Sanquhar stalwarts rewarded for their lengthy service to banding

Sanquhar & District Silver Band brothers Bill and Jim Love were in for a pre-Christmas surprise when they were presented with their Scottish Brass Band Association life membership medals at their annual seasonal concert earlier this month.

Solo euphonium Bill and Eb bass Jim received the recognition for over 50 years service to brass banding.

Both started playing with New Cumnock Silver Band in 1970 before, in 1982, joining the then recently-reformed Sanquhar and District Silver Band where they have been ever since.

In their time with the band they have variously served as president, treasurer, secretary, conductor and tutor, and both also played a major part in the building of the band hall.

After a few words of appreciation from band president Fiona Najder, Nesmay Sanderson, whose late husband Bobby was well-known for his involvement with the band, presented Bill (pictured, on the right) and Jim with their medals.