One the most respected administrators in the British banding movement will take his final bow at the 70th anniversary South West Brass Band Association Championship next year.
60 years
Brian Elliott (right) has finally decided to call it a day and enjoy a well earned retirement — after notching up a remarkable 60 years of outstanding dedication and commitment to the banding movement.
Amazingly though for those who have seen Brian help run brass band contests in the South West and UK for well over 40 years, is that he has never played a brass band instrument in his life — despite being a proud Yorkshireman!
Right time
Now though he says, the time has come to hang up his list of logistical notes, telephone numbers and results sheets and spend more time with his beloved wife, Joyce — who first introduced him to what has proved to be a lifelong love of brass bands when they met when she was playing for Sheffield Recreation Band over 60 years ago.
Together
"It's true,"Brian laughed when he spoke to 4BR. "I met Joyce and brass bands at the Dinnington Solo Contest — and we have been together ever since!"
Work relocation saw the couple move to Plymouth, where Joyce continued to play with Plymouth Silver and Totnes Bands and Brian started helping with administration duties.
Right time
"I first joined the band committee, then came the Executive Committee of the South West Brass Band Association and then the Regional Committee in 1972. I finally took over the Regional Secretary role which I did for 13 years.
Sue Oldfield is now doing a superb job and with lots of other wonderful people now involved in running the various events I feel it is the right time to step down."
It also means that it coincides with our 60th wedding anniversary and my 60 years involved in banding. All this time Joyce has been my wonderful support — so I have so much to thank her forBrian Elliott
70th anniversary
He added: "I couldn't think of a better time to do that than at the SWBBA October contest, which this year will be celebrating its 70th anniversary.
It also means that it coincides with our 60th wedding anniversary — 23 years of me being SWBBA secretary and my 60 years involved in banding. All this time Joyce has been my wonderful support — so I have so much to thank her for."
