The Hatfield Band recently welcomed Black Dyke principal cornet player Richard Marshall to their rehearsal headquarters to present him with a memorial tankard to mark his musical connection and friendship with the late Ken Johnson, affectionately referred to by Richard as, 'Mr Johnson'.

I remain greatly indebted to him for all that patience and insight. It meant so much then and so much todayRichard Marshall

Mr Johnson

Richard started his distinguished banding career at Hatfield where Ken was the highly respected Musical Director, and it was 'Mr Johnson' who tutored Richard during his fledgling banding years, as Richard recalled when receiving the presentation.

"It was through Mr Johnson — and he will always be Mr Johnson to me and many others who he helped so much, that I was able to get to where I am today in the brass band world,"he said.

"I remain greatly indebted to him for all that patience and insight. It meant so much then and so much today."