There was a wonderful presentation made at the recent North West Regional Championships in Blackpool as Jim Murray of Besses o'th' Barn Band received his 'Long Service' Award.

Jim has been actively involved in brass banding for over 70 years and his presentation was met by prolonged, heartfelt applause by the audience in the Winter Gardens Opera House as he made his way to the stage to accept the award.

Proud President

He is now the proud President of the band he joined in 1946, as well as a stalwart solo cornet player — having first made an appearance with them at the North West Area contest in 1949.

In the same year he entered the band's annual Slow Melody Contest and later won a scholarship to study trumpet at the Royal College of Music in Manchester under Professor Cecil Kidd. He played at his first British Open in 1955 aged just 14.

He is now the proud President of the band he joined in 1946, as well as a stalwart solo cornet player — having first made an appearance with them at the North West Area contest in 19494BR

Principal cornet

He eventually became principal cornet and has enjoyed many memorable contest, concerts, recordings and events.

Although he enjoyed a brief spell with Glossop Old Band due to the construction of the M60 motorway, he returned and has enjoyed his playing once more.