Gavin Somerset has announced that after 12 years he is to bring to an end his musical association with Oughtibridge Band.

In a heartfelt announcement he stated: "This has been an incredibly hard decision and I knew whenever the time came to step down, I wanted to leave the band in a good position."

Yorkshire titles

He has certainly done that with his final bow with the band at the recent Yorkshire Regional Championships a winning one — claiming the Fourth Section title for a second successive year.

During his tenure the band progressed solidly and will be promoted to the Third Section in 2024.

Thank you

He added: "To all the players of Oughtibridge Band over the last 12 years — Thank you so much for being an amazing part of the journey.

I'm so proud that the band has a full complement of players with all seats filled.
I don't think I could have left them in a better position. This has been an incredibly difficult decision, but my children are at an age where they need me and you don't get those years back."

He added: "I'll still be around banding and if any bands need a dep MD (or if I can remember what to do, a percussionist!) and I'm available, I'll of course be around to help bands out. But for now, it's time to enjoy my kids, whilst they still like me."

This has been an incredibly difficult decision, but my children are at an age where they need me and you don't get those years backGavin Somerset

Musical talent

In response to the decision, Band Chairperson Steve Howard told 4BR: "I'm sure the whole band will join me in thanking Gavin for all the hard work he has put in over the last 12 years. We're sorry to see him go but it is for the right reasons and completely understandable.

The successes over the past couple of years are in no small part down to Gavin's musical talent and his ability to get just what he wants from the players."

He added: "Gavin will not become a stranger to the band and has kindly offered to help us appoint a new musical director with the skills and experience to build on his achievements. We wish Gavin and his family all the very best for the future."