The brass band movement will be offering its congratulations to Susan Crook, the Chairperson and founding member of Dobcross Youth Band, who has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King's Birthday Honours.

Services to Music and Community

Her award for Services to Music and the Community of Dobcross was accompanied by the following statements: "Sue's work within the community of Dobcross has been instrumental in building the lives of thousands of young people throughout the last 35 years".

Another added: "She has supported children regardless of their background, endured teenage mood swings, consoled young people facing hardship and provided tissues for first love heartbreak!"

Pride and commitment

Another stated: "Sue's pride and commitment to youth brass banding has had a huge impact. Many children who began their music journey with Dobcross Youth Band now find themselves playing for some of the finest bands in the world.

Many have gone on to play in military brass bands and for others, the confidence gained from playing in a brass band has led them to successful and fruitful careers in all walks of life. All this would not be possible without a firm hand on the tiller and the stalwart commitment and leadership of Chairman Sue".

Honours

Sue joined small but distinguished list of awardees from the musical world.

These included the newly knighted Alex Beard, CEO of the Royal Ballet and Opera since 2013, and Roger Daltry, lead singer with The Who; David Pickard OBE who ran the BBC Proms for nine years; Ann Atkinson MBE, former artistic director of the North Wales International Music Festival; Angela Dixon MBE, chair of the Royal Philharmonic Society and Frank Rothwell OBE, the businessman, fundraiser, philanthropist and brass band lover.