Betteshanger Colliery Welfare Band has announced the retirement of Musical Director John Goold, who has decided to take his leave of the baton aged 85.

Following the news, the hugely respected and vastly experienced conductor has been inundated with messages of best wishes from across the banding world.

Grateful

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "While it will be an emotional time for John and his family, we can all take comfort in the knowledge that music, even if not conducting in a public performance, will continue to occupy John's life.

We are eternally grateful for all the work with us. Not only did John invest his time and efforts with the senior band, but he also dedicated endless hours nurturing and encouraging the Academy Band ranging in age from 8 — 78, seeing nine of them transfer through to the senior band".

We know he will keep busy arranging music for both brass and military bands and he will always enjoy the warmest of welcomes with us."

Marines to Margate

John enjoyed 26 years of Royal Marines Military service before taking to civilian musical life. A Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (LRAM) in Conducting, he studied at the Royal Academy of Music under Clarence Raybould and Maurice Miles.

In 1984, he formed the East Kent Concert Band (EKCB) along with his wife Bridgette. The band promoted wind band music at the very highest level and attracted some of the finest musicians in the county.

John enjoyed a great deal of success with Betteshanger — leading them to the Second Section National Finals. He also did the same with Cantium Brass and enjoyed success with Margate Silver.

The decision has come at the right time but was still an extremely hard one to makeJohn Goold

Right time

John commented "The decision has come at the right time but was still an extremely hard one to make.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Betteshanger. It has been filled with so many happy memories. At 85, I'm not getting any younger and the arthritis in my knees and back is preventing me from being able to stand comfortably for a 2-hour concert.

It will also allow me time to travel more with my wife to countries we have always longed to visit."