Three long serving bands people received the Queens Service Medal in today’s Queens Birthday honours list in New Zealand.

Jim Eyers

Eighty year old Jim Eyers of Wanganui was bestowed with his honour “for services to music and the community”.

Jim is a veteran euphonium player, from the legendary 1953 National Band of New Zealand.

He has sung, played and conducted in choirs and bands in Wanganui, Napier and Taupo all his life and still picks up the Eupho regularly with some of his long time friends.

This year Jim celebrated 70 years of playing starting in the Matamata Band in 1939 before moving to many happy years with Wanganui Garrison Band.

A highlight for him was as Guest soloist with the National Male Choir touring the UK and performing in eight cathedrals, accompanied by his wife.

Currently he conducts a ladies chamber choir in Wanganui, continuing his life of music.

Murray Carey

Congratulations to long serving member of Dalewool Auckland Brass, Murray Carey for receiving a QSM for "services to brass bands and soccer".

Murray has served many years as a cornet and horn player at Dalewool Auckland Brass.

He has also been Drum Major as well as a successful soccer referee throughout Auckland.

Ken McKay

Meanwhile North Shore Brass President Ken McKay was honoured for "services to education and the community".

A "Justice of the Peace", Ken was involved in education for over 40 years and since his retirement in 1990 Ken has kept himself extremely busy in many community activities including fundraising for the Bruce Mason Theatre and being Treasurer of the North Art Community Art Council.

In addition to being the President of the North Shore Brass Band and the primary force behind the construction of the new bandroom, he is a North Shore City Councillor and Chairman of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee.