed T-shirt, which he wore with pride over his usual formal black shirt (above) when later directing the band in concert.

He later told the band: "I wish you all the best. Please keep the Academy going — you need it, you want it, and I look forward to following your future successes."