At a recent post-concert celebration, Aldbourne Band MD David Johnson spoke to the audience about the remarkable 61 years of playing service given by baritone player Lionel Barnes.

Lionel started playing with Aldbourne at the age of 9 in 1956 — the third generation of his family to play with the village band. When he started his own grandfather was still in the band.

Incredible achievement

David told 4BR: "It is an incredible achievement, and the man is a legend in this part of the banding world. He is the epitome of what makes a good bandsman; always on time, always smartly turned out, always one to help moving the gear, always turning up and playing so well."

To mark the occasion, Band Chairman James Sheppard presented Lionel with a photo of the band's recent Royal Albert Hall appearance, signed by all the members. He was also presented with a celebratory cake decorated with the band's Dabchick logo.

It is an incredible achievement, and the man is a legend in this part of the banding world. He is the epitome of what makes a good bandsmanMD David Johnson

Additional duties

Over the years Lionel's duties have often included driving the band coach, as he has also been in the family coach business all his life.

As David explained "Lionel hasn't stopped playing but has stepped down from contesting or international duties as he calls them, but he will remain as ever, an integral part of the band."