A FATHER and daughter in the Elland Silver Band organisation have come of age.

Cornetist Kathleen Harrison has been band secretary for 21 years, and her 82-year-old father, Kenneth Billington, has served as treasurer for the same period.

Their service is to be recognised with a special celebration concert in Halifax Parish Church on Saturday at 7.30pm when the guest soloist will be cornet virtuoso Phillip McCann.

Twenty-one years ago Kathleen took her daughter Samantha to the bandroom for her first brass lesson. At that time there were just a handful of players, there was no money in the bank and the roof of the bandroom was like a sieve.

The committee wanted to wind-up the organisation, but when Kathleen and her dad spoke up, saying they couldn't let the band go out of existence, the committee agreed but said they wanted help.

At that time Kathleen also had a baby daughter, Chantelle, and she said she would take on the job if her husband agreed to baby-sit, and that's how father and daughter became involved with Elland Silver.

It wasn't long before the old committee resigned, all that is with the exception of Peter Greenleaf. Not only did he stay and help with the rebuilding of the band, but he learned to play and he is still playing a bass.

The rebuilding of the band was a long and hard road, but with their enthusiasm progress was gradually made. The senior band was back in business and 10 years ago a youth band was

* aunched.

Today the Elland organisation has almost 100 brass players, and most of them will be taking part in the celebration concert.

In 1999 Kenneth Billington, Kathleen and Samantha Harrison were honoured by the Rotary Clubs in America. The award, in honour of Paul Harris, was given to a family who worked together for the benefit of the community. Kathleen and her dad have also been honoured by the Worshipful Company of Musicians.