One of the great stalwart figures of Yorkshire banding has been awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Ray Sykes, who for over 56 years has given been an integral part of the Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, will be presented with the award for ‘Services to Brass Bands.”

Delight

Ray told 4BR of his delight and pride at the honour – made even more special as it mirrors the MBE made to his late father, Bill, in 1975.

"I’m still floating. I can’t really believe it. My father was awarded his MBE for services to the mining industry, and ever since I heard of my award I have been very emotional thinking of him. He was also Chairman of Carlton Main Band for many years, and I actually took over the post from him."

I’m still floating. I can’t really believe it. My father was awarded his MBE for services to the mining industry, and ever since I heard of my award I have been very emotional thinking of himRay Sykes MBE

Following father

Ray’s involvement with Carlton Main goes back to the age of six, when his father, who was a manager at the pit instructed Ray and his two brothers to join the junior band. With brother Melvin and Alan, and later Phil and Steve, the Sykes family link has been maintained ever since those days of the great conductor Jack Atherton.

"I first joined on cornet and by the age of nine become a boy soloist with the senior band playing soprano and the post horn. Unfortunately I had to have my teeth out at the age of 18 and so had a quick go on solo horn for an LP recording. In fact I played horn on one side of the LP and baritone on the other!"

Tuba

Ray eventually found the instrument that suited him best though – tuba, and for the next 43 years he has provided the band with part of their foundation – through good and bad times.

"I ended up on bass and have loved it ever since. Jack Atherton told me it was just the right instrument for me, so I never returned to playing soprano! I have been very fortunate to have enjoyed so many great times with the band, as well as some hard times too, but today I feel we are playing as well as ever and the future looks very good."

Support

Ray has enjoyed great support from his family over the years, especially his wife, Ann, who is Carlton Main’s Treasurer, and has been overwhelmed by the phone calls and congratulations from throughout the banding world. "It amazes me to think that so many people have taken the time to contact me to offer their congratulations. It’s very humbling."

With Carlton Main at the British Open and National Finals later this year, he hopes the actual presentation won’t cause any problems with the important contests though.

Worry

"I’ve been worrying a little as the letter I received states that the award will be presented within the next five months. I just hope it doesn’t clash with the British Open or National Finals, otherwise I may have to ask for an early draw for the band to get off in time to receive it!"

Other awards

The brass band movement can also congratulate Bill Baillie, currently with the St Ronan’s Band, and a former principal euphonium player with the Dalkeith and Monktonhall Colliery Band, after he too was awarded the MBE for Services to Brass Banding in Her Majesty's Birthday Honours List.

Bill was a stalwart of the Dalkeith and Monktonhall Band for 57 years, many of them played as Principal Euphonium.

In addition, Gordon Smith, formerly MD of Southampton Youth Brass Band and Senior Music Teacher, Southampton Music Services for Services to Young People gained an MBE.