4BR has been informed that Alan Lawton, MBE, has had to relinquish the post of MD of Vernon Building Society Poynton Band due to eyesight problems. The band has announced the appointment of Kevin Gibbs as their new man at the helm.

Success

Former MD of Flixton Band and more recently BMP Goodshaw Band, Kevin was solo trombone with both Black Dyke and Faireys for a number of years and has brought Flixton up through the sections with considerable success on the contest stage.

Kevin joins following a creditable third place at Butlins Mineworkers competition in January, at which he was asked to conduct the band.

Although they just missed out on qualification for the National Finals under Alan, Kevin then took the band at the Buxton Contest and gained third place.

The band has been very proud to have had Alan as their full-time conductorVBS Band

Long relationship

A spokesperson told 4BR: "The relationship between Alan Lawton and Poynton started 1974 and he has conducted the band through many successes. With his wealth of experience, Alan has proved extremely successful both with Poynton and other bands he has conducted and is very popular with the strong following Poynton has built up over the years. The band has been very proud to have had Alan as their full-time conductor."

Thanks

They added: "The Vernon Building Society Poynton Band would like to thank Alan Lawton for all his hard work and inspiration over the years."

Alan will still be involved with the band and Kevin is very much looking forward to working with him on several forthcoming projects.