The retirement of one of the most hard working and popular regional and national championship officials, Peter Bates (right), has been marked by a special presentation made by North West Regional Brass Band Championships at their recent Annual General Meeting.

Stalwart

Well known for his taste in comfortable training shoes to help alleviate the stress of being on his feet for 12 hours at a stretch at brass band contests, Peter has been a stalwart supporter and proactive contributor to the brass banding movement all his life.

Peter's contribution to the banding movement has been immense and has been greatly appreciated by everyonespokesperson

Supportive voice

North West Regional Chairperson, Shirley Woodward expressed the sincere regrets of everyone in the banding community that Peter was to hang up his famous footwear after 20 years of devoted service as Regional Secretary, but was delighted that he would remain as a supportive voice on the Regional Committee.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Peter's contribution to the banding movement has been immense and has been greatly appreciated by everyone."

Peter's successor is to be Richard Milton, who was elected to take over as Regional Secretary.