KNIGHTON Town Silver Band held their AGM recently in the church hall, Knighton. At the event Mike Conway, the band's president for the last 14 years, retired.

Mike became band president in 2002 after being a band supporter for many years. Band secretary Gill Wilson said “The band is very appreciative of all the many tasks Mike does including acting as MC at all the concerts, setting up the hall, setting up microphones and lighting for the concerts, transporting band equipment to and from concerts and other engagements out of town, being a valued person to consult on all band matters and keeping us all laughing with his jokes. All the band members wish Mike a relaxing and enjoyable retirement.”

Mike was presented with a gift from the band by musical director Sarah Freeman. He thanked everyone for the gift and said he would still help the band when he could.

The annual meeting followed, with the chairman David Wilson’s report. He told members that the band had had a good year and raised a lot of money at the Christmas sessions in Knighton and Llandrindod Wells. He thanked members for their support during his illness and said he said that due to his health problems he would be unable to continue as their chairman, adding: “I will always have the band at heart and hope it goes from strength to strength.”

Next was the musical director's report. Sarah Freeman said she was very happy leading the band but they are short on cornet, trombone and base players as well as percussionists. She reported the band is presently looking for music for the autumn concert and that the training band are making excellent progress and have just ordered more music. Secretary Gill Wilson said in her report that the 100 club was continuing and had a slight increase in membership. She said it was very sad to hear of the death of band member Eric Peagan. The treasurer's report followed and then it was time for the election of officers.

Shaun Milward was elected as the new chairman, secretary was Gill Wilson, treasurer Lynne Rowlands, musical director Sarah freeman, with Ian Holland as her deputy, band librarian Gwen Davies and committee members Alex Freeman, Jane Milward, Val Owens, Annette Evans and Darcy Morgan.

The band is now on the lookout for new members. If anyone is interested in joining, please telephone Gill on 01597 824726.