One of the unsung heroes of Welsh banding has just celebrated 60 years of music making with Royal Buckley Town Band.

John Wynne's remarkable commitment started in 1966, when just as England were winning the World Cup, the 10-year-old walked into the bandroom and found his lifelong passion. Even though there weren't enough instruments to go around, he waited patiently to get his hands on a cornet, and 60 years of music making began.

Treasure

At 14, he was selected as 'bumper-up' with the inaugural Flintshire Youth Band, and in the same year became one of only three players chosen to perform at the 1000 Voices Concert at Deeside Leisure Centre — a performance recorded by Decca, a copy of which he still treasures today.

Over the year's John has also helped numerous bands out across the region, including Deeside Silver, Gwernaffield, Rhos, Point of Ayr and Northop. He also recalls a lesson he received from the late Harry Mortimer, and five unforgettable tours of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic with Royal Buckley.

Every role

A spokesperson for the band told 4BR: "John's contribution goes far beyond playing. Over 30 years on our committee, he has held almost every role imaginable — from Assistant Librarian to Contest Secretary, and notably, our first ever Band Manager.

During his five years as Junior Bandmaster, the youth players achieved notable success, becoming Chester Music Festival winners and North Wales March Champions."

For John, banding has been more than music. It has been a lifelong hobby, a community, and a source of lasting friendships. Sixty years of dedication, service and heart — and Royal Buckley Town Band is eternally gratefulspokesperson

All about people

They added that John has remained loyal to Royal Buckley for one simple reason: "He always tells us that it's the people you make the music with that matter, although he has enjoyed immense pride watching the band grow from a struggling Fourth Section outfit into a strong and confident Second Section band."

In the past few years the band has won the National Eisteddfod title and qualified for the National Finals, as well as the Welsh Area title in 2009.

Lasting friendships

The spokesperson summed up his contribution: "For John, banding has been more than music. It has been a lifelong hobby, a community, and a source of lasting friendships.

Sixty years of dedication, service and heart — and Royal Buckley Town Band is eternally grateful."