STUART Fawcett is saying farewell to Meltham and Meltham Mills Band exactly 60 years after he played his first notes with his village band.
Ten years ago, Stuart was appointed musical director to the band where he learned to play as a child.
In that decade, Stuart has helped the band to develop, so much so that earlier this year, they were crowned Yorkshire First Section Champions which qualifies the band for the National Finals in September.
Stuart has decided to hang up his baton but will continue to maintain close connections with banding. He hopes to do more adjudicating.
The band, and its supporters, will celebrate Stuart’s contribution to the band in a concert at St Bartholomew’s Church in Meltham next Saturday (June 19) at 7pm.
Stuart started his banding career as a cornet player with Meltham. He switched to euphonium and was invited to join Crossley Carpet Works Band in the Championship Section.
In the Sixties, he enlisted in the band of the Coldstream Guards, where he served for 12 years, moving on to trombone while being promoted to sergeant.
Stuart emigrated to Australia in 1975 after being appointed Head of Brass and Director of Bands at a prestigious Brisbane school. He was also a Warrant Officer Bandmaster in the Australian Army, and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his services to music in Queensland.
On his return to the UK, he took on Jayess Brass and then became musical director of Skelmanthorpe Band.
His years with Meltham have crowned a hugely successful career and there will be a warm send-off for him next week.
