The Leicestershire Brass Band Association has announced Ian Bartram has become their new President, following his election at their recent Annual General Meeting.

Wealth of experience

LBBA Chairman Steve Plant told 4BR: "We are delighted that Ian has accepted the invitation, bringing with him a wealth of experience and musicality to this important role."

Ian's first act as President was to introduce a new award in memory of his predecessor. The Betty Anderson Award will be presented to the best tenor horn in the Championship Section at the Association's annual November contest.

A former player with the Hugglescote & Ellistown Silver Band before moving to Snibston Colliery Band which became William Davis Band, Ian also became the principal euphonium and a tutor at the National Youth Band of Great Britain.

He went on to conduct City of Leicester, Ratby Senior and Charnwood Brass as well as perform with the BBC Radio Leicester Big Band and the Burton Concert Band.

We are delighted that Ian has accepted the invitation, bringing with him a wealth of experience and musicality to this important roleLBBA Chairman Steve Plant

Proud

Ian told 4BR: "I'm immensely proud of becoming the President of the LBBA — a thriving organisation that has given me, my family and many brass bands so much over the years, and to follow in the footsteps of the late, great Betty Anderson, whom I fondly remember with great personal respect, admiration and affection."